To Our Guests

We welcome you to the commencement exercises for baccalaureate and associate degree candidates. Commencement, the solemn but joyful climax and recognition of the graduates’ years of study, is an important occasion for the University, its faculty, staff, and students. All guests and participants are requested to avoid unnecessary conversation or moving about during the exercises.

Table of Contents

A Message from the Chancellor

Ron Darbeau

On behalf of the faculty and staff at Penn State Altoona, as well as our Advisory and Alumni Society Boards, it gives me great pride and pleasure to welcome you to today’s commencement ceremony. Today, we recognize the talent, dedication, and hard work of our soon-to-be graduates in achieving this significant milestone in their academic careers. Further, we recognize that their success is a reflection of the support given to them by their families, friends, and the many others who cheered them on.

To our newest graduates, we wish you well in your future endeavors. There will, of course, be times of accomplishment and times of challenge ahead. We urge you to approach them with balance, confidence, and humility and to embrace the simple reality that learning is a lifelong endeavor.

Dr. Ron Darbeau
Chancellor

About Penn State Altoona

Penn State Altoona is a full-service, residential campus located less than forty-five miles from the University Park campus. The college enrolls nearly 2,500 students and offers twenty-one baccalaureate degree programs, seven associate degree programs, and the first two years of coursework for more than 275 Penn State majors that can be completed at other Penn State campuses.

Penn State Altoona’s Ivyside campus, home to the college since 1947, consists of all-purpose athletic fields, a turf soccer field with an eight-lane track, a reflecting pond, thirty-three buildings, and four residence halls. In 1999, the college opened its first downtown Altoona location by leasing the former Playhouse Theater. Since then, the college has expanded its footprint downtown, which is now home to the Devorris Downtown Center (classrooms and conference facilities), Aaron Building (communications suite, nursing simulation labs, Dining Car Downtown, William J. Castle Executive Quarters, and Sutter Suites), Kazmaier Family Building (Development and Alumni Relations Office), The Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence (entrepreneurship program and Sheetz Fellows program), and Penn Building (classrooms, office space).

The college boasts world-class faculty across its two academic divisions: the Division of Business, Health, Humanities, and Social Sciences, and the Division of Business, Science, and Technology. Small classes and excellent support systems enable students to reach their fullest potential. The small campus environment provides a comprehensive learning experience while upholding the high standards of a major research university.

Penn State Altoona believes that the college experience should include more than just classroom learning and, therefore, is proud to offer its students a wide array of extracurricular opportunities. These opportunities include more than forty clubs and organizations, community service, honor societies, pre-professional groups, student government, club sports, and student leadership programs.

An NCAA Division III member with primary conference membership in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) and secondary conference membership in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), Penn State Altoona offers numerous varsity sports for men and women.

Baccalaureate and Associate Degree Program

Dr. Ron Darbeau
Chancellor of Penn State Altoona
Presiding

Academic Processional
Prelude to Te Deum, Charpentier
Performed by Encore Brass

National Anthem
Sung by Michaela Rose Etters
Penn State Altoona Class of 2028
The audience is asked to join in the singing.

Remarks
Chancellor Ron Darbeau

Commencement Speaker
Christy Shields

Authorization to Confer Degrees
Dr. Renata Engel
Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses and Executive Chancellor

Conferring of Degrees
Dr. Nicholas Pyeatt
Interim Division Head, Business, Health, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Dr. Edward Levri
Division Head, Engineering, Science, and Technology

Presentation of Diplomas
Presiding: Chancellor Ron Darbeau
Assisting: Gina Baird, Registrar

Congratulations by the College Advisory Board
Brian Durbin, Chair
Penn State Altoona Advisory Board

Recognition by the Penn State Alumni Society
D. Collin Reinhart, President
Penn State Altoona Alumni Society

Alma Mater
Sung by Michaela Rose Etters
Penn State Altoona Class of 2028
The audience is asked to join in the singing.

Recessional
Allegro Maestoso, Handel
Performed by Encore Brass
The audience is requested to remain seated during the recessional.

Commencement Speaker Christy Shields

Christy Shields headshot

Science Educator and Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers Partnership Lead, Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania

Christy Shields is from Butler, Pennsylvania. As a child, she was afraid of storms, but that fear eventually sparked her passion for meteorology. She graduated from Penn State in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology.

