Lycoming College’s Evelyn Stong ’26, double major in history and theatre technology and design with a minor in German, recently brought home the highest recognition in the scenic design discipline for Region 2 at the American College Theater Festival (ACTF). Stong earned the National Finalist ACTF Award for Theatrical Design Excellence in Scenic Design for her exceptional work on Lycoming College’s production of “Rumors.”

This prestigious honor qualified Stong to present her design work to two professionals in the field. Jay Duckworth and Charlie Calvert — artists whom Stong greatly admires and respects — provided Stong with feedback on her work, which is currently displayed on ACTF's virtual national gallery.

Stong will also receive the University Resident Theatre Association (URTA) Candidate Award, which provides free registration for the URTA Auditions and Interviews, including free admission to continuing education sessions and other programming.

Her success at the festival didn't stop there. Stong received another recognition for her participation in the Devised Theatre Workshop for ACTF Region 2, in which small groups of students from different colleges were given themes, necessary music/sound bites, and required props. Amid participation in other festival activities, the groups created a short theatre piece from scratch around these things and put it on in within three days.

For Stong, the journey to this national recognition began before college. “The first time I really did theatre was in high school and the community I experienced there as well as the outlet it gave me for both creative and analytical problem solving made me certain I wanted it to play a major role in my future,” she said.

When looking for a college, Lycoming’s approach to theatre education stood out. “Lycoming College's theatre department was attractive to me because of the way it encouraged students to learn all parts of the theatrical world instead of just drilling them in the chosen specialization, allowing space for experimentation and figuring out what aspects of theatre suit you best, as well as fostering a respect and understanding between theatrical departments and roles,” Stong explained. “The small department size and the fact that it only taught undergraduates also allowed for a more personalized educational experience and provided more roles and opportunities to create and realize projects.”

During her time at Lycoming, Stong has taken advantage of the diverse curriculum. Her favorite class, Costume Design, allowed her to design and construct a costume of her choosing. “Not only did it provide me an outlet for creativity with the help of a very experienced professor who helped me realize it, but the way it was set up also taught me a lot of new techniques and practices in the hands-on way I learn best with,” she noted.

The mentorship from the theatre faculty has been instrumental in her development. “The theatre faculty have given me lots of opportunities to grow as a person and as a theatrical designer, both in classes and on various theatrical projects,” Stong said. “They have taught me so many different skill sets – dramaturgy, costume design and construction, circuitry, light programming, digital design rendering, CNC machining, and how to portray my design and myself to an audience, to name a few – that I feel that even if my career path changes, they will still have helped me reach success. They have all been very encouraging, providing numerous book recommendations and insights into the theatrical world that have been indispensable for my growth in the field.”

Stong’s Lycoming experience extends beyond the theatre department. With the help of a Wertz Scholarship, she is currently spending a semester studying abroad in Germany. “I wouldn't have even considered studying abroad without it; it's been a great help in making this semester a reality,” she said. While in Germany, she is taking classes in German language, European art history, and rebellion and revolution in post-World War II Germany, while also taking full advantage of student discounts to visit as many shows and museums as possible.

Looking ahead to her life after graduation, Stong plans to work professionally as a theatre properties artisan, bringing the diverse skills and experiences she gained at Lycoming to the professional stage.

Two Lycoming College 2026 graduates were commissioned as 2^nd lieutenants after successfully completing the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, in the Bison Battalion’s 76^th commissioning ceremony, at Bucknell University’s Rooke Chapel, Sunday, May 17.

The ROTC program requires cadets to participate in weekly classes, physical training, monthly leadership labs, and a field training exercise every semester, all while keeping pace with academic and extracurricular commitments.

Nickolas Arnold (Millville, Pa.) was commissioned into the Army as an active duty Armor. 2^nd Lieutenant Arnold was awarded a bachelor’s degree in history and archaeology during May 9 Commencement exercises at Lycoming College, where he graduated cum laude.

Anthony Michael Coukart (Portage, Pa.) was commissioned into the Army as an active duty Signal; Brand Detail Armor. Lycoming College awarded 2^nd Lieutenant Coukart a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in philosophy during May 9 Commencement exercises.

The commissioning ceremony included an address from retired Command Seargeant Major Mario O. Terenas. As part of the ceremony, cadets raised their right hands and recited the oath as they received gold lieutenant bars, signifying the transition from cadet to professional military officer, and their first salute, representing the symbolic receipt of respect due newly commissioned second lieutenants.

“We are incredibly proud of Nickolas and Michael for their achievement and commitment to service,” said Chip Hinton, vice president for enrollment management at Lycoming College. “Their success in the ROTC program reflects the discipline, leadership, and sense of purpose that define a Lycoming education. As they begin their careers as commissioned officers, they carry forward our mission of developing responsible citizens who lead lives of significance and service.”

ROTC at Lycoming College

The Lycoming College Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, part of the Bison Battalion, offers students the chance to pursue higher education with financial support from the Army. Along with learning and physical training, the program prepares students for military service as commissioned officers in the active Army, or part-time in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard. More information on ROTC at Lycoming College is available at https://www.lycoming.edu/rotc.

Lycoming College has announced a new affiliation agreement with Geisinger College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine (GCHS SOM) that provides eligible Lycoming students with a guaranteed interview for consideration for admission to GCHS SOM’s highly competitive doctor of medicine (M.D.) program.

GCHS SOM offers a community-based model of medical education that emphasizes early clinical exposure. Its innovative Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) curriculum accentuates Geisinger’s deep roots in research, health system science, and value-based care, as well as international prominence in genetics and genomics. This approach creates a unique, world-class learning environment where students develop the knowledge and skills to practice medicine and promote health, wellness, and disease prevention in the communities they serve. 

The agreement establishes a streamlined pathway for qualified Lycoming pre-med students to advance their medical education at a premier Pennsylvania institution. Lycoming students who meet rigorous academic and professional standards will be invited to interview at GCHS SOM during the application cycle preceding their desired entry year.

