IUP to Honor 1,452 Graduates During May 9 Commencement Ceremonies, Including 4.0 Graduates

Indiana University of Pennsylvania will honor 1,452 graduates during commencement ceremonies on May 9.

IUP will hold three ceremonies, all at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex.

Graduates from the College of Education and Human Services and the Eberly College of Business will receive degrees at the 8:30 a.m. ceremony; graduates from the College of Health Sciences and the University College will receive degrees at the 1:00 p.m. ceremony; and graduates from the College of Arts, Humanities, Media, and Public Affairs and the John J. and Char Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics will receive degrees during the 5:00 p.m. ceremony.

All three ceremonies will be live streamed on the IUP YouTube channel. Students completing requirements for graduation in May and August are eligible to participate in the May ceremonies. Tickets are required for the ceremonies.

A total of 1,062 students will receive bachelor’s degrees, 304 students will receive master’s degrees, 66 students will receive doctoral degrees, and 10 students will receive associate degrees.

A total of 37 undergraduates are completing their studies with a perfect 4.0 grade point average, and 640 qualify for honors (3.25 or above cumulative grade point average). 

Total Number of Graduates by College

• 323 from the College of Arts, Humanities, Media, and Public Affairs
• 328 from the Eberly College of Business
• 216 from the College of Education and Human Services
• 279 from the College of Health Sciences
• 269 from the Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• 37 from the University College

IUP President Michael Driscoll will preside over all of the ceremonies. All students participating in the commencement ceremonies will be recognized by name and congratulated on stage. IUP Vice President for Student Affairs Thomas Segar will introduce the student speakers.

The 8:30 a.m. ceremony will feature student speakers Allison Johnson, from Penn Run, Indiana County, receiving her bachelor’s degree in finance and economics, and John Ograh, from Bridgeport, Connecticut, who is receiving his doctoral degree in administration and leadership studies.

Johnson, daughter of Chester Johnson and Gloria Johnson, is a 2022 graduate of Penns Manor High School. She won the “I Am PGN” Phi Gamma Nu Nationals award and a Scholars Forum outstanding poster presentation award, and was a member of the Student Managed Investment Portfolio organization and Phi Gamma Nu. She was the student representative for the Eberly College of Business Strategic Planning Council, was a member of the Eberly College of Business Student Advisory Council and the IUP Marching Band, and volunteered at Penns Manor High School’s Musical Club.

Ograh, son of James Ograh and Theresa Ograh, is a 2002 graduate of St. Paul Minor Seminary. He was honored with the 2026 Scholars Forum best podium presentation and presented his research at the Emerging Drug Trends Symposium in Camp Hill and at the IUP-Indiana Regional Medical Center’s Pennsylvania Mountains Rural Health Conference.

The 1:00 p.m. ceremony will feature student speakers Abigail Hancox, from Albion, Erie County, receiving dual master’s degrees in public affairs and student affairs in higher education; and Taylor Leonetti, from Washington County, who will receive her nursing degree.

Hancox received her bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in homeland security from IUP in 2024, graduating with a 4.0 grade point average. She was a member of the Cook Honors College as an undergraduate. She is the daughter of Melissa Gibson and Mike Hancox of Albion and is a 2021 graduate of Northwestern High School.

Hancox was selected to serve as a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Board of Governors both as an undergraduate and graduate student. She was also named to the State System of Higher Education Foundation Board of Directors during her time as a graduate student.

In 2025, she was one of only two students in the State System and one of only three United States representatives for the latest cohort of Women Emerging, a global leadership platform.

In addition to her graduate studies, Hancox worked as an IUP Academic Success graduate assistant in IUP’s University College. 

She is a recipient of the 2025 Student Affairs in Higher Education Nancy J. Newkerk Scholarship, awarded to an SAHE student upon completion of their first academic year in the program. In summer 2024, Hancox was named a James A. Finnegan Fellow, which gave her the opportunity to work in Pennsylvania’s Emergency Management Agency.

As an undergraduate, she represented the Cook Honors College as an invited presenter for the National Collegiate Honors Council Association conference and was president of IUP’s Student Government Association. She was vice chair and conference chair of the Pennsylvania State System Board of Student Government Presidents and organized the organization’s state-wide conference held at IUP in February 2024. She was also a senator in the IUP University Senate. She was a volunteer group leader for the Indiana Grace Church After-School program.

