WHEELING, W.VA. – The Wheeling Jesuit University class of 2013 carried from the school’s 55th annual commencement ceremony a message of kinship for their fellow man as they set out to make a difference in their community, country and the world in which they live.
Rev. Greg Boyle, S.J. of
Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles Calif. delivered the inspirational commencement address to the 385 member graduating class, their cheering family and friends and the WJU faculty and staff.
Recalling stories and experiences from his work at Homeboy Industries, where he leads one of the nation’s largest organizations dedicated to the reintegration of at-risk youth and former gang members back into society, Fr. Boyle expressed a message of kinship and service to fellow man as the driving force behind his works, and the potential force of the graduating class that could be unleashed on the world.
“You go from here with a vision of wanting the world to look differently than it currently looks,” said Fr. Boyle. “You want to create a community of kinships so that God in fact might recognize it. So all of us are called to imagine a community of kinship and a circle of compassion.”
“Then we are called to imagine that nobody is standing outside that circle,” he added. “So we inch our way out into the margins where we get to stand with the poor and the powerless and the voiceless. If kinship is our goal, we will not be promoting justice, we would in fact be celebrating it. No kinship, no justice. No kinship, no peace. To the folks on the margins of life, no prison can keep your kinship with them out and no death can it away.
Rev. Boyle was also presented with an honorary doctorate of humaine letters for his achievements and service to the poor and needy of Los Angeles.
Wheeling businessman Michael D. Ferns, was awarded an honorary doctorate of business. The owner of A&B Auto Sales, started out with a small car lot along National Road in 1992. Today, his car dealership operates a 130,000-square-foot facility in Benwood, W.Va. He has been a supporter of the University through his involvement in the Cardinal Athletic Club (CAC) for the past 10 years. Ferns and the CAC have helped to coordinate the University’s efforts to provide WJU students and the community with a state-of-the-art athletic facility at Wheeling Jesuit.
Valedictorian Rebecca Olsavsky of Wheeling, W. Va., and graduate of the Linsly School spoke to her classmates about choices, and how their experience together at Wheeling Jesuit will shape their choices for years to come.
“What are choices?” she asked. “They are the deliberate decisions we make every day. We face both small scale and large-scale choices in our lives. While some are easy, others are hard. Sometimes choice even means reacting to negative things, like failure or loss, as all of us have experienced at some point in life. Yet, we have the benefit of a Jesuit education that not only entails developing our abilities within the classroom, but also making choices in life, leadership and service. These choices build character.”
Student medals and awards and their recipients that were given during the ceremony include:
Frank R. Haig, S.J. Science Award: Cassandra Crihfield
Katherine Fouts Medal: Jennifer Elias
Mary Woomer Medal: Jennifer Elias
Archbishop John J. Swint Medal: Christopher Bohinski
To watch a rebroadcast of the commencement, visit www.wju.edu
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Wheeling: Jeannette Martin Balling, Jacob A. Brown, Cassady Busellato, Brian Christopher Chabot, Jonathan Crowder, Brianna L. Dowler, Matthew R. Edwards, Jennifer L. Gahagan, Michael A. Goldsberry, II, Kevin Patrick Gompers, Kara M. Houston, Amanda M. Maynard, Jamie McCoy, Mary Catherine Monroe, Samantha J. Ritzler, Amanda Lee Schell, Jennifer Michelle Schiefer, Ms. Lauren Schnidman, Madison Sepp, Amy Beth Staffieri, Drew T. West.
Moundsville: Gillian Grayce Givens; Burgettstown: Samantha Jo Betlem, , Jamie Lynn Petrel; Glen Dale: Cory Paul Meeker; Steubenville: Kelly Paolisso, Nicholas Vogagis; Washington, PA: Chelsea Thomas; Dallas, WV: Sarah Ann Ullom; Belmont, OH: Audrey Ann Wickens; St. Clairsville, OH: Michael D. Roberts.
