Annville, September 25, 2025

News Summary

Lebanon Valley College held its 156th commencement ceremonies, celebrating nearly 400 undergraduate and 193 graduate students. The event featured former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett as keynote speaker, alongside other notable graduates. Local students also earned recognition for academic excellence in various disciplines, including a new honor for student-athletes. The achievements highlight the hard work of the graduates as they move into the next chapter of their lives.

Annville

Nearly 400 undergraduate students graduated from Lebanon Valley College during the 156th commencement ceremonies held on May 10, 2025. A separate ceremony that same day honored 193 graduate students, culminating in a day of celebration for academic achievements.

The morning undergraduate ceremony featured former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett, a 1971 LVC graduate, as the keynote speaker. Corbett was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during the event. Dr. Daniel Pitonyak, an associate professor of physics, served as the commencement speaker for the undergraduate graduates.

Notable Graduates

Among the notable graduates were:

• Hannah Seeley from Elizabethtown, who received a Master of Science in clinical exercise physiology.
• Alexandria Lasher and Keegan Simmons from Ephrata, both earning their Master’s—clinical mental health counseling and business administration, respectively.
• Jack Rafuse from Lancaster, who received a Master of Business Administration.
• Jazmine Carter and Nicole Hardy from Mount Joy, with degrees in music education and business administration, respectively.
• Jessica Tipping from Strasburg, who earned a Master of Science in STEM education.
• Michael Hook from Willow Street, who received a Bachelor of Arts in self-designed.

Summer Graduates

Several area students also achieved academic success with summer 2025 graduation:

• Christine Mitchell from Narvon, graduated with a Master of Science in child life studies from Missouri State University, Springfield, MO.
• Dory Naftzger from Lancaster, earned a Bachelor of Arts in zoology pre-professional from Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH.
• Rebecca Zane from Honey Brook, received a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL.

Athletic Achievements

In addition to academic achievements, area student-athletes from Lebanon Valley College were recognized on the first Eastern Athletic Communications Association (EAST-COMM) Academic Honor Roll in summer 2025. Notable names include:

• Adam Acker and Natalie Bourne from Columbia.
• Chloe Grady from East Earl.
• Sierra Kapcsos and Rebecca Lane from Elizabethtown.
• Cody Gehres, Ethan Groff, Owen Linder, and Rowan Myers from Lancaster.
• Elise Balmer, Karis Briguglio, Ryan Fink, and others from Lititz.
• Aidan Smith from Landisville and several other local students.

Academic Honors

Area students continued to achieve academic excellence, with several students from Kutztown University earning the Division 2 Athletic Directors Association Academic Achievement Award, such as:

• Kristin Geesey from Bainbridge.
• Weston Nolt from Ephrata.
• Brook Smith from Lancaster.
• And many more local students.

Leadership Roles

Additionally, Karis Briguglio (Lititz), Madeline Lee (Ephrata), Ciara Millan (Mohnton), and Oluwagbemi Ogunwusi (Newmanstown) were named Mosaic Mentors for the 2025-26 academic year at Lebanon Valley College.

The achievements celebrated at Lebanon Valley College showcase the dedication and hard work of local students as they enter the next chapter of their lives, contributing positively to their communities and professions.

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Additional Resources

• LebTown: Lebanon Valley College Celebrates 156th Commencement
• Skook News: Schuylkill County Students Among Graduates
• LebTown: Lebanon Valley College Hosts 156th Commencement Ceremonies
• Inside Higher Ed: How College Career Fair Addresses More Than Just
• FOX43: Lebanon Valley College Discounted Graduate Course Tuition Offer
• Wikipedia: Lebanon Valley College
• Google Search: Lebanon Valley College
• Google Scholar: Lebanon Valley College
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Lebanon Valley College
• Google News: Lebanon Valley College

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