Christy has spent more than a decade in broadcast meteorology and earned the prestigious American Meteorological Society Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Seal in 2018. She served as the morning meteorologist at WTAJ in Altoona for eight years.

Today, Christy works at Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania, a nonprofit science center, as a science educator and Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers Partnership Lead. She continues forecasting as a fill-in meteorologist for WTAJ and ABC27 in Harrisburg and runs wxshield.com, where she provides daily forecasts for Central Pennsylvania.

Christy and her husband, Justin, enjoy cheering on the Nittany Lions and proudly serve on the Penn State Altoona Alumni Board.

Program Notes

Academic Dress

Academic dress had its beginning in the Middle Ages. When European universities were taking form in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, scholars were also clerics and adopted robes similar to those of their monastic orders. Caps were a necessity in the drafty buildings, and capes with hoods attached were needed for warmth. These early scholars made the hood distinctive for the various degrees by its color, trimming, and binding. As the universities gradually passed from the control of these ecclesiastics, academic dress took on brighter hues.

The use of academic garb in the United States has been continuous since the founding of our first institution in colonial times. A uniform system was not widespread, however, until about 1895 when the well-defined code of the Intercollegiate Commission was adopted by nearly all institutions of higher learning.

Gowns worn by those in the procession vary according to the degree held. Although the gown is more frequently black for academic degrees, certain universities have authorized the use of colored gowns. The academic gown has short or regular sleeves for the bachelor’s degree, pointed sleeves for the master’s degree, and round full sleeves for the doctor’s degree. There are no trimmings on the bachelor’s and master’s gowns, but the doctor’s gown is faced in front with black velvet and has three bars of the same material across the sleeves. In some cases, the color of this velvet relates to the field in which the degree is granted.

Hoods are not usually worn by recipients of the bachelor’s degree. The hood, which is the most distinctive feature of the American code, varies in length according to the type of degree held and is lined with the official colors of the institution conferring the degree. The velvet border or edging of the hood indicates the discipline of the degree it represents: scarlet, theology; blue, philosophy; light blue, education; brown, fine arts; blue violet, architecture; copper, economics; drab, business administration; golden yellow, science; green, medicine; sage green, physical education; orange, engineering; pink, music; purple, law; russet, forestry; and white, arts, letters, humanities.

The cap is usually square and is the same for all degrees. The standard tassel is black, but the doctor’s cap may have a gold tassel. The standard cap is the mortarboard and is usually the color of the gown. Undergraduates wear the tassel on the right side of the cap until the moment the degree is conferred.

Conferring of Degree

The legal corporate body of The Pennsylvania State University is its Board of Trustees. This is the entity that, by its charter, is given complete responsibility for the governance, welfare, and all other interests pertaining to the University. The Medallion presented by the Board of Trustees and worn by the Chancellor symbolizes the authority of the Chancellor to confer on each candidate the degree earned, as certified by the appropriate college faculty and administration.

Academic Mace and Medallion

The tradition of the mace can be dated to medieval kings, whose bodyguards would use a mace as an instrument of protection. It came to symbolize strength and authority. Originally, it was a weapon of offense that was made of iron and capable of breaking armor. It was a giant club, which came to be associated with brave men who fought to protect the king. During medieval times, the royal sergeants at arms were distinguished by their power of arrest without a warrant. To an increasing extent, the maces–originally ordinary weapons of war, similar to a club–became their emblems of authority from a noble lord or the king. These maces were stamped with the royal arms; and in an age in which few could read and write, the sergeants effected their arrests by showing their maces and not by producing any form of written warrant.

The evolution of maces from weapons of war to symbolic representations has seen the flanged head decrease in size to an ornamental bracket. The butt end historically carried the royal coat of arms and an arched crown surmounted by an orb and cross. As a result of the expansion of the butt end, maces began to be carried upside down with the crown uppermost.

Gradually, universities adopted the use of a mace to show the right of academic institutions to grant degrees to graduates. When English universities were taking form in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the mace was used as a symbol of royal authority at the universities the King established. It was displayed especially during formal ceremonies. The mace was carried by the most senior member of the faculty at the royal university before the president or chancellor and other dignitaries composing the platform party. The mace symbolically represents the college’s authority to exist and function as an institution of higher education.