Leonetti, daughter of Cheryl and Joe Leonetti of Eighty Four, is a 2022 graduate of Bentworth High School. She is valedictorian and vice president of IUP’s nursing class of 2026, is a summa cum laude graduate, a dean’s list student, and was president of the IUP chapter of the Student Nursing Association of Pennsylvania. She was an IUP Crimson Guide (tour guide), a supplemental instruction leader for nursing, director of the Alice Paul House charity drive, and a member of the IUP women’s club soccer team.

The 5:00 p.m. ceremony will feature student speakers Fox Empson, from Franklin, Venango County, receiving a bachelor’s degree in communications and media studies; and Jaylee Lassinger, receiving her master of education degree in mathematics education, from Butler. County.

Empson is the child of Danielle Mitchell of Franklin and Curtis Empson of Warren, Ohio. Empson is a 2021 graduate of Rocky Grove High School. Empson won the Mary Beth Leidman Award for Creativity and best DJ audio award at the 2025 National Studio Media Convention. Empson was a station manager for the WIUP-FM student-operated radio station and was a producer for IUP-TV, the student-operated television station.

Lassinger is the daughter of Darla and David Peters and is a 2020 graduate of Knoch High School. She received the Scholars Forum Women in STEM Award for outstanding podium presentation and the Creating Opportunities for Applying Mathematics and Arms Math Scholarship. She was a graduate assistant and did mathematics tutoring.

More than 100 students, wearing crimson and gray philanthropy cords, upheld a tradition dating back to 1888 by contributing to the senior class gift. Each made a gift of $20.26 or more in honor of their graduation year.

Hannah Yeykal, of Hermitage, Mercer County, who will graduate with an early childhood education and special education bachelor’s degree, will be the student philanthropy speaker for the 8:30 a.m. ceremony. Kamden Boyle, of Seward, Westmoreland County, who will receive his master’s degree in public affairs, will be the student philanthropy speaker for the 5:00 p.m. ceremony.

Boyle, who completed his political science and homeland security degree at IUP in 2024, is the son of Nicolas Boyle of New Florence and Nicole Boyle of Seward. He is a 2022 graduate of Ligonier Valley High School. Boyle was selected for the 2026 Award of Excellence in Volunteer Leadership Aspiring Alumni Award, received the 2024 IUP Bridge Builder Award, and was named Resident Assistant of the Year in 2024 and Crimson Guide of the Year in 2025.

He was a graduate advisor for the IUP Ambassadors student-alumni group, a graduate assistant for the Office of Alumni and Friends, a Crimson Guide (tour guide), a graduate support assistant for Housing Operations, and an intern for the Office of Student Leadership.

He was a member of the IUP 150th Anniversary Steering Committee and the IUP Parking Authority Review Board. He also was selected for membership in Rho Alpha Sigma resident assistant honors society.

He was a reporter for The Penn student newspaper from September 2022 to May 2024, a member of the 2025 IUP Homecoming Committee, and a resident assistant from August 2023 to May 2024.

Yeykal, daughter of Deborah Yeykal, is a 2022 graduate of Shenango High School. A member of the Cook Honors College, she is graduating with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. As a student, she was a member of the IUP Ambassadors student-alumni group and was a member of the IUP women’s track and field team.

4.0 Graduates

The following undergraduate students completed their studies with a perfect 4.0 grade point average:

Allegheny County

• Marc Accamando, a psychology graduate from Pittsburgh. Son of Marc and Kathleen Accamando, he is a 2022 graduate of Brentwood High School. He is a recipient of the Stanley Lore Psychology Scholarship.
• Olivia Antonace, an early childhood education graduate from Cheswick. Daughter of Sharon and Peter Antonace, she is a 2022 graduate of Deer Lakes High School. She received the Sutton Scholarship and was a member of Kappa Delta Pi education honor society and the Student Pennsylvania State Education Association.
• Brianna Stazer, an English studies graduate from Allison Park. Daughter of Tracey Filipcic and Rick Stazer, she is a 2022 graduate of North Allegheny High School. She was a member of Kappa Delta Pi education honor society and the IUP Student Pennsylvania State Education Association.

Armstrong County

• Bailey Bevington, a psychology honors graduate from Worthington. Daughter of Jody and Michelle Bevington, she is a 2022 graduate of Armstrong Junior-Senior High School. She won the 2026 Scholars Forum IUP College of Health Sciences Undergraduate Deans Award for her research project, “The Effect of Phosphene Characteristics on the Perception of Letters Designed to Simulate Prosthetic Vision.” She was a member of Psi Chi honor society and the Psychology Club.