To qualify for an interview, Lycoming College students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Maintain a cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) of at least 3.5 for all courses completed at Lycoming College.
• Maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 3.5 in all science courses, with no grade below a "C" in any course.
• Achieve a score of 509 or higher on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), with a score of at least 126 in each section.
• Submit an American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application and a GCHS SOM secondary application by the appropriate deadlines.
• Secure a committee letter of endorsement from the faculty at Lycoming College.
• Meet all professionalism requirements.
• Be active members of the Lyco White Coat program.

Students in the program will receive dedicated guidance from Lycoming College faculty. This designated advisor will serve as the academic advisor and primary liaison with the GCHS SOM admissions office, ensuring students are well-prepared for the rigors of medical school and the application process.

Final acceptance into the M.D. program will be determined by GCHS SOM following the interview through its established, mission-aligned selection process.

Visit the Lycoming College website for more information on Lycoming College’s affiliation with GCHS SOM and pre-medical studies.

Lycoming College today announced the appointment of Walter C. Williams to the position of vice president for college advancement. Reporting directly to the president, Williams will serve as the chief fundraising officer and a member of the administrative cabinet, while acting as the liaison to the board of trustees’ advancement committee.

A strategic and mission-driven advancement executive, Williams brings more than 30 years of experience leading high-performing teams at public and private institutions. In his new role, he will oversee major and planned gifts, annual giving, alumni relations, advancement services, and foundation relations. Williams will work closely with the president and board of trustees to identify fundraising priorities, develop comprehensive campaign efforts, and maintain a personal portfolio of major and principal donors. He will also provide strategic leadership to build upon Lycoming’s philanthropic momentum, expand the College's endowment and capital projects, and support signature alumni events.

“Walter brings a very strong record as an advancement leader and fundraiser. He immediately stood out through the search process and demonstrated his capacity to lead Lycoming’s talented and experienced advancement team. I am very excited to welcome him to Lycoming College and look forward to the ways in which his leadership and commitment to the liberal arts and sciences will shape the future of Lycoming College,” said Chip Edmonds, president of Lycoming College.

Most recently, Williams served as assistant vice president for development at The College of Wooster, where he partnered in the planning and early execution of the college’s next comprehensive campaign and helped build and lead a 20-plus member development team designed to strengthen fundraising performance, donor engagement, and long-term philanthropic growth. Prior to Wooster, he served as vice president for development and alumni relations at Hiram College, and vice president for advancement and executive director of the foundation at SUNY Empire State University. His extensive career also includes senior advancement roles at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Syracuse University, and Cornell University.

“Lycoming’s commitment to a distinguished liberal arts and sciences education within a supportive residential community resonates deeply with me,” said Williams. “The College’s emphasis on experiential learning, student opportunity, and endowment-supported access offers a compelling case for philanthropy that is both mission-centered and impact-driven. I look forward to partnering with President Edmonds, the trustees, and the entire Lycoming community to sustain and grow the College's philanthropic momentum.”

Williams holds a master’s degree in organizational communication, learning and design from Ithaca College, and a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations from the University of Mississippi. He also holds professional certifications from Northwestern University's Kellogg Executive Education and the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Lycoming College has announced a new cooperative agreement with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) that will allow students to earn internship credits toward their degree by successfully completing cadet basic training at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy during their final semester.

The partnership creates a streamlined pathway for Lycoming College students to finish their undergraduate education while simultaneously training to become a state trooper. Under the agreement, Lycoming students who complete cadet basic training will be awarded college credit, enabling them to graduate with both their Lycoming bachelor’s degree and a career as a state trooper.

“This agreement with Lycoming College allows cadets to earn their college degree upon graduating from the PSP Academy,” said Lieutenant Colonel George L. Bivens, the acting commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “This initiative demonstrates our commitment to higher education and lifelong learning, formally recognizing the academic rigor, discipline, and professional standards necessary to become a member of the PSP.”

Students in the program will substitute traditional classroom time with a rigorous 28-week training program at the PSP Academy in Hershey, Pa. The academy curriculum includes physical activities and educational coursework in Pennsylvania’s crimes and vehicle codes, law enforcement principles and practices, firearms, and special equipment training.

The program is not limited to criminal justice majors; students in any discipline may apply for admittance to the PSP Academy.

Admission to the PSP Academy remains highly competitive and is at the sole discretion of the Pennsylvania State Police. Students must meet all PSP applicant requirements, including being at least 20 years old at the time of application and possessing a valid driver's license. There is no cost to apply or enter the academy, and cadets are paid a biweekly salary with room and meals provided.

Upon successful graduation from the academy, cadets are promoted to the rank of trooper.

“Through our new partnership with PSP, Lycoming students will graduate one step ahead, having earned a bachelor’s degree and completing cadet basic training at the Academy at the same time,” said Kerry Richmond, Ph.D., professor of criminal justice and criminology at Lycoming College. “This agreement allows our students to seamlessly transition from the classroom to a rewarding career in law enforcement, gaining invaluable hands-on experience that perfectly complements their liberal arts education.”

Richmond will serve as Lycoming College's primary point of contact for the program.

For more information about the Pennsylvania State Police Academy and applicant requirements, visit PATrooper.com.

Lycoming College's Suzanne O'Driscoll, D.Prof., vice president for student affairs and success, was named to the list of The Top Women Leaders of Pennsylvania for 2026 by Women We Admire.

Read the full story.

NorthcentralPA.com writes about Lycoming's first Chieftain from the island nation of Mauritius, Soumayyah Gaujee '26. Read the full story of her journey.

Through a partnership with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), Lycoming College students may now apply to LECOM’s Early Acceptance Program (EAP) for access to advanced medical and health degrees.

The EAP allows qualified students to interview with LECOM during their undergraduate years and potentially receive provisional acceptance to a LECOM professional program prior to completing their Lycoming degree. Students who meet admission requirements and maintain the required academic and professional standards at Lycoming College will matriculate into their LECOM program after graduation.