As symbols of events and affiliations, medallions can be traced to religious orders during the Middle Ages. Since many orders, societies, and universities used similar designs—a circle, cross, or an oval—detailed artwork in the center of the medallion was adopted to differentiate each affiliation. Colleges and universities traditionally use ceremonial and commemorative medallions for formal occasions such as commencements, convocations, inaugurations, and other occasions when academic dress is worn. The academic medallion worn by the president or chancellor of the institution symbolically and officially represents their authority granted by the proper legal authority (the board of trustees, state authority, etc.) to confer degrees upon graduates of the institution.

Graduating with Honors

Honor Cords

Honor cords are double ropes knotted at the back of the neck and worn over the robe during commencement. The cords are awarded for academic honor, as well as for service and leadership. At Penn State Altoona, only honor cords for academic achievement or from recognized campus honor societies may be worn.

Penn State Altoona baccalaureate degree candidates graduating summa cum laude have attained a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.99 or higher; candidates graduating magna cum laude have attained a cumulative GPA between 3.95 and 3.98; and candidates graduating cum laude have attained a cumulative GPA between 3.87 and 3.94.

The College of Education confers the degree in Childhood and Early Adolescent Education offered at Penn State Altoona. Its baccalaureate degree candidates graduating summa cum laude have attained a GPA of 4.00; candidates graduating magna cum laude have attained a cumulative GPA between 3.97 and 3.99; and candidates graduating cum laude have attained a cumulative GPA between 3.93 and 3.96.

The College of Nursing confers the degree in Nursing offered at Penn State Altoona. Its baccalaureate degree candidates graduating summa cum laude have attained a GPA of 3.98; candidates graduating magna cum laude have attained a cumulative GPA between 3.93 and 3.97; and candidates graduating cum laude have attained a cumulative GPA between 3.86 and 3.92.

Throughout The Pennsylvania State University, associate degree candidates graduating summa cum laude have attained a cumulative GPA of 3.99 or higher; candidates graduating magna cum laude have attained a cumulative GPA between 3.92 and 3.98; and candidates graduating cum laude have attained a cumulative GPA between 3.84 and 3.91.

Penn State Altoona Honor Societies

  • Alpha Phi Sigma
    (National Criminal Justice Honor Society)
    Blue and gold braided cords
  • Beta Beta Beta
    (National Biological Honor Society)
    Forest Green and red cords
  • Chi Alpha Sigma
    (National College Athlete Honor Society)
    Medallion with black ribbon
  • Kappa Delta Pi
    (International Honor Society in Education)
    Green and purple cords
  • Kappa Omicron Nu
    (The Human Services Honor Society)
    Double cream and burgundy cords
  • Lambda Pi Eta
    (National Communication Association Honor Society)
    Gold cords
  • Penn State Altoona Honors Program
    Royal purple cords
  • Phi Alpha Theta
    (National History Honor Society)
    Red and blue/gray cords
  • Schreyer Honors College Scholars
    The Scholars Medal
  • Sheetz Fellows
    Medallion with blue ribbon
  • Sigma Beta Delta
    (International Honor Society for Business, Management, and Administration)
    Green and gold cords
  • Sigma Tau Delta
    (International English Honor Society)
    Red and black cords
  • Sigma Theta Tau
    (International Honor Society of Nurses)
    Purple and white cords
  • Tau Alpha Pi
    (National Honor Society for Engineering Technology)
    Green and gold cords
  • Theta Chi Chapter of Tri-Alpha Honor Society
    (A National Honor Society for First-Generation College Students)
    Blue and grey cords
  • Veterans and Active Duty Military
    Red, white, and blue cords

Sheetz Fellows

The Sheetz Fellows program is the vision of Steve and Nancy Sheetz. It was established as part of the couple’s historic gift to Penn State Altoona in 2009.

Sheetz Fellows participate in advanced instruction and activities that promote an enhanced awareness and understanding of leadership, service, and ethics. Established academic standards must be met to maintain status within the program. Other requirements include completion of a study abroad experience, a credit-bearing internship, and a minor or option in entrepreneurship.

Sheetz Fellows processing in the commencement ceremony are identified by the specially crafted medallion that is worn proudly around their necks as a symbol of their commitment to academic excellence.