Beaver County

• Abigail Trimble, an applied anthropology graduate in the Cook Honors College from Industry. Daughter of Jacob and Samantha Trimble, she is a 2022 graduate of Western Beaver High School. She received the 2026 Scholars Forum John J. and Char Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Dean’s Award for Undergraduate Outstanding Podium Presentation for her research project, “Legacy in Limbo: Energy Transition and AI Data Centers in a Former Appalachian Coal Town.” She received the 2025 Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Award at the 2025 Scholars Forum. She was a member of the IUP College Democrats and the IUP Anthropology Club.

Bedford County

• Olivia Pearl Clark, an art education graduate from Everett. Daughter of Dahrl Clark and Beth Clark, she is a 2022 graduate of Northern Bedford County School District. She was a member of the Graphic Design Association and the National Art Education Association.
• Emily Hess, a psychology honors graduate from Breezewood. Child of Jason and Jamie Hess and a graduate of Everett Area High School, Hess received the Sutton Scholarship, was treasurer of Psi Chi Honor Society and the Psychology Club, and was a member of Phi Eta Sigma honor society. Hess won third place in the Howard Z. Fitzgerald Essay Contest, was a University College peer mentor, was a Summer Honors Program GEAR UP Program peer mentor, was a recreational therapy intern for Indiana Regional Medical Center Mountains Behavioral Health, and volunteered with the IUP Haven Project and for the Indiana County YMCA.

Butler County

• Maya Adams, an ecology, conservation, and evolutionary biology graduate from Butler. Daughter of Chad Adams and Suzanne Adams, she is a 2022 graduate of Slippery Rock High School. She is the recipient of the Sutton Scholarship and was a member of Phi Eta Sigma honor society and the IUP Biology Club.
• Cassie Ray, a cell and molecular biology graduate from Portersville. Daughter of Erica Ray and Matthew Ray, she is a 2022 graduate of Slippery Rock High School. She was a member of the Student Association of Health Simulations.
• Kendyl Steighner, a respiratory care graduate from Butler. Child of Cory and Jayme Steighner, Steighner is a 2022 graduate of Knoch High School. Steighner was a member of Phi Eta Sigma National honor society and Lambda Beta National honor society, received the IUP Respiratory Care Leadership Award and the Sutton Scholarship, was the IUP Respiratory Care Club president, and was the 2026 respiratory care class representative.

Cambria County

• Madison Bender, a safety, health, and environmental applied science graduate from Ashville. Daughter of Emily and Mark Bender, she is a 2022 graduate of Cambria Heights High School. She was a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals and the IUP Ladies of Safety organization.
• Alyssa Ford, an early childhood special education graduate in the Cook Honors College from Ebensburg. Daughter of Robert Ford Jr. and Heidi Ford, she is a 2022 graduate of Central Cambria High School. She was a member of the Obsidian Dance Troupe, the Student Pennsylvania State Education Association, Best Buddies Club, and Special Olympics Club.
• Elizabeth Kinney, a safety, health, and environmental applied science graduate from Dysart. Child of Mike and Pauline Kinney and a 2023 graduate of Cambria Heights High School, Kinney is the recipient of the Dean’s Merit Scholarship from the John J. and Char Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and was a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals, the IUP Ladies of Safety organization, Rho Sigma Kappa honor society, and the American Industrial Hygiene Association.
• Micah Sherry, a computer science and mathematics graduate from Emeigh. Son of Jason and April Sherry, he was homeschooled. He participated in the Undergraduate Summer Opportunities for Applying Research program and the Scholars Forum.
• Jensen Wiewiora, an early childhood education and special education graduate from Northern Cambria. Daughter of Rich Wiewiora and Wendy Wiewiora, she is a 2022 graduate of Northern Cambria High School.

Chester County

• Nick Kuech, a cybersecurity graduate from West Chester. Son of Tabatha Sedio of West Chester and Robert Kuech, he is a 2022 graduate of Avon Grove High School. He was named the 2025 Greek Life Leader of the Year and was a member of the IUP Cybersecurity Club, Cybersecurity Academy, Theta Chi fraternity, the IUP Interfraternity Council, Gamma Sigma Alpha, and the Order of Omega.

Clearfield County

• Makenzie Daniel, a safety, health, and environmental applied science graduate from Smokerun. Daughter of John and Robyn Daniel, she is a 2023 graduate of Moshannon Valley High School. She received the 2025 Kyle B. Dotson Safety Leadership Scholarship, the 2026 ARCO Scholarship, the 2026 Chevron Scholarship, and was a three-year student officer for the IUP Ladies of Safety organization. She was also a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals and the American Industrial Hygiene Association.