LECOM is the largest medical school in the nation and is the only Academic Health Center in the osteopathic profession, integrating medical education with research and patient care. LECOM offers innovative and affordable education in osteopathic, dental, and podiatric medicine and pharmacy. The partnership with LECOM will enable Lycoming to provide student-centered pathways to prepare the next generation of Lycoming graduates for health care professions.

How the Early Acceptance Program Works

1. Students apply to the LECOM Early Acceptance Program during high school or in their early college years.
2. Qualified applicants interview with LECOM and may receive provisional acceptance to a professional program.
3. Students complete their undergraduate degree at Lycoming while maintaining required GPA and program standards before matriculating to LECOM.

The following degrees are offered to Lycoming College students through the LECOM EAP program:

1. 4+4 Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) – Lycoming students apply to medical school using both college and high school credentials including SAT scores, shadowing experiences, etc.
2. 4+4 Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) – Lycoming students apply to dental school using both college and high school credentials including SAT scores, shadowing experiences, etc.
3. 4+4 Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) – Lycoming students apply to the podiatric medical program using both college and high school credentials including SAT scores, shadowing experiences, etc.
4. Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) – LECOM’s pharmacy students can choose between a 4+4 program, 3+ track, or 2+ track, earning a bachelor’s degree and a pharmacy degree in as little as six years.

Lycoming offers multiple majors that can serve as a path to a career in medicine and healthcare, including biology, biomedical sciences (beginning Fall 2026), biophysics, chemistry, biochemistry, neuroscience, and more. The Lyco White Coat program prepares aspiring physicians for medical school admissions through impactful undergraduate mentorship. Pre-med students are assigned a dedicated advisor to help guide them along the road to medical school admission, including academic and community service support, securing clinical shadowing experiences, MCAT preparation, the preparation of medical college applications and interviews, and more.

Visit the Lycoming College website to learn more about LECOM EAP at Lycoming College.

About LECOM

Founded in 1992, LECOM has grown to become the largest and one of the most affordable medical schools in the United States. LECOM offers innovative, student-centered pathways to degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, dental medicine, podiatry and health services administration. To date, LECOM has graduated more than 18,000 healthcare professionals who are now serving communities across the country. Committed to excellence in education, research, and community service, LECOM continues to shape the future of healthcare by training the next generation of highly skilled and compassionate professionals.

Lycoming College rallied its community to invest in endless possibilities during its eighth annual Days of Giving held April 14 & 15, 2026. The event garnered 1,059 donors and $676,269 in gifts, helping Lycoming to fuel innovation, empower students and faculty to pursue bold ideas, and drive meaningful impact across disciplines.

“This is a moment of new beginnings and momentum that will help shape Lycoming’s future, and our students’ success reflects your belief in their potential and in Lycoming’s mission. Thank you to all who joined us in support of making uncommon outcomes possible,” remarked Lindsay Crist, director of annual giving.

Launching new majors fuels the modern leadership and learning opportunities that Lycoming must be able to offer to remain relevant in the next educational frontier. Donors could direct their gifts to a pool of funds that allows the College to continue to add innovative academic offerings that are in demand by today's students, including new majors in sports management and exercise science that will begin in Fall 2026.

Recruiting future Warriors remains one of our most critical priorities. This year, donors could provide sponsorships for admissions initiatives for the upcoming recruitment cycle, such as sponsoring an Open House event.

Lycoming College is one of just 17 institutions across the nation categorized as  a “Super Equity Engine.” Gifts directed to the Presidential Initiatives Fund empowers President Edmonds to advance the priorities he knows will launch Lycoming into its next era of prominence, while nurturing the good of this place and its people, and its tradition.

“I am deeply thankful to everyone who took part in this year’s Days of Giving, and I’m excited to continue advancing Lycoming’s mission alongside such a passionate and committed community of alumni and friends,” said Chip Edmonds, Ed.D. ’98, the College’s new president. “Support of the Presidential Initiatives Fund creates a strong foundation that will allow the College to build on its successes and move boldly into the future.”

Exceeding their Days of Giving 2025 fundraising total, the athletics department raised additional resources to further enrich the student-athlete experience. Alumni, parents, and Warriors fans gave a total of $200,080 in support of athletics. “The generous support of our student-athletes is truly inspiring this year as 791 gifts were designated to a team, athletic project, or our overall department,” said Glenn Smith ’07, director of athletics. “At Lycoming, student-athletes compete, learn, grow, and develop into people who go on to do great things, and Days of Giving provides critical support for those endeavors.” 

Once again, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends rallied to lead matches and challenges that inspired participation and expanded generosity across the Lycoming community. Donors supported the causes closest to their hearts — spanning academics, athletics, Greek life, music, and reunion classes. We are also grateful to the many social media advocates who helped build excitement and momentum online on the College’s behalf.

Lycoming College recognized two members of faculty at its annual Honors Convocation on for excellence in teaching.

Plankenhorn Alumni Award for Faculty Excellence

The 2026 Plankenhorn Alumni Award for Faculty Excellence was presented to Amanda Horn Gunderson, D.M.A., associate professor of music at Lycoming College. She teaches courses in applied piano and music theory.

Gunderson’s diverse research interests include biomechanics (especially for small-handed pianists) and asymmetrical meter in pedagogical repertoire. She has presented research and lecture recitals at state conferences for Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association (PMTA) and published in American Music Teacher, the bimonthly journal of Music Teachers National Association. Her most recent article, entitled “The Well-Crafted Question: Inspiring Students to Connect, Create, and Think Critically,” earned the 2017 Article of the Year Award from Music Teachers National Association.

Her performances range widely from solos in Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall (2008) to chamber music performances at the Beijing National Library (2015). She is the recipient of the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery’s Emerging Interfaces Award, a UW-Madison Graduate Student Mentor Award, and first prize in the Irving Shain Duo Competition. In 2017, she was named Teacher of the Year by (PMTA). Her primary teachers include Jessica Johnson, Timothy Shafer, and Christopher Taylor.

Gunderson earned a bachelor’s degree and two masters’ degrees from Pennsylvania State University, and a doctoral degree in musical arts from The University of Wisconsin – Madison, where she attended as a University Fellow.

