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LH holds first commencement as Commonwealth University

LOCK HAVEN -- The sun was shining brightly down upon the 685 Commonwealth University-Lock Haven students who graduated recently, along with the large number of family, friends and faculty there to support those receiving their diplomas.

The commencement took place at the Hubert Jack Stadium on Friday afternoon and was a combined ceremony between both the graduate and undergraduate Class of 2023.

The event featured 520 undergraduate students and 165 graduate students leaving the halls of the university.

This was also the first graduation after the merging of Lock Haven, Bloomsburg and Mansfield Universities to form the Commonwealth University of PA, marking a momentous occasion for the college.

After the opening procession and singing of the national anthem, President of the Commonwealth University, Bashar Hanna, said a few words about the students' time at the university. He spoke bittersweetly of the students having to leave LHU behind, but also recognizing that each student had to leave to make an impact and give back to their respective communities.

He closed his speech by telling them, "Go forth and be exceptional and extraordinary in your own ways. Regardless of the road that brought you here today, you will forever be Bald Eagles," ushering them onward with his blessing.

Due to the combined nature of the event, the graduation contained three keynote speakers, each representing a different segment of the student body. The three speeches shared an overarching theme of making the most out of the time that we have, with different twists on the same message.

The first speaker was Katherine Marion Lorson, the graduate student representative. She recalled her earlier years at LHU, of trying to overcome feelings of "self-doubt and fear."

"I began to recognize that my fear was standing in the way, and so I made a change. Not only would I say yes to opportunities, but I would seek them out," she said.

She encouraged the students, "to be brave, be kind, be authentic, avoid complacency, make mistakes and learn from them, and trust that you are capable of anything, since this is the only way that we can reach our full potential."

Next up was undergraduate representative Justin White, who spoke of the unique challenges faced by this class, including the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We had to adapt to online classes, remote learning, social distancing and missed out on a traditional college experience, but we never gave up. We found ways to stay connected and make the most out of our situation," he said.

He urged them, "to use your education not only for personal gain, but for the betterment of society. Be the change you want to see in the world and use your skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the lives of others."

Student government president Loren Glossner was the last of the student representatives to speak. She spoke of unity between all of the students, due to their shared experience of the time spent at LHU.

"No matter your path or the choices you make in the future, I am certain of one thing. You will be prepared to face whatever life brings you because of your time here at LHU," she said.

She left each of them with a challenge, "to dare greatly, to live boldly, to be unafraid, to experience things outside of your comfort zone, to dream big and take a stand for what you believe in."

Degrees were then conferred upon the awaiting students, each taking to the podium with confidence and pride in their accomplishments, ready to go wherever their next step in life takes them.

Although their time at LHU was over, many of the students felt as though their experiences and memories would carry on with them long after. Pennsylvania graduate Isaac Porter remembered fondly his work with the faculty, in particular his father.

"I really appreciated having my father as a mentor and getting to work with him," he said.

Business administration graduate, William Kamga, had similar feelings towards the professors he worked with in his college. He felt as though, "The business program here helped me excel."

For others, the social aspect of LHU is what stood out for them. Sports Management graduate Lynzee Polites attended LHU's ball drop event her freshman year and it changed the course of her college experience.

"I was considering transferring, but the ball drop opened my eyes to what was available here at LHU," she said.