Outside Ohio Valley
Greensburg, PA: Rachelle Nicole Barrett; Monroeville, PA: Stacey Ann Beam; Burgettstown, PA: Samantha Jo Betlem; Hondo, TX: Courtney Beth Delk; McMurray, PA: Douglas DiGiovanni, Durham, NC: Ashley Ann Fagert; Merritt Island: FL; Brian Robert Heiser; New Concord, OH: Emily Rae Hickerson; Aurora, OH: Katrina Marie Kennedy; Craigsville, WV: Jason Isaac Malcomb, Cincinnati, OH: Jeffrey C. Marsh; Bethel Park, PA: Lauren Marie Martino; Pittsburgh, PA: Matthew Morgan; Frederick, MD: Joseph F. Probert; Columbus, OH: Tiffany Warren; South Lebanon, OH: Tatiana Zagaynova.
Master of Arts in Education
Wheeling: Nicole L. Davis, Jenafer Elizabeth Saseen, Erika Donelle Clegg Rohrig Moundsville: Mr. Chad B. Clutter, Desiree` Ann Ramser, Holly L. Woods; Flushing, OH: Ms. Elizabeth J. Collins; Cameron, WV: Mandi Cunningham; Belmont, OH: Mr. Casey J. Mayo; Valley Grove, WV: Allison S. Rine; Glen Easton, WV: Ashley M. Smith; St. Clairsville, OH: Melissa M. Gossett, Ms. Janelle E. Windsheimer
Outside Ohio Valley
Barboursville, WV: Wendy K. Barker; Kara B. Loving; Shepherdstown, WV: Lee Ebersole; Kingwood WV: Mr. Michael L. Johnston; Fairmont, WV: Ronald W. Keener II; Charleston, WV :Terri L. Maier; Frostburg, MD: Mrs. Stacey McKenzie; Monterey, VA: Lori A. Moore; Craigsville, WV: Mr. Tony W. Nichols; Youngsville, NC: Jessica Thompson Perry; Louisa, KY: Mr. Shawn A. Ross; Hurricane, WV: Ashley Courtland Stinnett; West Union, WV: Ms. Andrea N. White; Wardensville, WV: Mr. Chad M. Williams; Hague, VA: Tricia C. Williams; Martinsburg, WV: Mr. James Z. Yoder, Shane Michael Shaffer, Maranda L. Ralph
Master’s of Business Administration
Wheeling: Sarah Alexandra Bell, Karen L. Dusci-Famoso, Scott A. Fike, Mr. Jacob S. King, Melissa M. Law, Mr. Denis Sanchez Argoitia, James L. Sayre, Mr. Ryan T. Scott
Wellsburg, WV: Ingrid Elaine Loy; Steubenville, OH: Jessica A. Harlan; Rayland, OH: Mr. Michael J. Falbo; Martins Ferry, OH: Brandon M. Tucker; Cameron, WV: Amy Lynn Stern; St. Clairsville, OH: Mr. Brian W. Johnson, Anthony W. Martinelli
Outside Ohio Valley
Mason, OH: Steven P. Buck; South Charleston, WV: Mr. Carlos E. Parra; Cortland, OH: Mr. Keith R. Pealer; Glasgow, UK: Mr. David Torrance,
Master’s of Science in Accountancy
Wheeling: Robert E. Baker; Tiltonsville, OH: Maria A. Cominsky; Bridgeport, OH: James E Crumbacher; Weirton, WV: Mr. James P. Smith
Outside Ohio Valley
Cumberland, OH: Ms. Kathryn A. Graham
Master’s of Science in Organizational Leadership
Wheeling: Zachary B. Allman, Ms. Ashley M. Carter, Leigh Anne Jackson, Ms. Debbie K. Rankin, Andrea Kristine Schellhase, Mr. Ryan T. Scott, Wellsburg, WV: Ingrid Elaine Loy; Weirton, WV: Ms. Alexis R. Hotlosz; Moundsville, WV: Laurie J. Wardle;
Outside Ohio Valley
Smithfield, OH: Philip D. Bliss, Jr.; Windsor Hts., W: Samuel Z. Henderson; Stow, OH: Hannah Jacques; Pittsburgh, PA: James Joseph Marnell; Pittsburgh, PA: Samuel Dominick Pareso,
Master of Science in Nursing
Wheeling: Mrs. Kimberly M. Hupp
