|
Clarion University presented 167 master’s degrees, 679 bachelor’s degrees and 109 associate degrees during 2016 spring commencement ceremonies May 6 and 7 on the Venango and Clarion campuses.
Matthew Knox of Franklin, one of nearly 100 education graduates, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education, secondary education/social studies. He's pursuing teaching positions both in the local area and in the southern United States, and he said he's anxious to begin his career.
"Student teaching prepared me for what I'll face in the real world," Knox said. "Clarion did a great job of providing various tools and techniques for educating children."
Hanna Reed and Lauren Best, both graduates of Clarion High School, also earned education degrees, Reed in mid-level math and Best in mid-level English.
"Clarion gave us what we need to be able to manage a classroom and give students the tools they need to excel in their futures," Reed said.
Both she and Best, along with Rio Coon of Marion Center, will continue in Clarion's Master of Education program, all concentrating on special education.
"In mid-level math, we have two block experiences, which give us a lot of opportunities to be in the field and make sure we really love it before we graduate," Coon said.
Stephen Tweed ('72), chairman and CEO of Leading Home Care, addressed graduates. Tweed is an internationally known healthcare and business strategist, award-winning professional speaker, author and consultant. He is author of "Strategic Focus: A Gameplan for Developing Competitive Advantage," and co-author of seven books written for the home care industry. Tweed, a native of Lock Haven, earned his bachelor's degree from Lock Haven university and his master's degree in communication from Clarion University.
Seth Herrick of Cochranton, a summa cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science in medical imaging sciences, was the student speaker at the Venango ceremony.
Clarion campus graduates heard from students Jarrett C. Boxley of Arnold, who received his Bachelor of Science in Communication, and Brendan Shepherd of Wexford, who received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in management.