News Release
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Nicole S. Rowe
Administrative Assistant,
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nicole.s.rowe@wilmu.edu
Wilmington University Graduates Celebrate at 38th Annual Commencement Ceremony
There were 942 reasons to celebrate yesterday, Sunday, May 17 at Wilmington University’s Thirty-Eighth Annual Commencement Ceremonies. The University awarded 942 degrees to undergraduate and graduate students from Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania and throughout the region. Family, friends and loved ones gathered at the Chase Center to welcome and cheer for Wilmington University’s class of 2009.
Wilmington resident Stephen Martelli, a graduate of the Master of Science in Administration of Justice program had a special reason to celebrate; he received the Trustee’s Award for service, an award that is presented to a graduating master’s or doctoral student for outstanding service to fellow students, to Wilmington University, or to the community. Yvonne Hilton from Wilmington, Del. was also honored with the Audrey K. Doberstein President’s Award for Leadership. Hilton graduated with her Doctoral degree from Wilmington University. The award is presented to a graduating master’s or doctoral student for outstanding leadership and dedication to the philosophy and mission of Wilmington University.
Maria Antonelli, of Brown Mills, New Jersey and a graduate from Wilmington University’s Burlington County College location, received the Trustees award for service in the undergraduate ceremony. Antonelli graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Science. She is currently a Chiropractic Medical Technician in the U.S Air Force stationed at McGuire Air Force Base in Trenton, New Jersey. Paul Mulvena was honored with the Audrey K. Doberstein President’s award in the undergraduate ceremony. Mulvena, a resident of Wilmington, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Level Education.
Another group of students with a reason to celebrate were a group of eleven graduates who were all employed at Chrysler and started their MBA program as part of a corporate partnership between Wilmington University and the company. They took all their MBA classes at the site, except for the last one when the site closed. “We were all satisfied with the program,” said Zack Leroux, one of the Chrysler MBA graduates, “It is unfortunate with the down-sizing and plant closing. But working in this program gave us the perspective to see the big picture in spite of the situation. The program gave us the tools to be successful during a difficult time.”
The speaker for the graduate ceremony was Barbara Riley, who received her Doctor of Education degree. Riley, who is a Wilmington resident has been employed by the State of Delaware in the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. In her current position as a Program Specialist, she coordinates services for students with disabilities as they transition from high school to post-secondary education, training and/or employment.
The undergraduate speaker was Evelyn Mendez, who earned her Bachelor of Science in General Studies. Mendez is a Dean’s List scholar who took classes at Wilmington University’s Cumberland County College site in Vineland, New Jersey. “ Today can give us the opportunity to reflect on the things that brought us to this important day: our family, friends, classmates, and the faculty and staff here. You all share in our achievements,” said Mendez who is currently the Senior Office Manager in the Enrollment Services Office at Cumberland County College. She went on to say, “In 1994 I put my education on hold to raise my family. I started working and there was just too much to be able to go back. Then came Wilmington University, it was just the right place at the right time. The faculty understood and was empathetic to our needs. Thank you Wilmington University.”
Wilmington University would also like the congratulate the following academic award winners:
Undergraduate award winners
- Cheryl Coleman (Chestertown, Md.) – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Debra Rommel (Camden, Del.) – Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science
- Susan Keene (Felton, Del.) – Bachelor of Science in Accounting
- Michele Stone (Magnolia, Del.) – Bachelor of Science in Education
- Mary Christmas (Dover, Del.) – Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
- Susan Bennett (Felton, Del.) – Bachelor of Science in Information Resources Management
Graduate award winners:
- Ashley Weed (Towanda, Pa.) – Master of Business Administration
- Monroe Hite, III (Dover, Del.) – Master of Science, concentration Public Administration
- Sergiy Kuzhanov (Newark, Del.) – Master of Science in Information Systems Technologies
- Michael Miller (Felton, Del.) – Master of Science in Community Counseling
- Holly Burns (Landenberg, Pa.) – Master of Science in Nursing Leadership
- Kristie Ridgley (Middletown, Del.) – Master of Education in Reading
- Kimberly Lund (Magnolia, Del.) – Master of Arts in Teaching
- Mary Ann Faralli (Bear, Del.) – Doctor of Education
To see more pictures from this event visit http://www.wilmu.edu/ur/multimedia/galleries/galleryselect.aspx.