Wintersville, OH: Barbara L Banfield; Tiltonsville, OH: Darla K Kinkus-Kuri; Steubenville, OH: Ms. Marlo J. Fletcher; New Martinsville, WV: Donna Eller Sands; New Cumberland, WV: Ms. Debra J. Gosney; Moundsville, WV: Kimberly Auten, Jill L. Emery, Angela J. Ritchea; East Liverpool, OH: Jelayne A. Dray; Colliers, WV: Mrs. Ashley Nicole Davis; Bridgeport, OH: Carolyn A. Sandrick,
Outside Ohio Valley
Canal Winchester, OH: Kaylin M. Brown; Bristow, VA: Elizabeth Criasia Croson; Belington: Earlene Rose England; Beckley, WV: Lora J. Fisher; Woodbury, CT: Celeste N. Foster; Crab Orchard, WV: Wendy L. Godby; New Cumberland, WV: Debra J. Gosney; Walkersville, WV: Julie A. Haddix; McKees Rocks, PA: Catherine Nichole Harris; Clarksburg, WV: Alexandria D. Johnson; Cowen, WV: Angel J. Johnson; McHenry, MD: Stephanie S. Law; Galivants Fry, SC: Amy L. Metz; Freeport, Freeport OH: Katelyn M. Obermiller; Charleroi, PA: Nicole R. Polinski; Bentleyville, PA: Amanda Lee Rucienski; Smt. Pt., WV: Vel A. Schlachter; Boswell, PA: Ms. Denise D. Shesko; Daniels, WV: Barbara Ann Tackett; Bruceton Mills, WV: Melissa A. Teets; Cecil, PA: Nicole L. Terling; Connellsville, PA: Ashley Nicole Tucholski; Williamsburg, WV: Sabrina Dawn Walker ,
Bachelor of Arts
Wheeling: Shay Marie Davis, Kara J. DeSantis, Kaitlin Sadie Anne Gibbons, Brynne Erin Jewell, Grace Irene Williams
Weirton, WV: Stewart L. Jones; Washington, PA: Jamie L. Fisher, Ashley L. McGinnis; Vienna, WV: Emily Michelle Martin; Triadelphia, WV: Justin Earl Burgy; Tiltonsville, OH: Ethan K. Connors; Steubenville, OH: Kevin D. Joyce; Moundsville, WV: Erinn Marie Garrison, Angela Susanne Montesano, Ms. Timorie A. Underwood; Martins Ferry, OH: Mary Nichole Kuntz; Glen Dale, OH: Kaitlyn Nicole Pytlak; Cambridge, OH: Taylor D. Allen; St. Clairsville, OH: Kyle A. Cash, Thomas More Pie, Jr.; Bridgeport, OH, Andrew Bellevage
Outside Ohio Valley
Murrieta, CA: Mr. Evan P. Barrow; Granville, OH: Samuel Rodman Bauman; Alum Creek, WV: Natalie Kate Bays; Martinsburg, WV: Patrick Devalera Callahan, Clarksburg, WV: Cristina Joy Cann; Cadiz, OH: Robbie R. Davia; McDonald, PA: Phillip D. DellaSalla; Beallsville, OH: Alyssa Ann Headley; Pittsburgh, PA: Tyler R. Henk; East Sparta, OH: Shaynna Rae' Johnson; Hamilton, NJ: Eric R. Ketterer; Jane Lew, WV: Justin F. Kyer; Cherry Hill, NJ: Colin P. Lawler; Galion, OH: Samuel Salvatore Leone; Waldorf, MD: Michael D. Little, III; Grove City, OH: Samantha Jo Macioce; Vienna, WV: Emily Michelle Martin; Beltsville, MD: Patrick B. Oliverio; Barboursville, WV: Maria Nicole Phillips; Dillonvale, OH: Rebekah J. Flesher*; Brandi Nicole Richards; Washington, DC: Chanel Elizabeth Richardson; Newark, OH: Melissa D. Salyer; Glendale, AZ: Thomas P. Smith; Jacobsburg, OH: Jayla D. Speece; Scott Depot, WV :Megan Elizabeth Truelove; Jackson Center, OH: Allissa Marie Ware,
Bachelor of Science
Wheeling: James Brown, Jennifer Glenn Elias, Michael Anthony Fahey, Tiffany Marie Henderson, Yannick M. Kayembe, Eric Alan Knuth, Brandon E. McKinley, Mr. Kevin M. Meigh, Russell James Mulley, Adam, Nicholas Parsons, Lori A. Siburt, Ms. Rachel Ann Stahl, John Hunter Stein, John A. Yelenic Zanesville, OH: Mr. Corey R. Hull, Olivia N. Lent, Joseph O. Prati; Wellsburg, WV: Abby Gail Phillips; Washington, PA: Matthew R. Brna, Lucas Warner Lemasters ; Steubenville, OH: Ann