FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                     Contact: Marisa Bilicic

April 28, 2003                                                                              814-676-6591 Ext. 1215

Clarion University–Venango Campus Honors Student Achievement

OIL CITY, PA – Clarion University−Venango Campus held its twelfth annual Honors Night celebration at the Quality Inn at Franklin on Friday, April 25, 2003. The dinner and celebration recognized the outstanding achievement of students receiving scholarships, Outstanding Student Awards, Special Achievement Awards, and Dean’s List recognition. Dr. Diane Reinhard, president of Clarion University of Pennsylvania, delivered the keynote address.

 “Honors Night is one of the most important activities of our academic year,” said Dr. Christopher M. Reber, executive dean of Venango Campus. “We’re committed to providing a high-quality educational experience for all students and Honors Night celebrates the achievement of many who have excelled academically at Clarion University–Venango Campus. We’re also immensely grateful for the generous and inspiring support of our scholarship sponsors who make a college education possible for so many of our students. This support provides life-changing opportunities for the people of our region.”

Scholarship sponsors include Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield, UPMC NW Auxiliary, Oil City Lions Club, Oil City Rotary Club, Pennzoil, Dr. Glenn R. McElhattan, Representative Ronald E. Black, Dr. Thomas A. Gardner, Robert Heasley and Brad Knight Memorial, Paul M. Goldberg Memorial, Regional Vision, John Nesbit Rees & Sarah Henne Rees Charitable Foundation, Odd Fellows, Second Presbyterian Women, Zonta Club and Clarion University–Venango Campus.

Clarion University–Venango Campus students, faculty, and staff also honored Dr. Reinhard, who will be retiring in June, for her 13 years of extraordinary leadership and service at the university and in the community.

During the Honors Night celebration, thirteen students were honored for their selection by Venango Campus faculty to receive Outstanding Student Awards in each of the major fields of study at the campus. These students include Brooke M. Brown, Cooperstown, Arts & Sciences (A.A.); Carolyn S. Hargenrader, Oil City, Business Administration (A.S.); Jennifer R. Fish, Cranberry, Early Childhood Education (A.S.); Rebekah A. Beardsley, Fryburg, Nursing (A.S.N.); Wendy L. Kuhta, Franklin, Legal Business Studies (A.S.); Mary J. Kush, Oil City, Rehabilitative Services (A.S.); James R. Edwards, Franklin, Arts & Sciences (B.S.); Aubrey L. Hulings, Knox, Business Administration (B.S.B.A.); Kimberley S. Shirey, Oil City, Education (B.S.E.D.); Charlotte L. McConnell, Sigel, Nursing (B.S.N.); Julie R. Cartney, Titusville, Nursing (M.S.N.); and Juliet G. Yeany, Venus, Contribution to Student Life.

      Scholarship recipients included Ruby Fultz, Christopher Hammond, Julie Hollidge, Robert Morris, Heather Burneisen, Jonathan Clark, Angela Shontz, Peggy Lee, Kimberley Shirey, Ashley Kusick, Shelly Walters, Renae Burchfield, Anthony Galla, Deborah Wilson, Renae Stover, Valerie Busch, Kathleen Toth, and Steven McClellan from Oil City and Lucas Kassi, Frank Rodgers, Suzette Miller, Tammy Dulaney, Daniel Reinsel, Patricia Stewart, Maria Gonzalez, Brett O’Neil, Cynthia Graham, Christine Perry, Scott Greene, Anna Betke, James Edwards, and Heidi Phipps from Franklin.

Additional scholarship recipients included Stephanie Daly and Brian Brock from Cooperstown; Kelin Brown and Sharon Gerdts from Cochranton; Katie O’Neil, Kristie Settlemire, and Lori Horn from Seneca; Lindsay McWilliams and Julie Silvis from Tionesta; Hilary Lynch and Diane Switzer from Kennerdell; and Julia Sanchez, David Dallas and Amanda Speigel from Titusville.

Also honored for receiving scholarships were Chelsi Confer from Pleasantville; Shelah Bolyard from Mercer; Shannon Hilbert from Parker; Patricia Sefton from Sandy Lake; Ladona Strouse from Polk; Jessica Doyle from Utica; Katey Bryant from Centerville; Irene Coleman from North Braddock; Stephanie Hinderliter from Brookville; Jacque Lutz from Emlenton; Tonya Simpson from Penfield; Garth Ploski from Meadville; Janine Rodgers from Cranberry; and Holli Slezak from West Hickory.

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.

###