FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                Contact: Marisa Bilicic

May 14, 2003                                                                            814-676-6591 Ext. 1215

Clarion University–Venango Campus Holds 20^th Commencement

Linda A. Greenfield is Keynote Speaker

OIL CITY, PA – Clarion University–Venango Campus will hold its 20^th annual commencement on Saturday, May 17 at 7:30 pm in Rhoades Auditorium for 53 students who have earned associate degrees. Local businesswoman and community leader Linda A. Greenfield, president and CEO of Galaxy Federal Credit Union, will deliver the keynote address after being named as this year’s Venango Campus Distinguished Alumna.

“Commencement is a milestone occasion for our students and their families. The graduates have worked diligently, often juggling college, careers, families and other priorities to reach this moment of celebration,” said Dr. Christopher M. Reber, executive dean of Clarion University–Venango Campus. “We’re proud of the students and their families and extremely pleased to have Venango Campus alumna Linda Greenfield deliver the keynote address. Her professional success and long-term commitment to improving our community are an inspiration for all of us.”

Greenfield received her Associate of Science degree in accounting from Clarion University–Venango Campus in 1979 and a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and economics from Clarion University in 1981. She is currently president/CEO of Galaxy Federal Credit Union, a position she has held since 1991. Greenfield was responsible for transforming Galaxy from a private credit union into a community credit union that serves any person who works, worships, volunteers, lives or attends school in Venango County. 

Under Greenfield’s leadership, credit union assets have grown from $8 million to more than $25 million, membership has doubled and staff and services have expanded. In addition, Galaxy Federal Credit Union has received the top, five-star rating given by Bauer Financial Reports, an independent, national evaluating body that rates all financial institutions within the United States. Galaxy has had a five-star rating since 1996 and is the only financial institution within Venango County that holds this distinction.

“Attending Venango Campus gave me the comfort of a small, hometown college, while preparing me for Clarion University and my future,” said Greenfield. “During my two years at Venango Campus, I met several lifetime friends and formed the foundation of many business relationships.  I am proud and grateful that I attended Venango Campus and would highly recommend it to all students.”

            In addition to her professional responsibilities, Greenfield is a dedicated and respected community leader. She has served as president of the board of directors for the Franklin Rotary Club, United Way of Venango County and the Franklin Club, where she was the first and only female president. She is currently chairwoman of the Parks Unlimited board of directors. She also is a past treasurer of the Venango Area Chapter of Network Professionals and Business Network Professionals. In addition to these organizations with which Greenfield continues to work, she is an active member of the Franklin and Oil City Chambers of Commerce, the Franklin Retail Association, and the Erie Chapter of Credit Unions.

Venango Campus students who will graduate May 17 include Ryan Patrick Firster, Alyce Stewart , Sarah Ann Benton and Peggy Ellen Lee who will receive Associate of Arts in Arts and Sciences degrees; Erica Naomi Birtciel, Derek Dale Rossman, Frances M. Bidish, Carolyn S. Hargenrader, Tiffany Ann Hupp, Christine Shannon Owens and Michael E. Seabright who will receive Associate of Science in Business Administration degrees; Barbara J. Poole and Marlene D. Baker who will receive Associate of Science in Rehabilitative Services degrees; Amy Sue Krizon and Wendy L. Kuhta who will receive Associate of Science in Legal Business Studies degrees; Veronica Ann McCauley, Bonnie Lee Oakes and Ladona Lynn Strouse who will receive Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education degrees; and Carrie Lynn Adams, Michelle M. Allison, Rebekah Ann Beardsley, Tina Marie Biondi, Kelly Sue Bowser, Heather Ann Brison, Susan Marie Burney, Vicky Chitu, Angela Marie Dunn, Jaime Lynn Fernandez, Ricky Lee Flack, Kristy Lynn Hays, Crystal Diane Heasley, Stephanie Marie Heckman, Keilen R. Holben, Ann Marie Kline, Mark Raymond Kovac, Karen Ann McDade, Alex George McGill, Amber Kay Morelli, Carrie Ann Nau, Nicole Lynne Nestor,  Cristina Leah O’Dell, Kelli Diane Shaffer, Patricia A. Shaffer, Tina Marie Watson, Opal T. Webb, Susan Marie Webber, Lara L. Womer, Tori L. Woolridge, and Lisa Renae Zimmerman who will receive Associate of Science in Nursing degrees. Mary J. Kush and Heidi R. Montgomery, candidates for an Associate of Science in Rehabilitative Services degrees, and Valerie K. Whitehall and Denise M. Blose, candidates for an Associate of Arts in Arts and Sciences, will be recognized at the commencement ceremony and will complete their degrees during Summer Semester 2003. 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, bachelor’s or master’s degree, obtain a one-year certificate or participate in a variety of professional development and personal enrichment courses. Clarion University–Venango Campus is committed to serving the needs of the community. Special programs offered at the campus include Kids in College, Jump Start and SeniorLink.

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