UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As part of Penn State’s spring 2025 commencement activities, 35 students will represent the College of the Liberal Arts as student marshals based on outstanding academic achievement and contributions to Liberal Arts student life.
The College of the Liberal Arts’ commencement ceremony will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, in the Bryce Jordan Center. Learn more about the College of the Liberal Arts’ spring 2025 commencement activities.
Lucy Taylor is the college student marshal and Spanish major marshal. She is the daughter of Denise and John Taylor of Wilmington, Delaware. Taylor is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish and a bachelor of science degree in integrative science. She was a Partnerships in International Research and Education (PIRE) Fellow, traveling abroad to complete psycholinguistics research in Granada, Spain, during her fellowship. She volunteered as a Spanish medical interpreter for Centre Volunteers in Medicine and as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher for the Mid-State Literacy Council. Taylor served as the president of the Penn State Outing Club and frequently enjoyed spending time outdoors around the State College community. She studied abroad in Cádiz, Spain, and recently participated in the Anatomy in Italy spring break embedded program. After graduation, Taylor plans to continue working in Giuli Dussias’ Brain Tracking Lab before attending medical school in 2026.
“As I craft my application for medical school, I realize that my Penn State Liberal Arts education will be a large part of it,” Taylor said. “It’s shaped my college experience in a special way and given me a chance to experience much more than the average pre-med student. I’ve balanced a diverse course load and become a better, more well-rounded student because of it. It’s also given me unique experiences, like volunteering as a medical interpreter, that help me stand out in terms of my commitment to my community and my cultural competency.”
Keep reading to learn more about the student marshals, each of whom was selected to represent a major offered within the College of the Liberal Arts.
AFRICAN STUDIES
Alexander Williamson is the son of Amber and Daniel Williamson of Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. He is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in African studies, economics and history. Williamson received the African Studies Undergraduate Scholarship all four years and earned Dean's List every semester. He was also recognized for his leadership at the Model African Union, where he was awarded the Eleazu Obinna Committee Leadership Award in 2023. Williamson actively contributed to his community and volunteered with the Penn State Ski Team at the Stone Valley Recreation Center. He completed a wealth management internship at Morgan Stanley last year, conducting research and creating financial presentations. After graduation, Williamson plans to pursue a career in wealth management or international economic development, with the goal of eventually starting his own practice and returning to the Philadelphia suburbs to raise a family.
ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCE
Courtney Elmore is the daughter of Rachel and Jon Mancuso of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, the proud mother of four children and the wife of U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Michael Elmore. She is graduating with a bachelor of science degree in anthropological science and a master of arts degree in anthropology as an integrated undergraduate-graduate student. Elmore has a diverse background as a former U.S. Air Force airman and business owner. As a passionate military community advocate, she is deeply committed to giving back to those who have served. She helps fellow veterans navigate the path to graduate school by offering guidance and support. Elmore also served as a teaching assistant, conducted endocrinology research and remains an active volunteer in initiatives supporting military and veterans’ mental health.
ANTHROPOLOGY
Sé Morrisson is the child of Laura Reed-Morrisson and Mark Morrisson of State College, Pennsylvania. A Schreyer Scholar, Morrisson is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in African studies, anthropology, classics and ancient Mediterranean studies and history, and a minor in Arabic. Morrisson has earned numerous awards, including the Paul Axt Prize from the Schreyer Honors College and the Michelle Tooley Outstanding Delegation Award at the Model African Union. Morrisson interned at the Palmer Museum of Art, participated in multiple archaeological field schools and served as a teaching assistant for five courses. They were a student ambassador to the Model African Union, participated in the Youth Life in Egypt spring break embedded program, and served as an undergraduate research assistant in the Radiocarbon Prep Laboratory and the RISK Lab. After graduation, Morrisson will take a gap year before attending graduate school to pursue a doctorate in ancient history and archaeology.
ASIAN STUDIES
Sabrina Wong is the daughter of Grace and Thomas Wong of Chalfont, Pennsylvania. She is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in Asian studies and psychology and a minor in Korean. Wong has earned numerous awards, including the Korean Academic Excellence Award, Provost Award and the Institute for Korean Studies Scholarship. She served as president of Abington Art Appreciation, vice president of the Asian Student Association and a global ambassador for the Peer Action Global Learning Network. After graduation, Wong will continue her studies in Korea, pursuing graduate education in Asian studies.
