Commencement No. 142 at LHU

LOCK HAVEN — Lock Haven University recently celebrated the achievements of nearly 900 graduates during the 142nd spring commencement ceremonies. At 7 p.m. on Friday, May 10, graduate students received their degrees in the Thomas Fieldhouse. At 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, undergraduate students received degrees at Hubert Jack Stadium.

At both ceremonies, Dr. Donna Wilson, provost, welcomed the guests and a greeting from the faculty was given by Dr. Matthew Girton, president of LHU APSCUF and professor of communication.

The student speaker for the Friday night graduate ceremony was graduating senior, Myrle Newcomer. Student speaker for the Saturday undergraduate ceremony was Chadd Miller, who spoke to his classmates about their shared home away from home at LHU. “Are we anything at LHU, if not a family? We will always have a shared home at The Haven,” Miller said.

Keynote speaker for both ceremonies was Philip Evans, president and CEO of ProtoCall Services. Evans graduated in 1986 from LHU with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He emphasized the importance of having the ability to see stress and uncertainty as opportunities. “Practice things that make your heart beat faster. Anything that takes you out of your comfort zone,” he said.

“Sometimes the biggest risk you will face will be not taking one at all.”

President Dr. Robert Pignatello offered congratulations to the graduates during both ceremonies. “Your status as a Bald Eagle is now memorialized for your lifetime,” Pignatello said. “…I challenge you to find your path, to make your contribution. Be unafraid. Challenge what you see and hear. Make your voice heard and make a difference.”

Following the undergraduate ceremony, all graduates and their families were invited to a reception in the Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center.