AM
Austin Minnich
  • biology
  • Class of 2017
  • Lititz

Austin Minnich of Lititz Graduates from Lebanon Valley College

2017 May 15

Austin H. Minnich of Lititz, Pa., was among nearly 500 students who received degrees as part of Lebanon Valley College's 148th Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 13. This year 385 undergraduate students were joined by 57 master of business administration, music education, science, or science education degree candidates, as well as 38 doctor of physical therapy students.

Minnich received a bachelor of science in biochemistry and molecular biology. Minnich graduated with the following honors: Magna Cum Laude. Minnich is a graduate of Warwick High School.

This year, Dr. Treva Clark, assistant chair and associate professor of business and economics, delivered the Commencement address. She encouraged graduates to take advantage of opportunities that await them and explore new experiences.

"Don't be so focused on outcomes, of not taking risks or pursuing paths which don't have a clearly defined end that you miss those chances to take part in something great. Sometimes the best things happen accidentally, on purpose," said Dr. Clark, who earned the privilege of speaking after receiving the Thomas Ryhs Vickroy Distinguished Teaching Award at last year's commencement.

Along with celebrating graduates, LVC announced the winners of several major annual awards.

The top student award, the H. Anthony Neidig Award, was presented to Patrick Maxwell of Quakertown, Pa., who graduated with a B.S. in international business and economics and a B.A. in global studies. He recently became the College's first Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellow and plans to enroll in Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, where he will work toward a master of international affairs degree with a concentration in economic and political development, and a regional specialization in African studies. While at LVC, Maxwell defended his honors thesis for his global studies major and completed a student-faculty research project using advanced econometric modeling. He has earned a certificate in leadership and the Silver Community Service Award and has been inducted into multiple honor societies.

Also during Commencement, the College announced Dr. Robert Carey, associate professor of biology, as the recipient of this year's Vickroy Award, the top honor for a faculty member. Dr. Carey has been building connections with students since arriving at The Valley in 2010. Along with teaching biology, genetics, and other courses in the Biology Department, Dr. Carey has collaborated with numerous students on summer research and for immersive projects through the Arnold Experiential Grant program. Through a President's Innovation Fund grant, he paired with Dr. Rebecca Urban to develop a new interdisciplinary molecular ecology lab which resulted in a new lab being executed for students that in ecology and genetics classes. Dr. Carey has also presented at the College's Symposium on Inclusive Excellence and will teach a connective course on evolution as part of the Constellation LVC curriculum.

The final award presented at Commencement was the Nevelyn J. Knisley Award, which is bestowed upon a part-time or adjunct member of the College faculty. Beth Julian, director of the Center for Writing and Tutoring Resources and adjunct instructor in the English Department, was named this year's recipient. Julian is recognized by faculty and students alike for her support of students' academic success. She has implemented training and mentoring for peer tutors, then developed assessment standards for that training which she presented at a Middle States Conference.

During Commencement, LVC President Dr. Lewis E. Thayne awarded four honorary degrees.

At Baccalaureate on Friday evening, Dr. Andrew Milosz, clinical assistant professor of physical therapy, received the Educator of the Year award. This honor is bestowed annually on a member of the full-time faculty who embodies the transformative power of the LVC experience, both inside and out of the classroom. The recipient is both nominated and elected from the entire student body.

Video of the ceremony is available on our YouTube channel and a photo album is on Facebook.