Honor Societies

Alpha Phi Sigma
(National Criminal Justice Honor Society)
Blue and gold braided cords

  • Katelyn Kurtz
  • Ashley Lawson

Penn State Altoona Honors Program
Royal purple cords

  • Sydney R Barnett
  • Clarissa Henebury
  • Emily Moore

Kappa Delta Pi
(International Honor Society in Education)
Green and purple cords

  • Rylee Albright
  • Damian Branas
  • Gabrielle Feight
  • Cassie Johannides
  • Rachel Jung
  • Kayla Lord
  • Carly Mann
  • Clay McIlnay
  • Rachel Stricek

Lambda Pi Eta
(National Communication Association Honor Society)
Gold cords

  • Zachary Hopson
  • Anna Mae O’Brien

Psi Chi
(International Honor Society in Psychology)
Navy and platinum cords

  • Keelin Morgan Cannon

Sigma Theta Tau
(Honor Society of Nursing)
Purple and white cords

  • Adrienne Angell
  • Mackenzie Jones
  • Lauren Torbic

Tri-Alpha Honor Society
(Honor Society for First-Generation College Students)

  • Clarissa Henebury

Student Marshals

Each of the student marshals is an outstanding student chosen by their division head to represent their respective academic division. We are proud to publish the following personal narratives highlighting their experiences at Penn State Altoona.

Division of Business, Health, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Clay McIlnay

Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Early Childhood Education
Escort: Caroline Kelly

Transferring to Penn State Altoona was both exciting and uncertain. I wasn’t sure how I would fit into a new environment or find my place within the Education program. What I discovered, however, was a community of professors, mentors, and peers who welcomed me with genuine care and encouragement. From the very beginning, my professors inspired me to grow not only as an educator but also as a person. They challenged me to think deeply, teach creatively, and lead with compassion.

One of my most memorable moments occurred during my student teaching experience in kindergarten. A student was quietly studying a book in our classroom library when they suddenly looked up and shouted, “Mr. Mac, I can read!” That pure excitement and pride captured everything I love about teaching—the joy of growth, discovery, and connection.

Through my classroom experiences and time in the field, I’ve come to truly understand what it means to make a difference in students’ lives. As I look ahead to my own classroom, I carry with me the lessons and relationships that have shaped my journey here. Thank you, Penn State Altoona, for helping me find confidence, purpose, and a lifelong passion for teaching.

Division of Engineering, Science, and Technology

Mohamed Alkaabi

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Escort: Grant Risha

I am honored to serve as the Student Marshal for the Division of Engineering, Science, and Technology as I graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering. When I first arrived in the United States, everything around me felt unfamiliar. A new country, a new culture, and a new chapter can be overwhelming, but from the beginning, I was met with open arms. That sense of welcome allowed me to grow, explore, and eventually find my place within this community.

I did not begin my journey with a lifelong fascination for gears or machines. I was unsure if mechanical engineering was the right path for me, but the mechanical engineering faculty helped change that. Their passion, guidance, and belief in their students made me genuinely love the field. They encouraged me to think creatively and to build boldly, which culminated in one of my favorite experiences here: working with my senior design team to build a rocket. That project pushed me to apply everything I had learned while reminding me just how exciting it is to bring an idea to life. Through projects like this, my professors showed me how engineering connects imagination with reality and helped me look toward the future with confidence.

I am deeply grateful to my family and friends, whose encouragement has supported me through every challenge. Their faith in me has been a constant source of strength and motivation. To my classmates, thank you for sharing laughs, late-night study sessions, and memories that I will carry with me for life.

As we begin the next chapter, I hope we continue to build fearlessly and dream boldly. Our time here has prepared us not just to enter the world but to shape it. I am proud to graduate alongside you.

Candidates for Degrees

Please note: The information in this document was produced on November 21, 2025, as an official list of students who indicated an intent to graduate. Students who indicated their intent to graduate after that production date are not listed.

Degrees officially will be conferred in January, pending successful completion of all degree requirements. Subject to completion of all degree requirements and satisfaction of minimum criteria, distinction may be conferred as indicated upon the individuals listed herein and upon such others as may meet the requirements.