Junior Faculty Teaching Award

Marisa C. Sánchez, Ph.D., assistant professor of art history, was awarded the 2026 Junior Faculty Teaching Award. Director of the art history program at Lycoming College, her teaching and research interests focus on modern and contemporary art, feminist art histories, art historical and curatorial methodologies, museum culture, and the artist interview.

For Lycoming College Art Gallery, Sánchez curated Nina Elder: All Actions Have a Past and a Future, an exhibit coinciding with the Environmental Justice Symposium she co-organized for the campus and local community this semester. In 2024, she received the inaugural Mary Sieminski Endowed Humanities Research Award at the College.

Sánchez completed a Mellon postdoctoral fellowship at Colby College Museum of Art, where she researched the permanent collection and the museum’s history, curated the exhibition Time and Tide Flow Wide: The Collection in Context, 1959–1973, and taught art history.

She has presented papers on her dissertation, The Beckett Effect: The Work of Stan Douglas, Paul Chan, and Tania Bruguera, at conferences including College Art Association, Samuel Beckett Society, and Modern Language Association. Sánchez has published on her topic including “Foucault’s Beckett” in Michel Foucault: les arts & les letters/arts & humanities in the 21st Century and her interview with artist Stan Douglas appeared in Samuel Beckett and Contemporary Art.

She currently serves on the College Art Association’s Education Committee, and has served as an advisor to second shelf, a collaborative book acquisition project originating at the Royal Academy of Art in Antwerp. She has taught art history at University of British Columbia and Emily Carr University of Art + Design.

Sánchez earned a bachelor’s degree from Villanova University, a master’s degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and her doctorate from University of British Columbia.

Lycoming College students and staff were recognized at the College’s annual Honors Convocation for leadership through serving the Lycoming and Williamsport communities. Honorees were acknowledged for their selfless and tireless dedication to serving others and for their leadership to advance student life. Those honored include:

Bishop D. Frederick Wertz - Presented for outstanding dedication and selfless service to others during a student’s college career.

• Katherine Loughran ’26
• Faith Okereke-Mba ’27
• Bryan Perez ’26

The Helen R. Hoover Community Service Prize - Presented to a senior demonstrating a personal commitment to serving less fortunate citizens in either Greater Williamsport or their own community of permanent residence.

• Cynthia Alvarado ’26
• Sierrastarr James ’26

Ethel McDonald Pax Christi Award - Given for outstanding but quiet consistency in the life of faith and the practice of Christianity, noteworthy personal integrity, and humble loving compassion expressed in daily life.

• Zoie Dodson ’26
• Kayla Swann ’26

Torchbearer Award - Presented to the chapter of a fraternity or sorority with the highest G.P.A.

• Alpha Xi Delta
• Tau Kappa Epsilon

IRUSKA Honor Society Awards - Founded in 1954 as a means to honor students for their contributions and leadership at the College. Students chosen for induction have exhibited outstanding contributions to campus life.

• Gökçe Atacan ’27
• Marissa Caspersen ’27
• Aaron Deffenbaugh ’27
• Katelyn Hunsberger ’27
• Yahir Jimenez ’27
• Angelina Madonna ’27
• Morgan Mullins ’27
• Luis Otero ’27
• Erika Puga ’27
• Preyashi Wozageer ’27

The J Marco Hunsberger Service to Lycoming Award - Presented for unselfish service and contribution to student life by seniors during their college careers.

• Cynthia Alvarado ’26
• Gabriella Fugon ’26
• Soumayyah Gaujee ’26
• Anna Glantz ’26
• Pamela Koontz ’26
• Paige Mullins ’26
• Djitshmy Senejuste ’26
• Autumn Shahan ’26
• Cole Sharpnack ’26
• Jacob Wagers ’26

(l-r) President Chip Edmonds, Houseknecht, Vice President for Student Affairs and Success Suzanne O’Driscoll

Makisu Award - Presented to a faculty or staff member for outstanding service to the College community, for dedication above and beyond the realm of one’s obligations in relation to the College.

• Debra Houseknecht

Bishop William Perry Eveland Prize - Awarded to a senior resident student, who is in the upper half of the class, for progress in scholarship, loyalty, school spirit, and participation in school activities.

• Ava Williamson ’26

Class of 1907 Prize - Presented to a senior who is in the upper half of the class, and who has contributed to campus life through participation in athletics and other student activities.

• Emma Kelchner ’26

Faculty Prize - Given to a senior commuting student who participated in student activities and who is in the upper half of the class.

• Hannah Hooven ’26

(l-r) Provost Sandra Kingery, Braham, Cathy Andrews, President Chip Edmonds

Dr. Meghan C. Andrews Research & Professional Enrichment Award - Presented in support of faculty research and professional enrichment and given in honor of Dr. Andrews’ legacy as a Shakespearian scholar, educator, and beloved member of the Lycoming community.

• Kira Braham

(l-r) Provost Sandra Kingery, Pearl, President Chip Edmonds

The Mary Sieminski Endowed Humanities Research Award – Presented in honor of Mary Sieminski and her unflagging research into local women’s history and given to support faculty research in humanities or humanities-related research projects.

• Christopher Pearl

Lycoming College students were honored for their dedication to academic excellence with scholarships and fellowships during the College’s annual Honors Convocation. The following individuals were recognized: 

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship Nominee

• Zoie Dodson ’26

• Hope Burger ’29
• Kendall Cardone ’29
• Darby Crance ’29
• Sakura Curry ’29
• Lara Defreitas ’29
• Hemakshi Dhoowooah ’29
• Ellie Dunkelberger ’29
• Jenna Eberlin ’29
• Isabelle Engel ’29
• Mason Ensanian ’29
• Noa’Sosa Friedman ’29
• Natalie Gwinn ’29
• Brooklyn Hazen ’29
• Joli Innerarity ’29
• Talyn Mauck ’29
• Ashley Moreno ’29
• Carlene Petreshock ’29
• Hailey Quinn ’29
• Cecelina Sawyer ’29
• Corban Shirey ’29
• Tuan Minh Tran ’29
• Brant Tressler ’29
• Megan Weaver ’29

Institute for Management Studies Senior Scholars Awards – Awarded to senior students who have completed the requirements to graduate as an Institute for Management Studies Scholar.

