Award-winning actress S. Epatha Merkerson has made a generous $1 million donation to Talladega College, an Alabama HBCU, according to multiple media reports.

Merkerson served as the keynote speaker for the Alabama-based institution’s 150th commencement ceremony, held on May 4. Talladega College is the oldest private historically Black college in the state.

Rica Lewis-Payton, chair of the college’s Board of Trustees, praised the gift and highlighted its significance.

“This contribution will have a profound impact on our college,” Lewis-Payton said in a statement to WIAT CBS 42. “It ensures that Talladega remains a beacon in the community—nurturing and developing future generations of leaders. We are truly fortunate to have generous supporters like Ms. Merkerson, who believe in our mission and are committed to investing in our future.”

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Pennsylvania College of Technology has presented student achievement awards to its Spring 2025 graduates.

Commencement ceremonies were held May 16-17 at the Community Arts Center, Williamsport. Penn College is a special mission affiliate of Penn State.

The award winners, their hometowns and academic majors are:

President’s Award, presented for leadership and service to the college: Olivia D.A. Magann, New Albany, business administration.

Board of Directors’ Award, presented for achievement under exceptional conditions: Kayla Michele Figuereo, Linden, N.J., electronics & computer engineering technology.

Academic Vice President and Provost’s Award, presented for scholastic achievement and service: Walter J. Heiser, Easton, heating, ventilation & air conditioning technology; and Kayleigh A. Miller, Sayre, business administration.

Rose Staiman Memorial Award, presented for brotherhood, service to college and community, and scholastic achievement: James T. Zagurskie, Mifflintown, civil engineering technology.

Lewis H. Bardo Memorial Award, presented to a graduate who exemplifies the ideals of Lewis H. Bardo (devotion to duty, helpfulness to others, friendliness and high ideals): Kellor Schooley, Turbotville, business administration.

Accounting Faculty Award, presented to a graduate on the basis of academic standing for exceptional achievement in accounting: Noah Richard Hunt, Muncy, accounting.

Business Faculty Outstanding Graduate Award, presented to the top graduate majoring in a business program: Kayleigh A. Miller, Sayre, business administration.

Business Management Faculty Award, presented for achievement in the field of management, leadership qualities, and cooperation with faculty and peers: Olivia D.A. Magann, New Albany, business administration.

Mary Ditchfield Memorial Award, presented to a graduate who exemplifies Mary Ditchfield’s commitment to family and community through kindness, friendliness and unselfish service and who demonstrates devotion to local foods through participation in growers markets, gardening, community service, and celebration of local food festivities: Emma Elizabeth DelCampo, West Chester, baking & pastry arts.

Mathematics Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates outstanding achievement in mathematics: Erick David Thompson II, Williamsport, electronics & computer engineering technology.

Dean Solomon Memorial Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates a desire for a profession in mathematics and/or computer science; who demonstrates good character, an affable personality and concern for fellow human beings; and who has earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher: Timothy Shearon, York, information assurance & cyber security and information technology: network & user support.

Academic Excellence in Nursing Award, presented to a graduate of the associate-degree nursing major for outstanding academic achievement, exceptional ability in practicum and communication skills: Leha Gadd, Lock Haven, nursing.

Spirit of Nursing Award, presented to graduating associate-degree nursing students who exemplify the caring, compassion and empathy that are the very spirit of nursing and embody the spirit of the Penn College nursing philosophy – professional identity, comprehensive person-centered care, teaching and learning, nursing process, information literacy, collaboration, and evidence-based practice: Debra T. Bartkowski, Roaring Brook Township, nursing; and Kristy L. Creasy, Muncy, nursing.

Linda F. Clark, BS RN, Memorial Nursing Commencement Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, exceptional ability in practicum and commitment to lifelong learning: Alexis Leigh Cramp, Souderton, nursing.

Shirley Novosel Memorial Award, presented to a nursing graduate who has demonstrated excellence in clinical performance, clinical leadership, promotion of client advocacy, proficiency in clinical skills, a desire to learn and help others learn, a positive professional attitude, and a caring, compassionate, empathetic attitude toward clients: Hailey Jean DeBrody, Cogan Station, nursing.

Nursing Peer Recognition Award, presented to graduates of the associate-degree nursing major who fellow classmates believe exhibit the characteristics of the technical nurse role: Abigail Leah Port Simon, State College, nursing; and Amanda Christine Tricka, Jersey Shore, nursing.

FLIGHT Award: Fearless Learning in Good & Hard Times, presented to a graduate of the BSN program who has overcome the greatest adversity: Wendy Gee, Muncy, nursing.

UPMC Program Award for Applied Health Studies, presented to a graduate of the applied health studies program who has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skills; has demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and has demonstrated academic excellence: Jenna Lynn Marvin, Beulaville, N.C., applied health studies.

UPMC Program Award for Dental Hygiene, presented to a graduate of the dental hygiene program who has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skills; has demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and has demonstrated academic excellence: Natasha Dini, East Earl, dental hygiene.