Division of Business, Health, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Associate of Science
Business Administration
Altoona College

  • Lillian Grace Greenfield
  • Addison Brady Feathers, degree conferred August 2025

Associate of Science
Criminal Justice
Altoona College

  • Connor Austin Cobaugh
  • Nathaniel Joseph Patterson, degree conferred August 2025
  • Jordyn Kennedy Skrutsky-Reppert

Bachelor of Arts
Communications
Altoona College

  • Sydney R Barnett, anticipated graduation date is May 2026
  • Zachary Lee Hopson, degree conferred August 2025
  • Anna Mae Louise O’Brien

Bachelor of Arts
Criminal Justice
Altoona College

  • Edna Baah Pokuaa

Bachelor of Arts
English
Altoona College

  • Abigail Lee Auerbeck
  • Emera Louise Gregor, degree conferred August 2025
  • Myra Lee Habbershon

Bachelor of Arts
History
Altoona College

  • Ian Lukas Cover
  • Luke Thomas Torquato, degree conferred August 2025
  • Elijah Scott Wiles
  • Brayden J Yingling

Bachelor of Arts
Multidisciplinary Studies
Altoona College

  • Tyreke Breeze-Don Green, degree conferred August 2025
  • Clarissa Ann Henebury
  • Elizabeth Lee McCloskey
  • Rory Smith

Bachelor of Arts
Psychology
Altoona College

  • Emily Kate Moore, Magna Cum Laude
  • Haley Zartman, degree conferred August 2025

Bachelor of Arts
Visual Art Studies
Altoona College

  • Kaiden Saige Deline, degree conferred August 2025
  • Maggie Parks
  • Noah James Schenk

Bachelor of Science
Accounting
Altoona College

  • Katelyn Kurtz
  • Nicholas Timothy Lehner, Magna Cum Laude
  • Chad Joseph Reighard, degree conferred August 2025
  • Shaun Patrick Smith, degree conferred August 2025

Bachelor of Science
Business
Altoona College

  • Nicolas Coppeta
  • Tyler Gordon, degree conferred August 2025
  • Frank McElroy Kasperowicz
  • Ethan Gray Kern
  • James Donald Mento
  • Christopher Franklin Peters, degree conferred August 2025
  • Caleb Pierce, degree conferred August 2025
  • Justin Sheetz
  • April Rena Silva, degree conferred August 2025
  • Ty Alexander Wasserman, degree conferred August 2025

Bachelor of Science
Criminal Justice
Altoona College

  • Adamari Taina Cortez, degree conferred August 2025
  • Dylan Darkwah, degree conferred August 2025
  • Lucia Adrianna DeRosa
  • Abigail M Gryziewicz, degree conferred August 2025
  • Ashley Christine Lawson

Bachelor of Science
Elementary and Early Childhood Education
College of Education

  • Rylee Danielle Albright
  • Damian Jacob Branas
  • Gabrielle Hope Feight
  • Lillie Ford
  • Cassie Andrea Johannides, Cum Laude
  • Rachel H Jung
  • Madison Nicole Kowalcyk
  • Kayla Marie Dawn Lord
  • Carly Jo Mann, Magna Cum Laude
  • Clay David McIlnay, Cum Laude, Student Marshal
  • Cassara Jean Stanley
  • Rachel Emily Stricek
  • Taylor Yannitelli

Bachelor of Science
Human Development and Family Studies
Altoona College

  • Noah B Jeffries, degree conferred August 2025

Bachelor of Science
Kinesiology
Altoona College

  • Leigha P Anderson, degree conferred August 2025
  • Samuel William Casalvieri
  • Alyssa J Fisher, degree conferred August 2025
  • Abigail Harwood, degree conferred August 2025
  • Sophia Arabella Nelson, degree conferred August 2025

