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Nearly 900 two- and four-year graduates, their families, professors, and friends were on hand Sunday, May 19, as ��Ӱֱ�� State honored its graduating class during the College’s 102^nd commencement ceremony. Valerie B. Nixon, interim college president, presided over the event. One of the highlights of the ceremony is the presentation of the Paul B. Orvis Award for Excellence, awarded to the outstanding two-year graduate in each of the college’s schools of study, as well as to a baccalaureate graduate. The award, which honors Paul B. Orvis, a former president of ��Ӱֱ�� State and State University of New York dean for two-year colleges, is a glass bowl engraved with the student’s name. Recipients must meet four criteria: service, leadership, character, and scholarship. Faculty, staff, and fellow students appraise the first three. Scholarship is determined by an analysis of the student’s academic standing in comparison to other students in the academic area.

Dr. Stephen J. Havlovic, provost and vice president for academic affairs, who presented the award, stated “for the first time in the college’s history, we have siblings receiving this award.”

Jacob A. Bayus, ��Ӱֱ�� Station, who received his autobody repair degree during the ceremony, was chosen as the School of Applied Technology’s associate-degree recipient. Dontoh was a member of the Sigma Tau Epsilon honor society, has been on the Dean’s List, and has completed a social change leadership program. Additionally, Dontoh was an active brother of the Psi Delta Omega fraternity, and has completed numerous hours of community service such as cleaning up the Wellsville Campus, raking leaves/painting for the Scio Rod & Gun Club, maintain and upkeep at a local animal shelter, and spring clean-up at Wellsville’s Memorial Park.

Pictured here, with Dontoh (center) is Interim President Valerie Nixon and ��Ӱֱ�� State College Council Chair Patricia K. Fogarty.

watch the entire ceremony on video.