CHINESE
Sophia Griffin is the daughter of Nicole and Brent Griffin of Downingtown, Pennsylvania. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in Chinese and international politics. Griffin was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society and received the Department of Asian Studies Academic Excellence Award, the Taiwan Huayu Scholarship and Dean’s List every semester. At Penn State, she contributed to various service student organizations on campus, including Epsilon Sigma Alpha, Penn State THON and Days for Girls. She also worked as a server at local restaurants and a certified referee and mentor for the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association. After graduation, Griffin plans to pursue a career in national security for the government, while continuing to advance her language proficiency in Mandarin, Spanish and French.
CLASSICS AND ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES
Aimee Thompson is the daughter of Tanya and David Thompson of Surrey, England. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in classics and ancient Mediterranean studies and French and Francophone studies, a bachelor of science degree in anthropological science and minors in Greek and Latin. Thompson has received numerous scholarships and awards including the 2024 Judge Benjamin F. Keller Memorial Fund, 2024 Wagner and Grossman Award for Best Undergraduate Essay and 2024 Evan Pugh Scholar Award. At Penn State, she was a Liberal Arts peer adviser, teaching assistant for Latin courses, and Marylin and Ned Price in Conservation Intern for the University Libraries. After graduation, Thompson will begin Duke University’s classical studies doctoral program on the archaeology track this fall, pursuing a future career in academia as a classical archaeologist.
COMMUNICATION ARTS AND SCIENCES
Cara Arnoldi is the daughter of Erin and David Arnoldi of Chalfont, Pennsylvania. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in communication arts and sciences and political science while working toward a master’s degree in public policy. At Penn State, Arnoldi received numerous awards and scholarships, including the Adma Hammam Shibley Memorial Scholarship in Communication Arts and Sciences, Dr. Nancy J. Metzger Scholarship and the James W. Dunlop Memorial Scholarship. She served as president of the Penn State Blue Band and as a student adviser for The McCourtney Institute for Democracy. Arnoldi also discovered her interest in policy research through a Nevins Fellowship with the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress. After graduation, she will complete her master of public policy degree from Penn State’s School of Public Policy.
COMPARATIVE LITERATURE
Emily Tsai is the daughter of Jenny and Chong Tsai of York, Pennsylvania. She is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in comparative literature. At Penn State, Tsai was involved in the Asian Undergraduate Student Association and the Japanese Anime Club. She also worked as an intern at the Print Factory in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. In April, she received the Chinese Academic Excellence Award for her outstanding academic performance and role as a cultural ambassador. After graduation, Tsai plans to pursue a science editing or creative writing position near her hometown or in California.
CRIMINOLOGY
Ava Paravati is the daughter of Franca and Carl Paravati of New Rochelle, New York. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in criminology and psychology and a minor in sociology. Paravati was the recipient of the 2024 Elinor Redfern Wagner Scholarship, 2024 Gerald Bernard Maxwell Stein Award, 2024 Pennsylvania State Trooper Bryon Dickson Memorial Scholarship, and more. She was involved in Penn State THON as a Rules and Regulations Committee member, security leader and 2025 dancer. She served as a teaching assistant for the Department of Psychology twice and THON fundraising chair for Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. She held internships at the New Rochelle Police Department and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. After graduation, Paravati hopes to work as an investigative analyst with law enforcement agencies, with aspirations to work for the federal government.
ECONOMICS
Luke Knisely is the son of Amy Acker-Knisely and Donald Knisely Jr. of East Freedom, Pennsylvania. He is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in economics and a minor in political science. Knisely received the 2024–25 James Rodgers Award, spring and fall 2024 Carol Franzblau-Rosenberg and Michael R. Rosenberg Undergraduate Scholarship in Economics and the Evan Pugh Scholar Award. At Penn State, he was the vice president of the Beekeepers Club, a member of the Phi Beta Lambda professional business fraternity, a member of the Theta Chi fraternity, a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society and a grading assistant for the Department of Economics. Knisely plans to attend law school or pursue higher education in economics or political science.