• Cynthia Alvarado ’26
• Joshua Bottger ’26
• Chase Bower ’26
• Jennifer Cataldo-Smith ’26
• Kira Chinici ’26
• Leonard Cocca ’26
• Eli Crum ’26
• Thomas Geyer ’26
• Braedon Hart ’26
• Nickolas Hoheb ’26
• Megan Klansek ’26
• Megan Lonergan ’26
• Sheadon Ludwig ’26
• Paige Mullins ’26
• Nicholas Reeder ’26
• Mallory Rodarmel ’26
• Michael VanHorn ’26
• Ariana Welch ’26
• Hannah Wood ’26

Lycoming Scholars Senior Award - Awarded to senior students who have met the requirements to graduate as a Lycoming College Scholar.

• Kira Chinici ’26
• Zoie Dodson ’26
• Christian Fabey ’26
• Matthew Frantz ’26
• Andrew Hines ’26
• Greta Kimble ’26
• Autumn Shahan ’26
• Chloe Shendge ’26
• Evelyn Stong ’26
• Abigail Umhoefer ’26

Rose Pfaff Scholarship - Awarded for outstanding service to the College.

• Morgan Mullins ’27
• Anabella Rios ’28

Ada Remley Memorial Scholarship Award - Given for academic excellence and service to college and community.

• Gökçe Atacan ’27
• Tabitha Tomlinson ’27
• Ngan Trinh ’27

Joanne and Arthur Haberberger Fellowship – Awarded to high academically achieving juniors who plan to write scholarly papers during their senior years at Lycoming College.

(l-r) Hayes, Tyson, Atacan; Assistant Provost Elizabeth Moorhouse; Otero; Trinh; Partusch; Gillespie; Lewis; President Chip Edmonds

• Gökçe Atacan ’27
• AnnaKate Gillespie ’27
• Alexander Halbert ’27
• Natalie Hayes ’28
• Kylie Lewis ’27
• Luis Otero ’27
• Krista Partusch ’27
• Emily Rakestraw ’27
• Ella Scott ’27
• Ngan Trinh ’27
• Brooke Tyson ’27

The Jack C. and Janet B. Buckle Scholarship - Awarded to a junior student who have made unusual contributions to campus life through leadership in student activities.

(l-r) President Chip Edmonds, Jimenez, Vice President for Student Affairs and Success Suzanne O’Driscoll, Balgavy

• Haley Balgavy ’27
• Yahir Jimenez ’27

Lycoming College awarded graduating senior Soumayyah Gaujee the College’s top honor of Chieftain during its annual Honors Convocation ceremony on Sunday, April 12, to an audience of students and their families, as well as faculty and staff. Gaujee was recognized for her leadership and for dedication to academic excellence, community service, and cocurricular activities.

First presented in 1952, the Chieftain Award is the highest honor given to a graduating senior who has contributed the most to Lycoming College through support of school activities, has exhibited utmost dedication and outstanding leadership qualities, has evidenced good moral character, and whose academic rank is above the median of the preceding senior class.

Gaujee, a biochemistry major and a French minor hailing from Mahebourg, Mauritius, was named to the Dean’s List three years. She was a member of the Phi Sigma Iota French honor society and inducted into the IRUSKA Honor Society. She was named a Mary Sieminski Endowed Humanities Research Scholar, and was awarded the Jack C. and Janet B. Buckle Endowed Leadership Scholarship. As a resident assistant, she served as lead resident assistant for two years, as well as a senior week resident assistant, and was awarded Residential Life Student Staff of the Year.

Her commitment to leadership and student life is also notable. She was a member of the Multicultural Awareness Group, Code Warriors, and Book Club, and participated in the CEAE Research & Internship Expo. She was a leader within her academic department, serving as a Chemistry and Biochemistry Research Fellow for two summers, and as vice president for Chemistry Club. She also presented research work at the Manufacturing PA Innovation Program Expo at Harrisburg University. She served as a student leader representative on the presidential search committee.

Gaujee was also very active as a volunteer. She was a leader for Habitat for Humanity — serving as vice president and then as president — and participated in two Habitat for Humanity Spring Break trips. Her dedication to service led to a position as a board of directors student representative for Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity. Gaujee volunteered for 9/11 Days of Service and served her community as a Snowden Library circulation desk assistant, a biology study group facilitator, and a French tutor. She interned with the Clean Water Institute presenting her work at Bucknell University, and worked as an orientation guide, a First Year Seminar teaching assistant in the Culture of Drugs course, a Comparative Biomechanics lab prep assistant, and a greenhouse caretaker.

Lycoming extends its congratulations to Gaujee and to all of the Chieftain nominees, including Anna Glantz, a music major with music and special education certifications; Autumn Shahan, criminal justice and psychology double major with a minor in political science; Cole Sharpnack, psychology major with minors in criminal justice and criminology, and sociology; and Jacob Wagers, biology major with education certification.

