ABINGTON, Pa. — The joyous sounds of commencement season broke out at Penn State Abington today (Dec. 18). Laughter, cheers, and tears shook the Athletic Building as more than 300 students earned their degrees during summer/fall commencement exercises. 

Chancellor Karen Wiley Sandler honored University Scholar Mary Woznicki, a psychological and social sciences major, with a coveted Schreyer Honors College Medal. Woznicki's senior thesis explored the effects of anxiety and personality on sleep disturbances and dream content. She presented her research at regional conferences including the Eastern Psychological Association.

Woznicki plans to attend graduate school and work with disadvantaged children, families, and communities.

Brigitta Good, also a psychology major, earned the Pennsylvania Legislative Citation for her exemplary commitment to the community.

If there was an award for perseverance, its recipient would be Corey Gabriel, a 2004 graduate and secretary of the Penn State Abington Alumni Society. He with his broken leg and crutches headed up on stage anyway and happily inducted the new Abington graduates into the University's Alumni Association.

There are many graduates with interesting stories including:

• Tennis teammates Sheena Philip and Souriya Honestee Sphabmixay, who both graduated in seven semesters. They credited much of their success to their coach and the discipline inherent to the student-athlete experience.
• Herman Chen earned a business degree in two years with a lot of inspiration from his 11-year-old. He finished his coursework and immediately started working for a global technology company he connected with through an Abington business case competition.
• Brian Moore, an administration of justice major, interned with the Abington Township Police Department. The experience solidified his commitment to a career in law enforcement.
• Psychology major Chanel Carrero served as president of the Black Student Union at Abington, initiating a dialogue between students and the local police so they can establish a relationship.

Steven N. Kline, an architect and Abington Township commissioner whose ward is home to the campus, served as commencement speaker. Kline reminded the graduates of the importance of community service and volunteering.

Campus social media invited students, families, and friends to tag Instagram photos, Facebook posts, and Tweets with #PSUabgrad.

See more images from Abington commencement on Facebook.