Local Students Earn College Degrees

The following was sent in by ReadMedia News:

LOCK HAVEN - The Lock Haven University 2011 winter commencement ceremony was held Dec. 17. There were 307 degree candidates from the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education and Human Services.

President Michael Fiorentino, Jr. presented degrees. Among the students receiving degrees were the following area residents:

Justin D Nafziger-Kolb of Royersford, PA, Bachelor of Science in Education.

Jonathan C Baumgard of Spring City, PA, Bachelor of Science.

Keynote speaker for the ceremony was the Honorable John N. Wozniak, Pennsylvania State Senator, District 35. Mr. Wozniak was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Public Service.

In his address, Senator Wozniak reminded the graduates that "life is change."

"It is how we deal with change that reveals our character." He also noted that "Education is not just about finding a job, but about creating a mind." He told the graduates that their Lock Haven University education has given them the tools they need to succeed in a changing, highly competitive world, and ended with hearty congratulations on a job well done.

Degrees are officially granted to candidates after the university certifies completion of all academic requirements.

Founded in 1870, Lock Haven University is a public liberal arts university with 5,329 students from 29 states and 32 other countries. It offers 57 majors with 40 minors. Lock Haven University is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), the largest provider of higher education in the commonwealth. Its 14 universities offer more than 250 degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. Nearly 405,000 system alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.

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MILLERSVILLE - The following area residents were among the 469 students who graduated from Millersville University of Pennsylvania during the fall 2011 undergraduate commencement ceremony, held Dec. 18 in Millersville's Pucillo Gymnasium.

Thomas James Simpson, of Limerick, Pa., earned a bachelor of science degree in elementary & early childhood education.

Marisa M. Naftal, of Spring City, Pa., earned a bachelor of arts degree in sociology.

Millersville University of Pennsylvania is a top-ranked, public university located in the northeast region of the United States. It is committed to offering students a high quality, comprehensive university experience of exceptional value. Dedicated to providing nationally recognized programs that embrace the liberal arts, Millersville offers academic opportunities that are supported by outstanding faculty who are accomplished scholars and practitioners. Founded in 1855 as the first Normal School in Pennsylvania, Millersville University is one of 14 universities within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.