ENGLISH
Ella DeCecco is the daughter of Tammy and James DeCecco of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in English and comparative literature and a minor in Italian. At Penn State, DeCecco received the President Walker Award and Provost Award. She also served as president and vice president of education for Sigma Sigma Sigma, a junior reporter for The Daily Collegian and a Pi Chi for overall Panhellenic recruitment. After graduation, DeCecco plans to continue her professional journey in the executive search and recruiting industry, building on the experience she gained during her internship with The Talent Studios.
FRENCH AND FRANCOPHONE STUDIES
Mara Keats is the daughter of Marcy and Josh Keats of Orchard Park, New York. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with a bachelor of science degree in French and Francophone studies and a bachelor of arts degree in economics. At Penn State, Keats received the President Sparks Award and was involved in the English Equestrian Club and Girl Gains Lifting Club. Last summer, she completed an internship with the Erie County District Attorney’s Office. After graduation, Keats plans to attend law school.
GERMAN
Nathaniel Bulger is the son of Jennifer and Bradley Bulger of Downingtown, Pennsylvania. He is graduating with bachelor of science degrees in German and supply chain and information systems. At Penn State, Bulger volunteered at the annual Penn State German Day for three years, served as a Smeal student mentor and was vice president of project development for the Net Impact Undergraduate Chapter. After graduation, he will return to the Hershey Company to support their supply chain operations following his prior co-op experience in manufacturing alliances there.
GLOBAL AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Lauren Forbes is the daughter of Sarajane and Christopher Forbes of Ashburn, Virginia. She is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in global and international studies and minors in political science and world literature. Forbes made Dean’s List every semester and received Liberal Arts enrichment funding to support internships and education abroad experiences. At Penn State, she interned for the Center for Global Studies, served as editor-in-chief for the Global Leaders at Penn State newsletter and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She studied abroad in Lisbon, Portugal, through an embedded program and completed the U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program. After graduation, Forbes plans to work in public service and hopes to travel the world.
HISTORY
Katherine Davis is the daughter of Karen and Timothy Davis of Newtown, Pennsylvania. She is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in history and a bachelor of science degree in economics. Davis received multiple awards and honors, including the 2024 Department of Economics Undergraduate Award, 2023 Carol Franzblau-Rosenberg and Michael R. Rosenberg Undergraduate Scholarship in Economics and Dean's List every semester. She served as an entertainment captain for Penn State THON 2025, a member of the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority and a programming board member for the Blue and White Society. Last summer, she worked as an interpretation intern at Gettysburg National Military Park, a National Park Service internship she secured through the George and Ann Richards Civil War Era Center. She also participated in the Human Development and Family Studies: Adulthood and Aging faculty-led Maymester 2023 program in London. After graduation, Davis plans to attend law school.
INTEGRATED SOCIAL SCIENCES
Jamie Bevel is the daughter of Angie and James Rafac of Wisconsin. She is graduating with a bachelor of science degree in integrated social sciences, a bachelor of arts degree in law and society and a minor in criminal justice. At Penn State, Bevel was involved in peer coaching. Her favorite class was LSC 471: American Constitutional Law with Burton Atkins, which she enjoyed for its challenging and perspective-sharing discussions. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate or law school to pursue a future career in public health and policy.
INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
Martina Bouder is the daughter of Julia and Glen Bouder of Winchester, Virginia. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in international politics, a bachelor of science degree in security and risk analysis and a minor in Arabic. At Penn State, Bouder served as director of the Red Cell Analytics Lab, participated in Penn State THON committees and studied abroad with the Arabic program in Cairo, Egypt. Her favorite course was "Politics of Terrorism" with Andrew Vitek, which deepened her understanding of terrorism literature and prepared her for her first internship. After graduation, she will work at Science Applications International Corporation as a policy analyst in the United States Air Force’s Office of Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration policy division.
ITALIAN
April Parrish is the daughter of Afrolin and Akebe Parrish of Oxon Hill, Maryland. She is graduating with bachelor of science degrees in Italian and integrative science. At Penn State, Parrish was involved in DiscipleMakers Christian Fellowship, the International Student Group and ballet through the Central Pennsylvania Dance Workshop. Her favorite class was IT 310: Advancing Conversation, where she refined her Italian pronunciation while connecting with students from the University of Bologna. After graduation, Parrish will attend medical school at the University of Bologna, with the goal of becoming a missionary doctor.
