KP
Kiersten Prenger
  • Physical Therapy
  • Class of 2016
  • Hanover, PA

Kiersten Prenger of Hanover Graduates from Lebanon Valley College

2016 May 18

Kiersten R. Prenger of Hanover, Pa., was among the 476 students who graduated at Lebanon Valley College's 147th Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 14. The 369 graduating seniors were joined by 37 doctor of physical therapy candidates, and 70 master's degree candidates.

Prenger received a doctor of physical therapy in physical therapy. Prenger previously received a bachelor of science in health science at The Valley. Prenger is a graduate of Delone Catholic High School.

Dr. Timothy Peelen of Lebanon, Pa., associate professor of chemistry, delivered the Commencement address. Dr. Peelen earned the privilege of speaking at Commencement after being recognized at last year's ceremony with the College's top teaching honor for a full-time faculty member, The Thomas Rhys Vickroy Distinguished Teaching Award (Vickroy Award). His speech, "What Are You Afraid Of," touched on the history of fear and how students can harness their fears to achieve their goals.

"Give voice to your fears, even if that means just being honest with yourself," said Dr. Peelen. "Your fears are there for a purpose-to direct you-and they demand a response. Success is defined not by the elimination or absence of fear, instead through the direct confrontation of fear."

Also during Commencement, the College announced Dr. Treva Clark, assistant chair and assistant professor of business and economics, as this year's Vickroy Award winner. Dr. Clark teaches business administration and international business courses, and serves in a variety of roles on campus to help the College's strategic vision of graduating world-ready students. She was appointed to the President's Strategic Planning Steering Committee and serves as chair of the Global Learning Task Force. Dr. Clark twice served as program director for the Maastricht short-term study abroad program and has forged area collaborations with businesses. These efforts have led the College to create a new international business major that begins this fall. Dr. Clark completed her Ph.D. at the University of Pittsburgh last year with her dissertation focusing on her research in the fields of development education and microfinance.

Dr. David Setley, chair and professor of the Business Department, nominated Dr. Clark for the award. "She is an innovative classroom teacher who marshals her creative energies to challenge her students in ways that emphasize team-building, collaboration, and interdisciplinary learning. She is extremely flexible in helping her students realize the complexities and dynamism of global markets and the interconnected nature of contemporary business."

The top student award, the H. Anthony Neidig Award, was presented to Carrie Pfleiger, a biology and French double major from Dover, Pa. Pfleiger's advisor, Dr. Courtney Lappas, assistant professor of biology, described her as one of the "best and brightest" undergraduates she's encountered, adding that her potential is "unlimited" and her drive and perseverance are "remarkable."

The Neidig Award is the latest in a string of accolades Pfleiger has received at The Valley, including the Beta Beta Beta Sophomore Achievement Award in Biology, the Francis H. Wilson Memorial Biology Award, the Outstanding Student in French Award, and Who's Who recognition. Pfleiger was selected as an intern in a nationally competitive program funded by the National Science Foundation. She continued her research agenda at LVC, working closely with Dr. Kristen Boeshore, assistant professor of biology, and presenting her work at two undergraduate research symposia and the state capitol. Additionally, Pfleiger studied abroad in France and is a member of the French Club and the Global Education Club. She boasts a high level of community service, served as a peer and writing tutor, was a team captain for the Valley Ambassadors, worked as a resident assistant for the LVC Biomedical Sciences Summer Camp, and held leadership positions in Student Government.

The final award presented at Commencement was the Nevelyn J. Knisley Award, which goes to a part-time or adjunct member of the College faculty. Suzanne Fox '77, adjunct instructor of music, is this year's recipient. Fox, who resides in Lebanon, has taught horn classes at LVC since 1998, while also teaching additional courses as needed by the Music Department. She also organized a campus visit by female horn quartet Genghis Barbie that included master classes and a performance. Most recently, Fox collaborated on the administration of the Music Education Program.

At Baccalaureate on Friday evening, Dr. Stacy Goodman, chair and professor of biology, 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.