During the ceremony, Lycoming College also recognized a number of remarkable students who attained high levels of academic achievement and scholarship during the 2025-26 academic year. Those recognized include:

Accounting

• Durant L. Furey III Award – Hannah Wood ’27
• Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Award – Hannah Wood ’27
• The Charles J. Kocian Award – Thomas Geyer ’26
• Wehr Financial Accounting Prize – Sheadon Ludwig ’26
• Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP Prize for Tax Accounting – Sheadon Ludwig ’26
• The Professor Logan A. Richmond Accounting Prize – Megan Lonergan ’26

Anthropology/Sociology

• Durkeim Prize in Sociology – Jeffrey Beagle ’26, Kira Chinici ’26

Archaeology

• Faculty Prize for Excellence in Archaeology – Conner Penz ’26

Art

• Alfred Kohler Studio Artist Award – Anna Maffei ’27, Sydnie Reynolds ’27
• Faculty Award for Excellence in Photography – Megan Klansek ’26
• Roger D. Shipley Award – Carlos Arcos ’27
• Digital Art Award – Jennifer Cataldo-Smith ’27

Astronomy/Physics

• Fundamentals of Physics Award – Emily Rakestraw ’27
• Q.E.D. Award for Department Service – Adrianna Campisi ’26
• Фυσίκα Award in Astronomy/Physics – Matthew Motuz ’26, Zachary Pleska ’26

Biology

• Biology Department Academic Excellence Award – Lily Finkbeiner ’26
• Biology Service Award – Jacob Wagers ’26
• Williamsport Rotary Club Endowed Prize – Carter Lilley ’26
• Freshman Biology Award – Hailey Quinn ’29

Business Administration

• The Financial Management Award – Mallory Rodarmel ’26
• The General Management Award – Allison Fisher ’26
• The John G. Hollenback Award – Mallory Rodarmel ’26
• The Marketing Management Award – Anny Urbina Monterroso ’26
• The Charles J. Kocian Award – Allison Fisher ’26, Karson Kline ’26, Brody Lindsey ’26

Chemistry and Biochemistry

• American Chemical Society Outstanding Chemistry Major Award – Zoie Dodson ’26
• The A.I.C. Student Honor Award – Cameron Upcraft ’26
• Trask Chemistry Prize – Kate Finkbeiner ’26
• Byron C. Brunstetter Science Award – Brenden Smith ’26

Corporate Communication

• The Department Award for Excellence in Media Analysis and Critique – Brendan Clark ’27

Criminal Justice/Criminology

• Criminal Justice Society Prize – Clair Alexander ’26, Samuel Polott ’26
• Hoover Memorial Prize – Charles Karalfa ’26, Ava Williamson ’26

Economics

• The 2026 Economics Excellence Award – Kayvan Shams ’28
• The 2026 Robert W. Rabold Economics Excellence Award – Eleanor Magee ’28, Preyashi Wozageer ’27
• The 2026 Roger W. Opdahl Economics Excellence Award – Eli Crum ’26
• The Charles J. Kocian Award – Miya Knippenberg ’27
• The John A. Streeter Memorial Award in Economics – Sheadon Ludwig ’26

Education

• Leadership Award in Education – Jacob Wagers ’26

English

• Dan Gustafson Award – Chase Bower ’26
• The Metzler Prize – Kayli Berry ’27
• The Phoebe R. Lyon Prize – Elizabeth Flanigan ’26
• The President's Prize in Poetry – Charlie Bach ’28
• The G.W. Hawkes Prize in Prose – Sarah Madison Kracker ’27

Film and Video Arts

• Faculty Excellence Award – Alex Setliff ’26
• Film and Video Arts Award – Aaron Deffenbaugh ’27, Anna Kauffman ’27

Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies

• Holly Elizabeth Hurlbert ’97 Endowed Fund in Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies Prize – Emma Mitcheltree ’26

History

• Richard L. Mix '51 and Miriam S. Mix Research and Writing Prize in History – Emma Mitcheltree ’26
• Robert Ewing Senior Prize in History – Matthew Frantz ’26
• Larson Morris Piper History Fellowship – Gannon Bruno ’27, Lindsey Newcomer ’27

Humanities Research Center

• Meghan Andrews Award – Emma Mitcheltree ’26

Mathematical Sciences

• The Benjamin C. Conner Prize in Mathematics – Shawn Ciccitello ’26
• The Charles J. Kocian Award – Dante Beddia ’26, Shawn Ciccitello ’26, Erin Reilly ’26
• The Elisha Benson Kline Prize – Zachary Pleska ’26

Modern Language Studies

• Phil G. Gillette Prize in Modern Foreign Languages (French) – Kenneth Kouassi ’26
• Phil G. Gillette Prize in Modern Foreign Languages (German) – Chloe Shendge ’26
• Phil G. Gillette Prize in Modern Foreign Languages (Spanish) – Djitshmy Senejuste ’26
• The Emilia Pardo Bazán Prize in Critical Writing – Imarilis Mercado ’27
• Paul A. MacKenzie Discovery Prize – Nathan Druschel ’28

Music

• Dr. Will George Butler Band Award – Abigail Degnan ’28
• Michelle Bohlin Award in Theatre & Music – Lydia Krizan ’26
• The William T. and Ruth S. Askey Music Prize – Max Hill ’26
• The Williamsport Civic Chorus Award – Anna Glantz ’26
• Dr. Will George Butler Choir Award – Aidan Casey ’27

Philosophy

• W. Arthur Faus Memorial Prize – Luke Taylor ’26

Political Science

• The C. Daniel Little '53 and Jeanne Louise Little '82 Award in American Politics – Riley Godown ’26
• Richard L. Mix '51 and Miriam S. Mix Prize in Political Science – Morgan Mullins ’27
• The Charles J. Kocian Award – Riley Godown ’26

Psychology

• J. Milton Skeath Award in Psychology – Jordan Hassinger ’26, Anasten Holbrook ’26
• Psi Chi Service Award – Autumn Shahan ’26, Tawnya Shrawder ’26

Religion

• Faculty Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement in Religion – Alex Setliff ’26
• Eduardo Guerra Prize in Biblical Languages – Hannah Owens ’29

Theatre

• Overall Excellence in Theatre Award – Evelyn Stong ’26
• Theatre Performance/Directing Award – Chayton Wesneski ’26
• Theatre Design/Technical/Management Award – Elizabeth Flanigan ’26

Lycoming College’s fourth annual Undergraduate Humanities Research Conference was its largest yet featuring 78 presenters from institutions across the region, all dedicated to furthering the humanities through high-level undergraduate research.

Scott Manning Stevens, Ph.D., delivered the keynote address, closing out the event, with a talk entitled, “The Haudenosaunee and the Ethos of Sustainability.” The keynote served the dual purpose of also closing out Lycoming College’s Environmental Justice Symposium, which launched earlier in the semester.