Bachelor of Science
Nursing
College of Nursing

  • Carlos Acosta Castro
  • Adrienne Elizabeth Angell, Cum Laude
  • Jenna M Arnold
  • Alyson Mae Barley
  • Autumn Mary Bickhart
  • Lauren Elizabeth Brightbill
  • Christine Suzanne Brown
  • Kimberly Ayana Camacho
  • Patrick Michael Conway
  • Allison Zeigler Ghaner
  • Sean Patrick Gillespie
  • Marguerite Elise Greenland
  • Caoilin Hall
  • Felix J Huitian
  • Sarah Michelle Huston
  • Ifunanyachukwu Ifeanyichukwu Ifyefobi
  • Mackenzie Elise Jones, Summa Cum Laude
  • Jacob Reuben Keller
  • Felicity Kibaya
  • Alexandra Kathryn Kowsh
  • Mirka Lopez
  • Morgan Alanah O’Neill
  • Joseph Paul Randler
  • Rachel Alexis Ryder
  • Lauren Ruth Torbic
  • Karen L Weiss
  • Zaria Milan Williams

Bachelor of Science
Psychology
Altoona College

  • Keelin Morgan Cannon, Magna Cum Laude
  • Ariana Martinez, degree conferred August 2025
  • Dylan Tinashe Mhloyi, degree conferred August 2025
  • Auston Rhodes, degree conferred August 2025

Division of Engineering, Science, and Technology

Bachelor of Science
Biology
Altoona College

  • Madalyn Ava Whitaker, degree conferred August 2025

Bachelor of Science
Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations
Altoona College

  • Patrick Liam Galante, degree conferred August 2025
  • Andrew James Geisler
  • Aliyah Jewel Knight - Hunter, degree conferred August 2025
  • Diego Enrique Mendez, degree conferred August 2025
  • Ratanathida Phiset, degree conferred August 2025
  • Kevin Eugene Woodland Jr.
  • Nathan William Wright, Cum Laude

Bachelor of Science
Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology
Altoona College

  • Ryan A Ackerman
  • Douglas Lee Wilson Guthrie
  • Landon Lee Hennessey
  • Dominic Thomas McCaffrey
  • Kyle Helmut Nevard
  • Austin John Rabits, degree conferred August 2025

Bachelor of Science
Information Technology
Altoona College

  • Joseph Tyler Johnston

Bachelor of Science
Mechanical Engineering
Altoona College

  • Mohamed Juma Salim Suwaidan Alkaabi, Student Marshal
  • Jake Matthew Dobrowolski
  • John Paul Karcher
  • Nathan Joseph McCombie
  • Ethan Errol McDonald

Bachelor of Science
Security and Risk Analysis
Altoona College

  • Caleb Clair Oakes
  • Mazin Rashid

Nomenclator, Advisory Board, and Commencement Marshals

Nomenclator

William J White
Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences

Penn State Altoona Advisory Board

Chair: Brian Durbin
Co-chair: Richard Fiore, Jr.
Treasurer: Bernard L Creppage
Secretary: Ron Darbeau

Members

  • Ron Darbeau
  • Josh Baker
  • Jennifer Bates
  • Carmen Bilek
  • William J. Castle
  • Andrea Cohen
  • Bernard L. Creppage
  • Charles Dupree
  • Brian Durbin
  • Marcus Edwards
  • Fred Egerer
  • Leila Farzam
  • Richard Fiore, Jr.
  • Dr. Adam Goddard
  • Tracy Hinish
  • R. Lee Hite
  • C. David Kimmel
  • Phil Merilli
  • Shannon Morris
  • Neil Port
  • Collin Reinhart
  • Mark Ritchey
  • Ryan Sheetz
  • Stephen G. Sheetz
  • Tom Smith
  • Clark Stapelfeld
  • Gregory Wolf
  • J. Benjamin Yeager

Commencement Marshals

College Marshal

Gary Weisel

Faculty Marshals

  • Shawn Bernecky
  • Jordan Bittner
  • Victor Brunsden
  • Deborah K. Hommer
  • Lauren Jacobson
  • Laura K Palmer
  • Doug Page

National Anthem

By Francis Scott Key

O say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming;
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air
Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Alma Mater

By Fred Lewis Pattee

For the glory of old State,
For her founders, strong and great,
For the future that we wait,
Raise the song, raise the song,

Sing our love and loyalty,
Sing our hopes that, bright and free,
Rest, O Mother dear, with thee.
All with thee, all with thee.

When we stood at childhood’s gate,
Shapeless in the hands of fate,
Thou didst mold us, dear old State,
Dear old State, dear old State.

May no act of ours bring shame
To one heart that loves thy name,
May our lives but swell thy fame,
Dear old State, dear old State!