FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                     Contact: Marisa Bilicic

May 3, 2004                                                                         814-676-6591 Ext. 1215

Congressman John Peterson to Give Commencement Address

At Clarion University–Venango Campus

OIL CITY, PA – The Honorable John E. Peterson, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, will deliver the commencement address at Clarion University−Venango Campus on Saturday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m. Ruby L. Fultz, who will be graduating with an Associate of Science in Nursing degree and who was recently selected as the Campus’ Outstanding Student in her field by faculty and students, will deliver comments on behalf of the student body. Fifty-two students will receive their associate degrees during the ceremony in the Robert W. Rhoades Center auditorium at Venango Campus. .

 “Commencement is a significant milestone in the lives of our students and their families,” said Dr. Christopher M. Reber, Executive Dean of Venango Campus. “Many of our students juggle work, family and volunteer commitments while attending college, and commencement is a sign of their dedication and perseverance. We’re delighted that Congressman Peterson, who has been a strong supporter of higher education, will join us and deliver the commencement address.”

Peterson, who began serving Pennsylvania's Fifth District in 1996, is dedicated to making higher education more accessible to all Americans and to improving the delivery system for technical education. He was supportive of the creation of Clarion University’s new Department of Applied Technology which is housed at the Venango Campus and continues to work closely with university administrators on delivering technical education in our region.

Peterson currently serves on the House Appropriations Committee where he is Vice-Chairman of the Subcommittee on Interior and is also a member of the House Resources Committee where he is Vice-Chairman of the Forests and Forest Health Subcommittee. In addition to his committee work, Peterson serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Rural Caucus, a bipartisan coalition of more than 130 Members of Congress committed to strengthening and revitalizing rural communities across America. As the representative of Pennsylvania's largest, most rural district, Peterson works tirelessly to improve job creation and economic development efforts; ensure access to quality, affordable health care; expand the availability of career and technical education; and improve the quality of life in rural communities.

Venango Campus students who will graduate May 8 include Angela C. Baker, Janice E. Good, Susan E. Krol and Daniel T. Reinsel who will receive Associate of Arts in Arts and Sciences degrees; Keiko M. Hopwood, Kelly L. O’Neil and Stella L. Watson who will receive Associate of Science in Business Administration degrees; Chaval A. Russell and Brianne O’Neil who will receive Associate of Science in Rehabilitative Services degrees; Wynette E. Bloom, Carla J. Carter, Cathiejo L. Carter, Amy M. Cozad, Shannon M. Fox and Jessica A. Reese who will receive Associate of Science in Legal Business Studies degrees; Kathleen M. Garland, Michelle L. Mayhew and Monica M. Weeter who will receive Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education degrees; Heather L. Bowling, Dana M. Haines, Michelle L. Miller, Nicole L. Mundorf, Paula A. Spangler, Tracey J. Stevens, Barbara W. Styslinger and Theresa L. Viecelli who will receive Associate of Science in Allied Health degrees; and Stacey Jo Baker, Mary C. Beers, Kelin Brown, Susan M. Burney, Robert M. Catalano, Elisha R. Daly, Healther E. Fox-Hovis, Ruby L. Fultz, Cynthia A. Graham, Cory S. Heckathorne, Jamie L. Kaltenbaugh, Rhonda L. Kifer, Melissa A. Martz, Stacey J. McIntyre, Kevin J. McLaoughlin, F. Denman McNair, Kristy L. Meagher, Lynn M. Muroff, Vanessa L. Nolf, Tracy A. Rapp, Rebecca E. Remmick, Sabrina L. Saver, Paula R. Scalise, Heidi L. Stetz, Alishia M. Titus and Donna L. Young who will receive Associate of Science in Nursing degrees.

Additional graduates of bachelor’s and master’s programs offered at the campus will receive their degrees at commencement ceremonies held earlier in the day on the university’s Clarion Campus.

Clarion University–Venango Campus provides high-quality educational programs and personalized services to help students succeed. Students can earn an associate degree, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in select areas, obtain a one-year certificate or participate in a variety of professional development and personal enrichment courses. The campus is home to Clarion University’s School of Nursing and its Department of Applied Technology. Clarion University–Venango Campus is committed to serving the needs of the community.

###