Dr. Clarke J. Hollister Memorial Award, presented to a graduate who has shown outstanding ability and achievement in dental health education: Reagan Homer, Indiana, dental hygiene.

Colgate (S.T.A.R.) Student Total Achievement Recognition Award, presented to a graduate who exhibits enthusiasm and pursuit of excellence in dental hygiene and a dedication to patients: Sydnee Marie Williams, Union City, dental hygiene.

Dental Hygiene Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who demonstrates the most growth and development throughout his or her course of study: Madison Wenner, Strattanville, dental hygiene.

Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award, presented to the graduate with the highest clinical average in dental hygiene: Paige Shultz, Port Matilda, dental hygiene.

Patricia L. Saxton Excellence in Dental Hygiene Award, presented to a graduate who exhibits dedication to the profession through personal growth, self-development and support of others: Jadyn Makenzie Horner, Waynesboro, dental hygiene.

Michael J. Brady Dental Hygiene Compassion Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates exceptional care, empathy and conscientiousness when performing patient assessment: Sarah Pacheco, Williamsport, dental hygiene.

Construction Management Faculty Award, presented to graduates who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, perseverance, participation, work ethic and commitment to the field: Noah H. Jumper, Shippensburg, construction management; and Morgan H. Littlefield, Columbia Crossroads, construction management.

Construction Management Advisory Committee Achievement Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates professionalism, perseverance, a positive attitude and service to the construction management program: Christopher A. Fisher, Middleburg, construction management.

NorthCentral PA Chapter Construction Specifications Institute Excellence in Construction Award – Construction Management, presented to a graduate of construction management who demonstrates excellence, professionalism and integrity in and commitment to the construction industry: Aaron M. Wonderling, Houtzdale, construction management.

West Branch Susquehanna Builders Association Award, presented to graduates in building construction technology with outstanding GPAs, strong work ethic, ability to communicate well with faculty and a strong commitment to the residential building industry: Ezekiel Rayce Leonard, Bedford, residential construction technology & management.

Architecture Faculty Award for Academic Achievement, presented to a graduate of the Associate of Applied Science in architecture major for outstanding academic performance: Macguire R. Fontana, Douglassville, architecture.

Architecture Faculty Award for Academic Excellence, presented to a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in architecture & sustainable design major for outstanding academic performance: Samantha Ann Machuca, Salem, Va., architecture & sustainable design.

Architecture Faculty Award for Leadership & Service, presented to a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in architecture & sustainable design and/or Bachelor of Architecture majors for outstanding leadership, engagement and service to the college community: Jazmine E. Arzuaga, Reading, architecture & sustainable design.

Electrical Excellence Award, presented by Schaedler-Yesco Distribution Inc. to a graduate who has exhibited outstanding capabilities within the electrical field: Ty Edward Bosack, Pottsville, electrical technology.

Electrical Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding ability and achievement in the electrical field: Gage Romanoskie, Paxinos, electrical technology.

The Larry A. Ward Excellence in Mechatronics Award, presented to a graduate of an electromechanical and/or mechatronics major who has demonstrated outstanding ability and achievement in the field: Joseph Thomas Hemighaus III, Dushore, mechatronics technology.

Penn College Welding Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of a two- or four-year welding major who exemplifies the college’s philosophy of excellence: Benjamin D. Regester, Mansfield, welding & fabrication engineering technology and welding technology.

Robert G. Thomas Award, presented to the graduates who have attained the highest cumulative average in welding: Kyle Eggermann, North Brunswick, N.J., welding technology; and Kemper L. Van Houten, Milanville, welding & fabrication engineering technology and welding.

Plastics Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who most exemplifies the characteristics of excellence in education, dedication to the profession and commitment to service: Morgan Taylor Bartholomew, Etters, plastics & polymer engineering technology.

Automated Manufacturing Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of a two- or four-year automated manufacturing, machining, or toolmaking major who exemplifies the college’s philosophy of excellence and exhibits devotion to duty, helpfulness to others and friendliness: Noah J. Kapustic, Northampton, automated manufacturing technology.

Charlie Oldt Memorial Machining Award, presented to a graduate in the field of machining in memory of Charlie Oldt, who served as the tool room attendant for 22 years: Gavin Lewis Baer, Bainbridge, manufacturing engineering technology, automated manufacturing technology.

Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of electronics and computer engineering technology based on major GPA, as well as faculty nomination and vote of support: Erick David Thompson II, Williamsport, electronics & computer engineering technology.

Automation Engineering Technology Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of automation engineering technology based on major GPA, as well as faculty nomination and vote of support: Nicholas Stefanowicz, Sweet Valley, automation engineering technology: robotics & automation.

Building Automation Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of building automation engineering technology who has demonstrated outstanding ability, work ethic, professionalism, and achievement in the field, classroom and lab: Tyler Edward Jasper, Lewistown, building automation engineering technology.

Engineering Design Technology Faculty Award, presented to graduates who have demonstrated scholastic achievement, interest in the field and potential for success in the future: Sara A. Halligan, Mohnton, engineering design technology; and Richard Todd Markle, Spring Mills, engineering design technology.

