EDINBORO, Pa. — Edinboro University celebrated the academic success of 626 students in the Class of 2020, following a semester of transition from in-person to online modalities due to COVID-19.

Although the Commencement ceremonies were postponed because of the pandemic, Edinboro President Guiyou Huang conferred bachelor’s and associate degrees upon 490 undergraduates and master’s degrees and post-graduate certificates upon 136 graduate students.

The following local graduates were recognized as members of the class of 2020:

Haley E Freeman of Olean, NY, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology

Zhanna A Thompson of Rochester, NY, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

Julia A Kramer of Jamestown, NY, earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Fine Arts-Studio Arts with honors

Vitaliy Gurman of Rochester, NY, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies with honors

Madison N Gross of Westfield, NY, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Public Relations and a Bachelor of Science Health and Physical Education

Jessica G Hewlett of Webster, NY, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Applied Media Arts with honors

Joseph T Kral of Irving, NY, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Applied Media Arts

Anthony J Kuppel of Hamburg, NY, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Applied Media Arts

Cellyann Semidey of Jamestown, NY, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Applied Media Arts

Avryn C Jackson-Bonus of East Aurora, NY, earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science Economics with honors

Melissa Michelle Giardini of Allegany, NY, earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Amanda J Johnson of Jamestown, NY, earned a Bachelor of Science in Education Early Childhood (P-4) & Special Education (P-8) with honors

Amanda M Kwandras of CLARENCE CENTER, NY, earned a Bachelor of Science in Education Early Childhood (P-4) & Special Education (P-8) with honors

Alexandra M Brabon of Allegany, NY, earned a Bachelor of Science in Education Early Childhood Education with honors

Shannon Gilbert of Williamsville, NY, earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education with honors

Anthony J Kahley of Niagara Falls, NY, earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education

Abbey E Lang of Lockport, NY, earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education

Halle B Lienhart of Randolph, NY, earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education with honors

Kelsey Julia Powers of Lakewood, NY, earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education with honors

Danielle M Chatten of Niagara Falls, NY, earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences

Carlie J Bernhardt of Jamestown, NY, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Lia T Hanes-Stetter of East Aurora, NY, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Chloe J Hopcia of Lockport, NY, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Claire E Mannion of Buffalo, NY, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with honors

Olivia I Jankowski of Hamburg, NY, earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work

Kelly C Mohan of Spencerport, NY, earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work

Kaitlyn M Seaholm of Falconer, NY, earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences with honors

Hollie G Kaufman of Buffalo, NY, earned a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication

Jontay Deaira Walton of Buffalo, NY, earned a Master of Arts in Communication Studies

Corey W Wefing of Maple Springs, NY, earned a Master of Arts in Communication Studies

Despite the delay, diplomas and graduation tassels were distributed to students at the conclusion of the spring 2020 semester.

“These hard times have served as a defining moment. The uncertainties and difficulties that began in March will no doubt have an impact for years to come,” said Dr. Huang in an email to the student body. “But these weeks and months have also provided an opportunity to demonstrate what defines us as a campus community. The resilience, persistence and grit that are at the core of who we are have sustained us, allowing us to be there for our students and each other.”

Edinboro University is one of Pennsylvania’s most distinguished centers of learning and research. Acclaimed artists, medical professionals, Disney and Pixar animators and leaders in business, education, criminal justice and many other fields have built the foundations of their success at Edinboro. Learn more at www.edinboro.edu.



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