M. Campbell, Michael W. Petrella; Brilliant, OH: Callie J. Clark; Shadyside, OH: Geoffrey Gray Oliver, Ross Michael Palicka; Rayland, OH: Brooke R. Baker; Paden City, WV: Amy D. Shurak; Moundsville, WV: Kyle Matthew Garrison, Matthew C. Garrison, Kelsie E. Gaus, Jessica Rae Midcap; Martins Ferry, OH; Christopher John Lutz, James E. Sponhaltz, Felicia D. White; Glen Dale, WV: John P. Kotson; Flushing, OH: Cameron M. Dacar: East Liverpool, WV; Megan N. Campbell; Canton, OH; Erin Michelle Metzger; Bridgeport, OH: David L. Johnson, Matthew Daniel Mason; Belmont, OH: Jaimie A. Wheeler; Bellaire, OH: Jessica Lynn McDonald; St. Clairsvielle, OH: Amy Elizabeth Pinkerton, Minh Quan Kevin Son Le, Cory L. Matz, Jeffrey D. Menoski, Sierra Nicole Moore, Amy Elizabeth Pinkerton,
Outside Ohio Valley
Morgantown, WV: Kelley L. Asbury; Dillonvale, OH: Jessica A. Battilochi; Laurel, MD: Stephanie Renee Blau; Morgantown, WV: Giovanna J. Bonasso; Media, PA: Nicholas Paul Bonaventure III; Columbus, OH: Nicholas A. Briski; Vincent, OH: Mallory N. Brooks; Volga, WV: Chelsea A. Bulka; Berea, OH: Patrick James Chadowski; Coraopolis, PA: Charles F. Christopher; Cowanasville, PA: Cody T. Coven; Lima, OH: Dominic Alexander DePalma; Boonsboro, MD: Jaime L. Donato; Beltsville, MD: Recardo Gaddy; Westminster, MD: Christian M. Gomes; Voorhees, NJ: Philip Green; Hartland, WI: Austin Cole Grimes; Westlake, OH: Casey A. Hamilton; Lewisville, OH: Nicole E. Huffman; Acworth, GA: Cameron D. Iszkula;; Westerville, OH: Matthew King; Austintown, OH Samantha N. Kozbial; Lakewood, OH: Jordan R. Kraus; Hilliard, OH: Joshua Raymond Lambert; Man, WV: Andre B. Lamyaithong; Bel Air, MD: James E. LaPenna; French Creek, WV: Ronald G. Lee, II; Williamstown, WV: Matthew W. Logan; , Baltimore, MD: Dillon Scott McManus; Newark, OH: Angela M. McNulty; Edinburgh, Scotland: Philip G. Mshelbwala; Morgantown, WV: Steven Andrew, Zachary C. Phipps, Steven Andrew Nowak, Giovanna J. Bonasso, Kelley L. Asbury; Cordoba: Victor Hugo Picchio; Reynoldsburg, OH: Benjamin L. Siefert; McKees Rocks, PA: Chelsea N. Stander, Ball Ground, GA: Mr. Jacob A. Totherow, Houston, PA: Sara N. Trefnoff; Fallston, MD: Dominic J. Welsh; Buckhannon, WV: Ashley D. White; Elkins, WV: Kayla J. Workman; Pittsburgh, PA: Whitney North Young, Devin T. Kennedy, Jenna Elizabeth Gleason*; Pittsburgh, PA: Nicholas B. Cotter; Mr. Seong M. Kang
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Wheeling: Mr. Jeremy A. Schreiber
Woodsfield, OH: Justine Michele LaFollette; Wintersville, OH: Renae A. Dailey, Janet M. Wenger; Weirton, WV: Amanda Nicole Kirkbride; Triadelphia, WV: Stephanie D. Moore, Marissa Anne Yoho; Toronto, OH: Margaret J. Boka, R.N., Mary M. Saccareccia; Steubenville, OH: Shawna Jo Allietta, Ms. Stephanie R. Ellenberger, Carly L. Rauch; Shadyside, OH: Kayla Lorraine Stewart; Martins Ferry, OH: Bill J. Thomas; Marietta, OH: Sarah B. Gregory; Hopedale, OH: Monica N. Hudson; Clarington, OH: Stacia P. Huffman; Cameron, OH: Marybeth C. Flowers; Bellaire, OH: Ashley Rae Walker; Avella, PA: Katie R. Painter; St. Clairsville, OH: Katherine Marie Lee, Dorinda Sue Tuchek; Powhatan Pt, OH: Pamela J. Ruminski Swartz.