JAPANESE
Ellie Min is the daughter of Hyun Soon Cho-Min and George Min of Memphis, Tennessee. She is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in international politics and Japanese. At Penn State, Min served as an International Welcome Leader, studied abroad at Nanzan University in Nagoya, Japan, and participated in the Liberal Arts Career Trek to Washington, D.C. Her favorite course was JAPNS 452: Contemporary Japan: Cultures, Lifestyles, Trends, during which she enjoyed class discussions about Japanese culture beyond language study. After graduation, Min plans to teach English in Japan or pursue a career in government.
KOREAN
Tin Myat "Tinny" Khine is the daughter of Khin Moe Kyi and Tin Tun Oo of Yangon, Myanmar. She is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in Korean and a bachelor of science degree in marketing. At Penn State, Khine was actively involved in student organization leadership, cultural engagement and various work experiences. One of her most memorable experiences was participating in the KOR 497/499 class, which included a week-long trip to Seoul, South Korea, that allowed her to immersed herself in the language and culture while forming meaningful friendships with classmates. After graduation, Khine plans to attend a conference in Seoul, explore job opportunities and eventually pursue a master’s degree in Korean and an MBA.
LABOR AND HUMAN RESOURCES
Layla Gilbert is the daughter of Alison Crawford and the late Reed Gilbert of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. She is graduating with bachelor of science degrees in labor and human resources and applied statistics. At Penn State, Gilbert served as the 2024–25 internal president of Empowering Women in Law, participated in the LHR 499 embedded program in Athens, Greece, and competed in the Penn State and Purdue University HR case competitions. She was also selected as a Penn State THON 2025 dancer representing EWIL. Her favorite class was LHR 201: Employment Law, which she appreciated for its law school-style format and focus on analyzing foundational cases. After graduation, Gilbert will complete her final year in an integrated undergraduate-graduate program, earning a master’s in human resources and employment relations while preparing to attend law school.
LAW AND SOCIETY
Tonya Braccidiferro is the daughter of Barbara Franco and Rolando Melendez and resides with her husband and two sons in Durham, Connecticut. She is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in law and society and a minor in political science. As an adult learner and World Campus student, Braccidiferro balanced multiple responsibilities. Highlights of her academic journey include traveling to University Park to receive the President Walker Award, being inducted into Alpha Sigma Lambda, earning the World Campus Progressive Scholarship and making Dean’s List every semester. Her favorite course was PLSC 210N: Rights in America, which deepened her interest in legal studies. After graduation, Braccidiferro plans to reenter the workforce and pursue a career in the legal field or state government in Connecticut, with possible future plans to attend law school.
LINGUISTICS
Florence Caron is the daughter of Marie-Josée Gagnon and Donald Caron of Charlevoix, Québec. She is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in linguistics. A student-athlete in cross country and track and field, Caron dedicated much of her time outside the classroom to athletics. A two-time Big Ten Conference champion and All-American, she also holds four school records for indoor and outdoor track and field. After graduation, Caron plans to pursue a master’s degree in audiology in Québec.
MEDIEVAL STUDIES
Fiona Combs is the daughter of Sarah Lyall-Combs and Stewart Combs of State College, Pennsylvania. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in art, English, medieval studies and Spanish, and a minor in global and international studies. At Penn State, Combs studied abroad in Dublin, Athens, Puebla and Lima, Peru. She also taught art classes for the Center for Arts and Crafts. Her favorite major-related classes were ART 450: Advanced Painting, SPAN 353: Topics in the Cultures of Spain, ENGL 521: Old English and ENGL 190Q: Medievalism. After graduation, Combs will enter the workforce.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
Anne Clouse is the daughter of Deanna and Mark Clouse of Sewickley, Pennsylvania. She is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in multidisciplinary studies and a minor in Spanish. At Penn State, Clouse studied abroad in Puebla, Mexico, and was a member of the Omega Phi Alpha service sorority. Her favorite class was "Multilingual Communication" with Lauren Halberstadt, where she enjoyed learning about different cultures and communication styles while collaborating with students from Italy. After graduation, Clouse plans to pursue further education and a career in the arts or social sciences.
ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Caitlyn DeBlaay is the wife of Joseph DeBlaay and the mother of Konnor, Emmett, Landon and Brinley of New Hudson, Michigan. She is graduating with bachelor of science degrees in organizational leadership and labor and employment relations and a master of professional studies degree in human resources and employment relations. At Penn State, DeBlaay served as communication chair for the Michigan chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association, president and treasurer for the Virtual Society for Human Resource Management student chapter, assistant executive director and court relations director for Penn State World Campus Homecoming and vice president of the Blue and White Society. After graduation, she plans to obtain her Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional certification and continue working in the field of human resources.
ORGANIZATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION
Catherine Kwan is graduating with a bachelor of science degree in organizational and professional communication. A native of New York City currently living in Tampa, Florida, she received the Tampa Charter Scholarship. Kwan hopes to utilize her degree to further her career in project management and eventually transition into project management in the financial technology industry.
PHILOSOPHY
Alexandra "Zan" Dyreson is the daughter of Jodella and Mark Dyreson of Alexandria, Pennsylvania. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in philosophy and history and minors in Spanish and film studies. At Penn State, Dyreson was the founder and president of the Bethune Society and a member of the University Choir and the Pride of the Lions Pep Band. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school or work for a humanitarian, service-oriented organization.
POLITICAL SCIENCE
Tyler Hoppe is the son of Lisa and Stephen Hoppe of Mount Savage, Maryland. He is graduating with a bachelor of science degree in political science and a minor in psychology. Starting his collegiate career at Penn State Altoona, Hoppe served as a student government senator there and developed strong ties to the Penn State campuses. He also served as the president and director of educational equity for the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments. After graduation, Hoppe plans to attend law school and pursue a future career in law and politics, hopefully one day becoming a United States senator to serve as an effective advocate for others.
PSYCHOLOGY
Rachel Buterbaugh is the daughter of Marie and Bret Buterbaugh of State College, Pennsylvania. She is graduating with a bachelor of science degree in psychology and a minor in anthropology. At Penn State, she was the lead research assistant for the Empathy and Moral Psychology Lab as well as the lab manager for the Behavioral Endocrinology and Evolution Lab. She also served as the primary THON chair for Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology; a teaching assistant for several interdisciplinary courses; and the scholarship chair for the Alpha Pi Chapter of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity. After graduation, Rachel will begin her doctorate in social and personality psychology at the University of Texas at Austin in pursuit of a career as a research professor.
ROTC
Thomas "Tommy" Davis is the son of Jennifer Donato and Ian Davis of Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey. He is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology. A member of Penn State’s Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, Davis served as a platoon sergeant, company first sergeant and battalion commander. He received the Vice Provost Award, the LTJG T. Brandan McCombie Memorial NROTC Award and the Military Order of the Purple Heart Award. After graduation, Davis will commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, before reporting to The Basic School to receive his military occupational specialty training.
RUSSIAN
Baybars Charkas is the son of Mayes Dormosh and Ahmad Charkas of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in Russian, political science and French. Charkas received the Kelmar Family Political Science Enrichment Fund Award, the Julianne and David Vaughan Scholarship for Russian Study, the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship, the Petracca French Department Travel Award for Study Abroad and the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award. He also served as president of the Penn State College Democrats. After graduation, Charkas will attend the University of Oxford to pursue a master of philosophy degree in Russian and East European Studies, followed by a future career in international human rights.
SOCIOLOGY
Madeline "Maddie" Lucas is the daughter of Mary Anne and Tom Lucas of Scranton, Pennsylvania. A Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in sociology and criminology. Lucas received the President Walker Award, the President Sparks Award and the Evan Pugh Junior Scholar Award. At Penn State, she worked as a teaching assistant for the Department of Sociology and Criminology, volunteered for Penn State THON and was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity. Her undergraduate research uses a mixed-methods approach to examine patterns of prison re-entry, with a focus on older populations. After graduation, Lucas plans to attend law school this fall.
WOMEN’S STUDIES
Jenna Krick is from Adamstown, Pennsylvania. A Chaiken Scholar, she is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in women’s studies and psychology and a certificate in diversity studies. At Penn State, Krick was a member of Penn State Berks Benefitting THON and worked as a student employee and intern for the Mid-State Literacy Council. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school and pursue a future career in counseling and mental health care, while continuing to push for increased equity in the fields of psychology and counseling.