May 4th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

Frostburg State University will celebrate student achievements of its spring 2022 graduating class with the 160th Commencement on Thursday, May 19, during two ceremonies in the Cordts Physical Education Center Main Arena. 

University System of Maryland Regent Geoff Gonella will confer degrees, and FSU President Ronald Nowaczyk will present diplomas to graduates during the two exercises. 

The Colleges of Business and Education ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m., and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences ceremony will start at 2 p.m. Featured student speakers for the ceremony include Sarah Robertson, College of Business; Quenten Demps, College of Education; and Meghan Murphy, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 

Robertson, of Frostburg, Md., graduates today with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in global business and minors in management, finance and marketing. Robertson made the Dean’s List every semester throughout her Frostburg career. She successfully balanced her academic excellence with several part-time jobs and extracurricular activities, including serving as a hospitality manager for the Cultural Events Series, working as news section editor for The Bottom Line, FSU’s student newspaper, and serving as Beta Gamma Sigma honor society president. “Our faculty members are impressed with Sarah’s kind demeanor, her drive and desire for continuous improvement,” said Dr. Sudhir Singh, dean of the College of Business. 

Demps, of Frederick, Md., graduates today with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood/elementary education. Demps has made the Dean’s List at FSU every semester since transferring from Hagerstown Community College in fall 2019. He completed field experiences in kindergarten at Mt. Savage Elementary School and first grade at Bel Air Elementary School, both in Allegany County, Md. He has a positive rapport with students and the ability to execute effective, learning-focused lessons and units for his students. Outside the classroom, he is actively involved in the Future Student Education Association. “Quenten represents an exemplary beginning teacher and will be an asset to any school,” said Dr. Jodi Welsch, professor and Teacher Education Program director. 

Murphy, of Frostburg, Md., graduates today with a bachelor’s degree in computer science with a minor in mathematics. While at FSU, Murphy has made the Dean’s List every semester. In addition to her outstanding GPA, she has worked multiple jobs, including her current position as an IT project management and business analyst intern at FSU. She also spent time as a volunteer with “Girls Who Code” summer camp and worked as a learning assistant in the Department of Mathematics. Her instructors note her excellent attitude, strong work ethic and quiet confidence. “Meghan is in the top 1 percent of students I’ve ever taught,” said Dr. Michael Flinn, chair of the department of Computer Science. “Her research skills, work ethic and enthusiasm for learning and research are exceptional.” 

Interim Provost Dr. Michael Mathias; Singh; Dr. Boyce Williams, dean of the College of Education; and Dr. Kim Hixson, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, will present candidates for degrees. 

Tickets are required to attend Commencement. For more information, visit www.frostburg.edu/events/commencement. The ceremony will also be streamed live online. For the livestream link, visit www.frostburg.edu on the day of the commencement. 

FSU is following CDC guidance based on current area conditions. For current health and safety guidelines visit www.frostburg.edu/COVID19. Event attendees are encouraged to visit www.frostburg.edu/checkin for symptom monitoring. Users can display the portal’s “Reduced Risk” badge on a mobile device for admission, or they may respond to symptom-check questions posted at events. 

Situated in the mountains of Allegany County, Frostburg State University is one of the 12 institutions of the University System of Maryland. FSU is a comprehensive, residential regional university and serves as an educational and cultural center for Western Maryland. For more information, visit www.frostburg.edu or facebook.com/frostburgstateuniversity. Follow FSU on Twitter @frostburgstate. 

FSU is committed to making all of its programs, services and activities accessible to persons with disabilities. To request accommodation through the ADA Compliance Office, call 301-687-3035 or use a Voice Relay Operator at 1-800-735-2258.