Erie County

• Reagan Rand, an exercise science graduate from Erie. Child of Frank and Jaimy Rand and a 2022 graduate of Harbor Creek Senior High School, Rand was captain of the softball team, was an All-American Scholar Athlete, and was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Fulton County

• Shelby Harnish, a chemistry and criminology double major graduate with a minor in forensic bioscience from Burnt Cabins. Daughter of Greg Harnish and Dawn Lawrie, she is a 2020 graduate of Forbes Road Junior Senior High School. She received the NFHCA Scholar of Distinction award, was a PSAC Scholar Athlete, and was captain and president of the Women’s Ice Hockey Club and a member of the Women’s Field Hockey team.

Indiana County

• Mallory Dixon, a history graduate from Home. Daughter of Kimberly Dixon, she is a 2016 graduate of Marion Center High School. She was the recipient of the Eric Slebodnik Memorial Award and was vice president of Phi Alpha Theta honor society and president of the Social Studies Education Club.
• Ryan Little, a finance and economics graduate from Commodore. Son of Alvin Little and Beth Little, he is a 2022 graduate of Purchase Line Junior Senior High School. He was honored with the 2026 Scholars Forum Eberly College of Business Dean’s Undergraduate Award for his research project, “The Macroeconomic Forces that Affect Equity Returns and Why They Vary Across Equity Sectors.” He was president of the IUP chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity and the IUP Interfraternity Council and was vice president of marketing and membership for the IUP Student Managed Investment Portfolio team. He received a Trustees Scholarship.
• Josh Saurer, a biology, ecology, conservation, and evolutionary biology graduate from Indiana. Son of Sheri Lake and Tim Saurer, he is a 2022 graduate of Indiana Area Senior High School. He was a member of the Book Club and the Outdoors Club, worked in the IUP Libraries, and was a biology tutor.
• Alexandra Schmidt, an anthropology-archaeology graduate from Homer City. Daughter of Lisa and Michael Schmidt, she is a 2023 graduate of Homer-Center Junior Senior High School. She received the Sutton Scholarship and was a member of the Next Level Faith group, the women’s club volleyball team, and participated in the education abroad program.

Northampton County

• Reia Sanchez, a sociology with a psychology minor and Spanish dual major graduate from Northampton. Daughter of Jamie and Brett Snellman, she is a 2022 graduate of Northampton Area High School. She was a Promising Scholar, received the IUP Sutton Scholarship, and was selected for membership in Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society and Sigma Delta Pi national collegiate Hispanic honor society. She is on the ministry team of the Reformed University Fellowship, is an IUP Crimson Tour Guide, and was an exchange student through the IUP and Valladolid exchange program. Her research project was selected for the 2026 Scholars Forum College of Education and Human Services Dean’s Award. She was selected for the 2025–26 Justice Research Fellows program.

Pike County

• Wyatt Magill, a natural sciences pre-dentistry graduate from Milford. Son of Michael Magill and Carrie Magill, he is a 2022 graduate of Delaware Valley High School. He was a member of the Pre-Dental Society, the American Chemical Society, and the Physics Club.

Washington County

• Gianna Filosi, a safety, health, and environmental applied science graduate from Houston. Daughter of Amy Filosi and Mike Filosi, she is a 2021 graduate of Chartiers-Houston Junior Senior High School. She was a member of the IUP Ladies of Safety organization and Rho Sigma Kappa honor society.

Westmoreland County

• Ashley Bodnar, an English education graduate from Irwin. Daughter of Michelle Bodnar and Donald Bodnar, she is a 2022 graduate of Norwin High School. She was honored as the first-year student of the year in her department and earned a FOLDIS Certificate of Multicultural Competency. She participated in IUP group fitness and the IUP Student Co-op recreation program and was a member of the Student Pennsylvania State Education Association.
• Maya Krehlik, an early childhood education graduate from Latrobe. Daughter of Chad Krehlik and Heather Myers, she is a 2023 graduate of Greater Latrobe School District. She was a member of Delta Zeta sorority and received the Sutton Scholarship.
• Lynnell Arline Landy, a secondary English education graduate from Greensburg. Daughter of Laura Landy and Timothy Landy, she is a 2019 graduate of Swansboro High School in North Carolina.