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TITUSVILLE, Pa. – Warren and Forest County residents were among those who received their diploma or certificate in general studies at the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College’s commencement Saturday.
Seven students received their diploma, while an additional four students earned their certificate in general studies, during the event at The Titusville Mill. Two students graduated in absentia.
“As I look out at our graduates, I see many happy faces: I see hope; I see potential; I see individuals who want to make a difference; I see success,” NPRC President Susan Snelick said. “You have all made a difference at NPRC. You represent our third graduating class of the college, and I am thrilled to be here, as your president, to take part in this moment in your, and the college’s, life.”
Savannah Casey was selected as this year’s class speaker. Before the ceremony, she spoke more in-depth about what the opportunity to be the student speaker and the employees of NPRC meant to her.
“I’m ecstatic and very honored,” Casey said. “I greatly appreciate everyone who saw potential in me and helped me get through college. Every student engagement specialist, administrator, faculty, and staff member are phenomenal.”
During her speech, Casey shared her journey as a college student that began in the fall of 2020. She thanked her husband and children for sticking by her side over the last three years as well as the NPRC faculty and staff for their guidance and for a special graduation day.
Casey also included some inspiring words of advice for all in attendance.
“Your time is limited,” Casey said. “Do not waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own voice. And, most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart.”
Kane Mayor Brandy Schimp was the 2023 Commencement Speaker. Schimp’s address featured themes of asking for help when needed, understanding the value of each person’s dollar, turning “they” into “we,” being proud to be an NPRC graduate, and having pride in being from a rural area.
“I hope as you go, you proudly tell people that you are a graduate of NPRC,” Schimp said. “And that you tell them why you love the area. And that you encourage them to check it out for themselves. Rural can sometimes come with a negative connotation – that we must have less of something – but by helping others to reimagine how they view rural, we are helping them experience this area we are fortunate enough to call home.
“We can move mountains in rural areas. We are not less than. We are a force. And a movement. And an incredible way of life. So, wherever your journey takes you, I hope you take a piece of this special place with you and know that you can come back, because opportunity abounds.”
NPRC Board of Trustees Chairperson Kate Brock concluded the ceremony.
“As you continue your journey after NPRC, we wish you all the best,” Brock said. “You will always have support from the team at NPRC. And finally, please remember to keep in touch and keep us updated as you accomplish your goals.”
This year’s NPRC candidates included:
Associate of Arts
Angela L. McFarland – Tionesta
Sarah Marie Parmeter* – Clarendon
Katherine J. Reed – Corry
Associate of Science
Michelle L. Bawden* – Tionesta
Savannah Casey* – Warren
Noah Held* – Erie
Associate of Applied Science
Gina Gornati* – Kersey
Certificate in General Studies
Michelle L. Bawden – Tionesta
Emily Burdick+ – Titusville
Savannah Casey – Warren
Gina Gornati – Kersey
Corrine Lou Heeter – Titusville
Noah Held – Erie
Kerston Latchaw – Franklin
Angela L. McFarland – Tionesta
Sarah Marie Parmeter – Clarendon
Katherine J. Reed – Corry
*Graduating with Honors — Students who graduate with Honors have earned an institutional GPA of 3.00 or higher and have earned at least 50% of the required credit hours through enrollment in NPRC coursework.
+ Received general studies certificate in absentia.