Industrial Design Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated scholastic achievement, interest in the field and potential for success in the future: Nolan Robert Frederick, Blossburg, industrial design.

M&T Bank Award, presented to a graduate of an information technology associate-degree program who has demonstrated a high degree of leadership ability and excellence in programming, networking and other information technology curricula, and who has maintained a consistently high level of scholastic achievement and plans to enter the information technology field: Justin Cory Barnett, Johnsonburg, information technology: network & user support.

Information Technology Faculty Award, presented for scholastic achievement, work ethic, character, contribution to the department and contribution to fellow students: Sydney Ashlyn Solaire, Claysburg, software development & information management.

UPMC Program Award for Information Technology, presented to a graduate in the information technology program who has exhibited strong leadership and teamwork skills; has demonstrated excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession; and has demonstrated academic excellence: Zackery Fleming, Williamsport, software development & information management.

Allan Myers Award, presented to the top-performing graduate of heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis: Mark Guadagnoli, Hollywood, Md., heavy construction equipment technology: Caterpillar emphasis and heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis.

Pathfinders to Excellence Award, presented to graduates of the heavy construction or diesel program who demonstrate the qualities of an exemplary individual and the potential to become a model technician: Thomas J. Buck, Warminster, heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis; and Andrew J. Yealy, New Oxford, heavy construction equipment technology: Caterpillar emphasis.

Heavy Construction Equipment Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who most exemplifies professionalism within the field: James M. Winklosky, Derry, heavy construction equipment technology: Caterpillar emphasis.

Ewing W. Muesler Award, presented to the graduate showing the highest degree of proficiency in the diesel technology major: Matthew Paul Kauffman, Lewistown, diesel technology.

William E. Curry Award, presented to graduates who most exemplify the late William Curry’s pursuit of technical excellence and his enthusiastic passion for the diesel technology industry: Stephanie Bean, Lakewood, diesel technology; and Joseph M. Proctor, Mill Hall, diesel technology.

William J. Stitzel Memorial Award, presented to a graduate of a diesel technology major who best exemplifies William J. Stitzel’s dedication to Penn College through service to the college community, service to fellow students and academic achievement: Nathan Albert Tripp, Weatherly, diesel technology.

Earth Science Center Service Award, presented to a graduate who shows exceptional leadership, professionalism and service to the majors at the Earth Science Center: Thomas J. Buck, Warminster, heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis.

Forest Technology Faculty Award, presented to the graduate who best exemplifies academic achievement, service and professionalism within the field of forestry: Christian D. Furman, Coudersport, forest technology.

Horticulture Faculty Award, presented to graduates who best exemplify academic achievement, motivation and professionalism in the field of horticulture: Lila A. McKeon, Montoursville, landscape/plant production technology; and Jake Allen Seasock, Lancaster, landscape/plant production technology.

Aviation Technology Faculty Award, presented to a graduate who demonstrates academic achievement, ethics, teamwork, professionalism and a commitment to excellence in the field of aviation maintenance: Dahlea Corinne Mitchell, Harrisburg, aviation maintenance technician.

Honda PACT Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in the Honda PACT major: Jake Nicolich, Jersey Shore, automotive technology: Honda PACT emphasis.

Grant Berry Sr. Automotive Excellence Award, presented to the graduate with the highest cumulative GPA in an automotive associate degree major: Tyler Strausser, Moscow, automotive technology.

Axalta Excellence Award, presented to the graduate of a collision repair major with the highest cumulative GPA: Derickson M. Keller, Lewes, Del., collision repair technology.

Orelli Supply Award, presented to an outstanding graduate of a collision repair major as agreed upon by the faculty: Matthew Munoz, Tobyhanna, collision repair technology.

Collision Repair Department Award, presented to an outstanding graduate of a collision repair major: Kyle Douglas Bealer, York, collision repair technology.

Automotive Technology Faculty Award, presented to a graduate of an automotive associate degree program who demonstrates academic achievement, ethics, teamwork, professionalism and a commitment to excellence in the field of automotive maintenance: Connor Michael Hecei, Warren, automotive technology.

Restoration Faculty Award, presented to an outstanding graduate who has attained the highest cumulative average in automotive restoration technology: Jason Matthew Wollermann, Egg Harbor Township, N.J., automotive restoration.

Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour Award for Leadership & Service to Penn College, presented to graduates who exemplify Davie Jane Gilmour’s legacy of outstanding leadership and contributions to the student experience: Morgan Taylor Bartholomew, Etters, plastics & polymer engineering technology; Leah Marie Brown, Willow Grove, dental hygiene; Chyanna Lynn Galagarza, Williamsport, human services & restorative justice; *Samantha Hess, Williamsport, Nursing; **Hayden Lester, Jersey Shore, business administration and business management; Olivia D.A. Magann, New Albany, business administration; *Samir Pringle, Philadelphia, business administration; Kellor Schooley, Turbotville, business administration.

*Graduating in December 2025

**Graduating in May 2026

For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, visit www.pct.edu, email [email protected] or call toll-free 800-367-9222.