Stevens is an enrolled citizen of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation and an associate professor of Native American and Indigenous Studies, with a courtesy appointment in Art History, at Syracuse University. He also serves as director of the Native and Indigenous American studies program and is the founding director of the new Center for Global Indigenous Cultures and Environmental Justice at Syracuse. He earned his doctoral degree from Harvard University and has held a variety of fellowships in his field, including a recent fellowship at Harvard’s Radcliffe Institute of Advanced Studies. He is the co-author of three books and the author of numerous published essays and book chapters. His work addresses issues around Native material culture, the history of ethnographic collecting, and museum studies.

A panel of Lycoming College humanities faculty and students selected the undergraduate presenters, who represented dozens of institutions including Bryn Mawr College, Ithaca College, Penn State University, Juniata College, University of Scranton, Swarthmore College, Goucher College, Lafayette College and more.

The following students were selected and awarded for best papers:

• Molly Carson, Ithaca College, won the award for the best paper in the category of History, Archaeology, & Humanities-Focused Social Sciences for “A City Upon a Hill: The Historical and Gendered Roots of the Religious Right in the United States.”
• Claire Melican, Bryn Mawr College, won the award for the best paper in the category of Literature, Languages, & Art History for “How to Make Pear Tree Sex PG: Rewriting Chaucer’s “The Merchant’s Tale” for Children.”
• John Adkins, Grove City College, won the award for the best paper in the category of Philosophy, Ethics, & Religion for “In Memory of Her Paul: The Acts of Thecla as the Female Quest for the Historical Apostle.”
• Chasely Ward, Messiah University, won the award for the best paper in the category of Ethnic & Racial Studies for “Incomplete Histories: Trauma, Silence, and the Short Story Cycle in The Dew Breaker.”
• Haley Bateman, Elizabethtown College, won the award for the best paper in the category of Women’s & Gender Studies for “‘The Researcher Contemplates Venus’: Bettina Judd’s Narrative Revival and Resistance to Medical Racism and Archival Silence.”
• Emma Mitcheltree won the award for the best paper by a Lycoming Student for “‘Where those gentlemen who please to favor me’: Tavern Matrons & Masculinity throughout Colonial America’s Publick Houses.”

“The Lycoming Undergraduate Humanities Research Conference is a Lyco tradition that I look forward to every year. There is something so special about a day dedicated to the celebration of undergraduate students and their amazing research. I, myself, presented research from my honors project,” said Lycoming College history major and English minor Emma Mitcheltree ’26. “A lot of hard work goes into student research, so the fact that Lycoming offers an opportunity for students to share their work with others is a testament to the scholarship this institution fosters and celebrates. Not only was presenting my research rewarding, but interacting with other students from other disciplines and institutions reminded me of how the humanities thrive through community. This year's conference was one for the books and I was so grateful to be a part of it and share the podium with so many other fantastic student researchers.”

All presenters are invited to submit their research for consideration of publication in the fourth volume of Lycoming’s humanities research journal. Previous issues of the Mid-Atlantic Humanities Review: A Journal of Undergraduate Research can be found online.

The Lycoming College Undergraduate Humanities Research Conference is a gathering and celebration of the region’s bright minds who are dedicated to furthering the humanities through high-level research. The Humanities Research Center at Lycoming College bolsters educational opportunities for those majoring or minoring in the humanities by supporting joint student-faculty research, internships, guided scholarship, digital humanities, graduate school placement, and fellowships. Select proceedings of the conference are featured in the Mid-Atlantic Humanities Review. More information about the Conference can be found online. The next conference is slated for April 10, 2027, and a call for papers will be available in early 2027.

Dr. Lynn Kramer ’72, an executive leader, clinical neurologist, and pioneer in pharmaceutical research, will deliver a commencement address at Lycoming College’s 178^th commencement ceremony in a celebration of the Class of 2026, on Saturday, May 9, at 2 p.m., on the historic Fultz Quadrangle. Kramer will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Science Degree during commencement exercises.

Kramer is chief clinical officer, Deep Human Biology Learning at Eisai Company Ltd., a Japan based pharmaceutical company, as well as a member of the executive committee. In these roles, he oversees the product creation cycle, including clinical introduction and regulatory approval of innovative projects for all Eisai products. Kramer’s extraordinary contributions to advancing Alzheimer’s treatments most recently garnered him recognition in Time Magazine’s Time100 Health in 2026 as one of the 100 most influential leaders in healthcare.

Kramer joined Eisai in 2007 as the executive vice president of global clinical research and was soon promoted to the additional role of chief operating officer of Eisai Medical Research. In early 2009, he was named president of the Scientific and Operational Clinical Support Core Function Unit and president of the Neuroscience Product Creation Unit. He was named chief clinical officer and a member of the executive committee of Eisai Company, Ltd., in 2012. In these roles he was responsible for regulatory functions, biostatistics, data management, medical writing, and clinical functions and clinical pharmacology, as well as modeling and simulations. During this time, he oversaw the development and regulatory approval of several new molecular entities.

Earlier in his career, Kramer held senior positions in drug development at companies including Novartis and the R.W. Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute. In addition, he held senior clinical and safety leadership positions with PAR Pharmaceutical, Purdue, and Carter-Wallace. Prior to his industry career, Kramer was Co-PI of a National Institutes of Health (NIH) sponsored epilepsy-focused program project in Los Angeles, Calif.

A dedicated member of the Lycoming College community, Kramer served the College on the board of trustees from 2012-2016. He is a Fellow of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (1987) and the Philadelphia College of Physicians (1987). He previously served as the industry representative on the Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and on the Board of Directors at the American Society for Experimental Neuro Therapeutics (ASENT). He currently is a member of the Pharma R&D Leadership Forum. In 2022, he became the 12^th recipient of the Epilepsy Foundation’s Lifetime Accelerator Award.

Kramer graduated from Lycoming College with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. He received a doctoral degree in medicine from Hahnemann Medical College (currently Drexel University), and completed his internship in internal medicine at the University of California at Irvine and his residency in neurology at the University of Virginia. Kramer is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. He resides in Florida and Connecticut with his wife, Lavonne. The couple has two adult children.

