KERSEY – Northern Pennsylvania Regional College celebrated their annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m. The event took place at The Red Fern in Kersey, with 17 students being recognized for completing their certificate or degree programs. Three students were recognized in absentia.

President Snelick opened the ceremony sharing words about the graduates and the milestone that they accomplished.

“You all have worked hard to achieve your success. This is your moment. The investment you have made in yourself will not only positively affect your future but will impact the future of generations to come. Each and every one of you now has the power to write your next chapter. Even as you move on, you remain a cherished part of our college family. Please know, the college will remain here for you. Whether it is helping you along your career path, additional education opportunities, or as alumni relations, NPRC remains steadfast in assisting you in your journey. No matter where your journey takes you, I know you will make a difference.”

Savannah Nichols, a native of Warren, was selected as this year’s class speaker. Before the ceremony, she spoke more in-depth about what the opportunity to be the student speaker and the employees of NPRC meant to her.

“When I initially got the communication that I had been selected for this opportunity, I was stunned and honestly thought they sent the email to the wrong person,” said a flattered Nichols. “I was truly surprised at first, but that feeling has turned into one of excitement. I’m excited to have this to opportunity to give my speech and reflect on all that I’ve worked hard on during my time as an NPRC student.”

During her speech, Nichols shared about her journey of growth, the friendships she made, the moments of laughter she shared with her instructors in the classroom, and a message to her peers that their future as recent college graduates is bright. “If there is one thing from my speech that I want you to remember, this is it. It is okay not to be okay, to not understand, to not be perfect, to have no idea what you are doing. I do not think that we know exactly what we are supposed to be doing. What I do know, if you wake up every day trying to grow and be a better person, we will be okay. Embrace the challenges that lie ahead, pursue your passions with courage, and never forget the lessons you have learned and the friendships you have forged during your time here.”

Beth Pellegrino, a Warren native and Partner and Senior Consultant at J. L. Nick & Associates, followed Nichols as the 2024 Commencement Speaker. Pellegrino’s address shared:

“Express gratitude to those who’ve been part of your journey. Because, trust me, everyone needs their people, and often, true support pops up from the most unexpected corners. Know your people, love your people and cherish your people.  We need our people to be present with us, listen without judgment and keep us going. We are tough; us optimists, and we just need someone to see us rather than fix all our problems. And when they need us, we’re the first ones to come running.

And never let anyone call you lucky. See people like us, that are out there every day working for our next “I made it.” moment – We aren’t lucky people. We work for what we have, we think strategically, we act intentionally. So, the next time you are out killing it, and someone says ‘Oh, you are so lucky!’ say ‘I’m very grateful for opportunities that I’ve taken advantage of and worked hard enough to get here.’ Because your accomplishments are yours, they aren’t luck.”

After the Commencement Speaker, candidates were presented. This year’s candidates included:

Associate of Science and Certificate in General Studies

Mitchell Baldwin (Titusville, Crawford County)*

Brandi N. Cornell (Corry, Erie County)

Olivia Gloss (Emporium, Cameron County)*+

Victoria Lane-Michaud (Otto-Eldred, McKean County)*

Taylor Mineweaser (Warren, Warren County)*

Emily Elizabeth Ponce (Erie, Erie County)*

Aaron Weinkauf (St. Marys, Elk County)*

Associate of Applied Science and Certificate in General Studies

Brittany Grajek (Meadville, Crawford County*

Savannah Claire Nichols (Warren, Warren County)*

Elizabeth Severance (Erie, Erie County)*+

Kendra Mae Valenti (Austin, Potter County)

Janessa Wagner (Warren, Warren County)*

Associate of Arts and Associate of Science

Corrine Lou Heeter (Titusville, Crawford County)+

Associate of Applied Science

Valerie Bradley Burgett (Emporium, Cameron County)

Certificate

Nicole Ann Marie McCann (Titusville, Crawford County)

Bryan Meade (Emporium, Cameron County)

Mary Beth Spoon (Meadville, Crawford County)

*Graduating with Honors — Students who graduate with Honors have earned an institutional GPA of 3.00 or higher and have earned at least 50% of the required credit hours through enrollment in NPRC coursework.

+Recognized in absentia.

To conclude the ceremony, Duane Vicini, Chairperson of NPRC’s Board of Trustees, took the podium to congratulate these students as NPRC alumni and encourage them to live life to the fullest past the closing of this chapter. “You are proof that we are meeting our goal of providing quality post-secondary education and workforce development that prepares our students for jobs within our service area. Be a proud alumnus. Be confident. Spread the word about your education experience at NPRC with everyone you meet. There is no stronger endorsement for NPRC than your personal testimonial.

Be as proud of yourself as we are of you. Follow your dreams. Use the education, skills, and talents you’ve acquired.  Keep in touch and let us know how you’re succeeding and excelling. We wish you the best life has to offer.”

Saturday’s event marked the fourth commencement ceremony in the young history of Northern Pennsylvania Regional College. With the hard work of the NPRC Commencement Committee, the College hosted a ceremony that these alumni and loved ones will never forget. We look forward to continuing to celebrate the successes of these alumni for years to come and seeing many more students cross the stage in the coming years.