DUBOIS – The DuBois Business College is a private co-educational College of Business dedicated to providing quality education that is effective for a successful business career. It accepted its first students in 1885 and since there have been 128 years of exceptional heritage and a long tradition of quality education for students.
On July 26, the 128th commencement exercises for the Main Campus of the DuBois Business College were held at DuBois Area Middle School. More than 60 graduates received their Associate in specialized business degrees and diplomas in the following areas: accounting/business administration, administrative medical assistant, clinical medical assistant, computer applications/management, executive assistant, legal assistant, information support systems technician, entertainment production business, John Russo movie making, accounting assistant, office assistant, and computer support technician. There were approximately 600 guests in attendance.
The welcome was given by Karen Alderton, vice president of the DBC. The Master of Ceremonies was Carolyn Rhoades, a member of the board of directors. Lisa Doty, director of marketing, gave the invocation.
The commencement speaker for the 128th exercise was U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson. Thompson was first elected to represent Pennsylvania’s Fifth District in the U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 4, 2008, and was sworn in to his third term on Jan. 5.
Prior to being elected to Pennsylvania’s most rural district, Thompson spent 28 years as a therapist, a rehabilitation services manager and a licensed Nursing Home Administrator. Through his professional experiences, he’s touched the lives of more than 10,000 individuals facing life-altering conditions.
As a result, he’s learned firsthand the importance of access to quality healthcare in rural communities and become a strong advocate for increased access, affordability, quality of care and patient choice. He currently is co-chairman of the Congressional Natural Gas Caucus.
In addition, he’s also currently a member of the House Committees on Education & Workforce, Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Presenting the degrees, diplomas and the Alpha Beta Kappa National Honor Society pins were Mary Jones, academic dean and corporate secretary; Alderton; Cathy Steiner, board member; and Brenda Heschke, board member. Terry Khoury and Sue Ann Matia, acting directors, conducted the formal tassel turning.
Graduate Awards were presented to following three graduates:
- Corey Umstead of St. Marys received the Student Service Award from Helen White, DBC instructor, and Doty.
- Ashley Guzzo of Punxsutawney received an Outstanding Graduate Award from Cathy Steiner, DBC instructor, and Shannon Rearick, DBC admissions representative.
- Wesley Cochran of Sheffield received an Outstanding Graduate Award in absentia.
The Alpha Beta Kappa National Honor Society recipients were: Summa Cum laude, Laura L. Deardorff, Brandy N. Graham and Debra D. Rhed; Magna Cum laude, Wesley R. Cochran; Cum laude, Brittanie B. Dixon and Ashley N. Guzzo.
Rhoades thanked the graduates for their dedication and cooperation while attending DBC and the parents, families, and other distinguished guests for their continued confidence in the DBC. She remarked that each of them has played an important role in making the DBC a quality educational institution.
There was a special presentation that highlighted the graduates. A video, which was created by Ben Whiting and Cinnamon Monteville, DBC graduates and owners of BC Productions, LLC, was viewed by all in attendance. Darren Kite, DBC instructor, and Don Mitchell, PR coordinator, were thanked for their help with showing the video. Ryan Haggerty, DBC Movie Making instructor, was also thanked for his assistance.
A surprise recognition presentation was made to Helen White for receiving her Ph.D. from Northcentral University, Phoenix, AZ.
Following the benediction by Terry Khoury, director of admissions, a hors d’oeuvres reception was held to honor all graduates. Everyone was invited to attend and celebrate the success of the DBC graduates.