Anna Glantz to Deliver Senior Greeting

Graduating senior Anna Glantz, a music major with music and special education certifications, will deliver a greeting from the senior class at the ceremony. She was selected for this honor by the Senior Class Officers, and the faculty and staff who serve on the Senior Greeting Selection Committee.

During her four years on campus, Glantz has proven herself to be an effective leader, serving as class president four years in a row. She was a member of Student Senate for four years and served on other committees including Student Life. Glantz was a member of multiple campus groups and took on leadership roles for many, including Alpha Xi Delta, the Marathon Canoe Team, Lycoming College Choir and Tour Choir, and Lycoming College Band. She was on the women’s lacrosse team, founded the Lycoming College Larks.

Glantz was academically successful as well and was named to the Dean’s List all four years. She was a Haberberger Research Fellow and a WISE Intern, and was invited to join several honor societies including Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society, Order of Omega Greek Leadership Honor Society and the IRUSKA Honor Society. She was awarded the Dr. Will George Butler Choral Award and the Williamsport Civic Chorus Award, and was the Delta Kappa Gamma Society of Women Educators Grant Recipient.

As a student, Glantz remained active in community service, participating in Service Saturdays, AXiD philanthropy work with Dwell Orphan Care, Central Elementary Family Night, Unity Day, Blue & Gold Day, Homecoming Weekend & Choir Alumni Events, Candlelight Services, 9/11 Days of Service, and STOA: a musical journey sensory friendly show. She also volunteered her time as the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 8 Collegiate Board Member. She also worked in multiple offices on campus, including Warriorthon, Admissions, the Tutoring Center, among others.

Glantz did her student teaching in the Montgomery and Montoursville area school districts. She completed a Switzerland summer study abroad for education system research. She plans to attend Berklee College of Music to pursue a master’s degree in music education with a focus in autism studies, continuing her Haberberger research while also beginning her teaching career.

More information about the event is available at: www.lycoming.edu/commencement/.

“If I am able to make a bridge between my words and people going back to the music,” explains the writer Ashley Kahn, “I’ve been successful. That’s all I ask for.”

Featured in the Summer 2026 issue of Brilliant Corners, this interview with Kahn focuses on his landmark jazz-related books: Kind of Blue: The Making of the Miles Davis Masterpiece, A Love Supreme: The Story of Coltrane’s Signature Album, and The House That Trane Built: The Story of Impulse Records. The discussion also addresses his liner notes, for which he recently received a second Grammy Award.

The recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Jazz Journalists Association, Kahn has long been a distinguished voice in jazz and blues scholarship. He also co-wrote Carlos Santana’s autobiography, The Universal Tone: Bringing My Story to Light, and is currently working on a book about Paul Simon’s Graceland. He teaches at New York University’s Clive Davis Institute for Recorded Music.

In addition to the Kahn interview, the Summer 2026 issue of Brilliant Corners features poems by Linda Susan Jackson, Arden Levine, Geoffrey Polk, Al Basile, Richard Lyons, Jarold Ramsey, Betsy Sholl, and Richard Terrill; two short stories by Matty Bannond; and significant, unpublished material on Louis Armstrong by Ricky Riccardi (another twice-awarded Grammy winner for best album notes). The cover art, Summer’s Gift, is by painter/jazz pianist Jenny Wilson.

Brilliant Corners is a biannual journal that highlights an exceptional collection of literature and art pertaining to jazz. Founded in 1996, the journal bears strong ties to Lycoming College, with Sascha Feinstein, Ph.D., Robert L. and Charlene Shangraw Professor of English at Lycoming College, who serves as the managing editor, and Gary R. Hafer, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of English at Lycoming College, who serves as the production design editor. The publication is funded in part by the College and private endowments.

A subscription costs $12 per year ($18 for international orders), and checks or money can be sent to Brilliant Corners, Lycoming College, 1 College Place, Williamsport, PA 17701. More information can be found at www.lycoming.edu/BrilliantCorners or on Brilliant Corners’ Facebook page.

Lycoming College will welcome the award-winning author Michael Cunningham to campus for a reading of his work on Friday, April 17, at 5:30 p.m., in the Trogner Presentation Room in Krapf Gateway Center. The event is free and open to the public.

Serving as Lycoming College’s Himes/Sweeney Visiting Scholar in Creative Writing, Cunningham will also meet with creative writing and literature students at Lycoming College and will field questions about his writing.

“Michael Cunningham's visit will be cherished by all who attend his reading, but especially by students. For many of our majors, his visit will undoubtedly be a highlight in their college career,” said Sascha Feinstein, Ph.D., Robert L. & Charlene Shangraw Professor of English at Lycoming College.

A professor in the practice at Yale University, Cunningham is the author of seven novels: “A Home at the End of the World” (1990), “Flesh and Blood” (1995), “The Hours” (1998), “Specimen Days” (2005), “By Nightfall” (2010), “The Snow Queen” (2014), and “Day” (2024). A collection of short stories, “A Wild Swan and Other Tales,” was published in 2016. A work of non-fiction, “Land’s End,” appeared in 2003, and a new non-fiction book, “Unsayable,” is forthcoming in the summer of 2026. Cunningham has received grants from the Whiting and Guggenheim Foundations.

“The Hours,” which received the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, as well as the PEN/Faulkner Award, is widely considered to be a masterpiece, and all publications in his prolific body of work have received the highest critical praise.

Cunningham earned a B.A. in English literature from Stanford University in 1975. He later earned an M.F.A. from the Iowa Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa in 1980.

The Himes/Sweeney Visiting Scholar in Creative Writing series was endowed by Diane Sweeney ’60 and her husband John Sweeney in 2011. Named scholars visit creative writing classes at Lycoming College where students have the opportunity to meet these acclaimed authors, listen to formal presentations, and engage them in discussions about their work. More information about the creative writing and literature programs at Lycoming College is available at www.lycoming.edu/english.