Neil Todhunter

            Four hundred and thirty-seven Clarion University students will receive their degrees and Neil Todhunter, retired president of UPMC Northwest, will receive an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree, during Clarion University's Fall 2009 commencement ceremonies, Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. in Waldo S. Tippin Gymnasium.

            To be awarded during the ceremony are 275 bachelor's degrees, 148 master's degrees, and 14 associate degrees.

            Ann Vogan of Fertigs, a senior and degree candidate for the bachelor of science in rehabilitative sciences, is the student speaker. She is a licensed practical nurse and childcare health consultant who provides professional development instruction and consultation services for early learning centers and family child-care providers through the Keystone STARS program.  She is also a pediatric nurse with Care Unlimited of Erie. She earned an associate of science degree in early childhood education at Clarion University - Venango Campus and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Kappa Delta Pi honor societies.  Following graduation, Vogan will begin studies at Clarion University for the master of science in rehabilitative sciences.

            Todhunter will also serve as the commencement speaker. He has a healthcare career spanning 34 years. The former President of UPMC Northwest in Seneca, Venango County, he led the development of a regional medical center that has earned recognition for excellence in surgery, inpatient rehabilitation, patient safety, home health care, community value, and other measures of health care performance.

            He also provided leadership for partnerships with Clarion University that resulted in new programs in nursing, radiologic science, and respiratory care that have enhanced workforce development and career opportunities for citizens of the region. He currently provides services through Brim Healthcare to hospitals in transition and serves as interim CEO of Palm Drive Hospital, Sebastopol, Calif.

            Clarion University is proud and privileged to recognize persons who have made outstanding achievements and contributions to the institution, to the Commonwealth, to an academic discipline, and to society by the awarding of an honorary degree. Such degrees recognize distinguished scholarship, and accomplishments in humanities, the arts, sciences, the professions, public service, and service to mankind. Because an honorary degree is an academic award, which reflects the high ideals and values of Clarion University, the recipients shall exemplify the concepts of excellence, service, and integrity.
            Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.