Penn State Brandywine celebrates graduates at commencement
MIDDLETOWN » More than 90 graduates received their bachelor’s degrees at Penn State Brandywine’s spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 7, in the campus gymnasium. The event also included a celebration of 2020 graduates, who did not have an in-person commencement ceremony due to the pandemic.
“Commencement is one of the greatest days in the life of a university. Commencement is also a memorable day in the lives of all our graduates,” Chancellor Marilyn Wells told the new Penn State graduates and their guests. “Each generation has its defining moments, and for you, completing your world-class education, undergraduate research, community service, sustainability projects and internships at leading corporations through the pandemic is your defining moment.”
The graduating student addresses were given by Vidhi Dwivedi of Drexel Hill, who earned a bachelor of arts degree in communication arts and sciences, and Himani Vommi of Downingtown, who earned a bachelor of science degree in cybersecurity analytics and operations.
Dwivedi spoke of letting go of rigid expectations and embracing the unknown.
“Although we may be lost in life, we are all actively moving forward in uncharted territories, molding our identities, building upon our resiliency, and making choices that no one else has ever made,” Dwivedi said. Vommi shared the challenge of navigating between the culture of her immigrant parents and her current environment.
“As many of us here can relate, growing up in the U.S. to immigrant parents presents a unique challenge — we have to pick and choose how much of our parent’s culture we keep, and how much we take from our school, our friends, and the environment around us,” Vommi said. “For the first time, thanks to Brandywine, I was able to celebrate my culture with other students from around the world by helping put together wonderful Holi and Diwali celebrations.”
After the students’ remarks, Wells and Assistant Director of Academic Affairs Patricia Hillen conferred the degrees.
Hillen then recognized the graduates in attendance from the Class of 2020.
“Many things can change in two years,” Hillen added. “The Class of 2020 has not sat on their laurels. They have been out in the world, building careers and developing networks. At long last, we can celebrate them appropriately for their successes.”
In his closing remarks, former Student Government Association President Matt Wickel of Aldan talked about how much he developed and grew while a student at Brandywine.
“In 2018, as a homeschooled senior, college was intimidating for me,” said Wickel, who earned a bachelor of arts degree in communication arts and sciences. “The faculty and staff at Brandywine made this place feel like my home.”
As the ceremony opened,
Andrew Orr of Upper Darby, who graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in American studies, talked about the U.S. flag on stage as well as the international flags displayed around campus that represent the nationalities of Brandywine students.
Other student speakers were Laila Boujida of Ridley Township, who earned a bachelor of science degree in biology, and Erin McCarrie of Philadelphia, who earned a bachelor of arts degree in communication arts and sciences.
Penn State Brandywine, with 1300 students, is a residential campus offering 15 baccalaureate degrees and the first two years of nearly all of Penn State’s 275+ majors. For more information, visit https://www.brandywine.psu.edu.
Beth Israel holds free concert to benefit Ukraine
The Arioso String Quartet and mezzo soprano Tatyana Smolen, along with the Beth Israel Music Appreciation Society and other performers, will perform a free benefit concert at Congregation Beth Israel of Media to raise needed relief funds for Ukrainian charities, 3 p.m. