LOCK HAVEN – Lock Haven University recently held its annual convocation ceremonies, marking the beginning of the fall academic year. Dr. Donna Wilson, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, welcomed both audiences.
The main campus celebration took place Sept. 3 in Price Auditorium. Founder’s Day Convocation at LHU’s main campus traditionally recognizes outstanding faculty members who exemplify core values and who are acknowledged by their colleagues for exemplary scholarship, service and excellence in teaching.
Awards were as follows: Dr. David Curtin for the University Award for Scholarship; Dr. Constance Reece and Dr. Jennifer Taylor, Excellence in College Pedagogy Award; Dr. Indrajith Senevirathne, Excellence in Mentoring Award; and Dr. Paul Ballat, Excellence in Advisement Award.
The Founder’s Day guest speaker, Dr. Keith Betts, a 1985 LHU alumnus and vice president of student affairs at Western Connecticut State University, fondly recalled his days at LHU and how they prepared him for life.
He likened his experiences to an American football game, realizing he wanted to lead his life much like that of a successful running back, always ready to receive the ball. Addressing the students, Betts stated, “You are now entering one of the most important quarters in your game, in your life. It is your academic journey.” He encouraged the students to experiment, dream, explore, and prepare, charging students to “enjoy your college years and make them the very best years of your life.”
On Sept. 9, convocation was held at the LHU Clearfield campus, recognizing both scholarship winners and their 25th anniversary. Two speakers were featured at the event; Kimberly Owens, assistant professor of nursing at LHU Clearfield, and Dr. Michael Fiorentino, president of Lock Haven University.
Owens spoke of the rich history of LHU Clearfield, noting the amazing accomplishments that have occurred since the inception. “I could share countless beautiful, touching examples of the experiences and lives of our graduates,” said Owens.
“Some used to think of Clearfield campus as a nursing school. Nursing is still a very important part of this campus, but as you can see, we are much more. I look forward to the continued growth of our campus as we continue to provide endless opportunities for the people of Clearfield and surrounding communities to pursue their dreams and their passions.”
Fiorentino spoke candidly about the future of the University, emphasizing the need to plan for the future – adapting to student needs and focusing on quality over quantity. He noted that Lock Haven University, of all the educational institutions he has worked for, is a special place where there is noted commitment, caring, devotion, and engagement, not always found on other campuses.
Student awards were presented in the following areas: the Academic Achievement/Clinical Growth award was presented by Pam Finalle to Sara Kocet; the Academic Excellence award presented by Dr. Amy Way to Cailyn Leskovansky and Roberta McGary; the Clearfield Hospital Nursing Alumni Scholarship presented by Eleanor Bodle to Tiffany Yeatman; the Connie Lodico-Boyce Memorial Scholarship presented by Bonnie Boyce to LaManda Pritts; the Leah Mae and J. Clifford Murray Memorial Scholarship presented by Dr. Jamie Foor to Tiffany Yeatman; the Mildred White Memorial Scholarship presented by Elanor Bodle to Robin Mandel; the Mona Mangan Memorial Scholarship presented by Pam Finalle to Bennet Gray and Crystal Packer; the Outstanding Criminal Justice Student presented by Dr. Michael McSkimming to Megan Williams; the Robert Mullin Family scholarship presented by Valerie Dixon to Taylor Ammerman; the Belin Family Scholarship presented by Mr. and Mrs. Carl Belin to Morgan Johnson; the Clearfield Bank & Trust Co. Award presented by Judy Mitchell to Abbey Homan; the Clearfield Area Health Services Award presented by Kathy Bedger to Lindsay Hullihen and Jacquelin Smeal; the Diana Kerin Memorial Scholarship presented by Dr. Darlene Ardary to Megan Maize; the Julie Riley Hale Memorial Scholarship presented by Dr. Joseph Newhouse to Chaitanya Ayysola; the Judith Peale-Strattan Memorial Scholarship presented by Therese Sayers to Sarah Yarger; the Kurtz Bros. Award presented by Monty Kunes to Andrew O’Link; and the Woodward Pharmacy and City Drugs Educational Scholarship presented by Bridget Conklin to Cassandra Swatsworth.
For more information on Lock Haven University, visit www.LHUP.edu, e-mail admissions@LHUP.edu, or call 570-484-2011. For more information on Lock Haven University Clearfield, visit www.LHUP.edu/Clearfield/index.html, e-mail clearfieldadmissions@LHUP.edu, or call 570- 814-3405.
