Lock Haven University Holds 141st Spring Commencement

LOCK HAVEN — Lock Haven University recently celebrated the achievements of approximately 620 graduates during the 141st spring commencement ceremonies. At 7 p.m. on Friday, May 11, 110 graduate students received their degrees in Price Performance Center. At 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, a total of 510 undergraduate students received degrees in two separate ceremonies, both held in Thomas Field House. The ceremony originally planned for 10 a.m. at Hubert Jack Stadium was moved indoors due to the weather.

At all three ceremonies, Dr. Stephen Neun, LHU acting 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, Jordan L. Ball. She spoke to her classmates about the hard work they had gone through to get to where they are today, saying it is a reflection of their dedication and character. “As you move onto the next chapter in your life, continue to set the bar high for yourself,” she added.

Keynote speaker for the Friday night ceremony was Ronald J. Reynolds, vice president for Clinton County operations, chief administrative officer of UPMC Lock Haven Hospital. Reynolds reminded the students to listen and be caring toward others and always remember that people are smart. “Take great care in the gift you are given tonight,” he said. “Touch people’s lives and their hearts.”

The student speaker for both undergraduate ceremonies was graduating senior, Thomas W. Bates, who touched on the fact that the world today is very different from the one he and his classmates were born into. “We have never in our lives had a better opportunity to impact the world, than right now,” he said.

Tom H. Svec ’79, woodworking artisan and craftsman, served as speaker for both undergraduate ceremonies. Svec talked about the irony of “blowing off” his own graduation ceremony at LHU, to now addressing the class of 2018 as their commencement speaker. “I want to encourage you to make a plan and set goals for yourself,” he said. “Always have a plan B and make room for a little serendipity.”

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