Outside Ohio Valley
Columbus, OH: Angela M. Battistelli; Freeburn, KY: Jessica J. Blankenship; Port Royal, PA: Cassandra R. Boozel; Jerusalem, OH: Brandy R. Contos; Martinsburg, WV: Joy J. Gesford; Riversville, WV: Nancy J. Hamilton; Matewan, WV: Ronnie M. Hinkle, Jr.; Beckley, WV: Leigh Ann Hutchens; Carmichaels, PA: Brian K. Jones; Youngsville, PA: Lora L. Lewis; Canonsburg, PA: Kara P. Martin;; Barnesville, OH: Allison Marie Plumly; Waynesburg, PA: Elaine M. Posten, Sewickley, PA: Lindsay R. Primyon*; Kalida, OH: Ashley Marie Remlinger; Buckhannon, WV: Eric Rice; Dresden, OH: Lindsey Nicole Shumaker; Charleston, WV: Lindsay Anne Skaff, Kimberly D. Myers Light; Amherst, OH: Aleecia Lynne Sunagel; Lighthouse Pt., FL: Rebecca Marie Tadsen; Morgantown, WV: Julia Christine Vaglienti Paula M. Sago; Fairmont, WV: Lindsey Khristine Mills, Ms. Ashley B. Morris; Charleston, Krystal L. Satterfield Ms. Carol L. Weber; Elkview, WV: Jamie R. Williams, Ms. Erika R. Sheets; Pataskala, OH: Sarah M. Williams, Kayla R. Parker; Atlanta, GA: Haishan Yin, Elkins, WV: Mrs. Melissa J. Burks, Jenna Lynn Simmons; Lansing, MI: Ms. Khanh-Van Tran;
Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Development
Wheeling: Tina M. Chandler, Philip K. Titus-Glover Weirton, WV: Jaime L. Marnich; Triadelphia, WV: Lisa M. Mengeu ; Piedmont, OH: Kay Ellen Heskett; New Cumberland, WV: Matthew R. Harvey; Moundsville, WV: Jane Ann Bettinazzi; McMechen, WV: Ms. Veronica DeTemple; Marietta, OH: Mary Ann Pfeifer; Cambridge, OH: Ms. Laura V. Carpenter, Steven E. Mourer; Bellaire, OH: Heidi L. Camsky, Sheena M. Craig: Barnesville, OH: Rachelle L. Bohandy; Adena, OH: Jaime L. Campbell; St. Clairsville, OH: Cortney L. Bostic, Karen M. Jewell, Jeannine Rae Shaw, Rebecca D. Snyder;
Outside of Ohio Valley
Freeport, OH: Donna J. Bond; Pittsburgh, PA: Natalie Ann Kasievich; Buffalo, WV: Tony C. Lester; Charleston, WV: Jessica Roseman Litton; Chapmanville, WV: Jamey D. New; Holden, WV: Jeremy S. Thompson; Madison, WV: Gregory D. Zornes,
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Leadership
Wheeling: Hamed Albalwei
Huntington, WV: James W. Perrine
Bachelor of Arts Ignatian Honors Scholars
Wheeling: Rebecca Rose Olsavsky*
Outside Ohio Valley
Cleveland, OH: Catherine V. Balbier; Kathmandu: Shriya Adhikary* ; Wilkes-Barre Twp., PA: Christopher James Bohinski*; St. Albans, WV: Sarah Anne Creamer*; Poca, WV: Allison R. Santer*; James Lewis Akers*, Evans, WV; Cassandra L. Crihfield*, Metz, WV; Vera P. Filatova*, Portland, ME; Fairmont, WV, Evan R. Johnston*,Omaha, NE.
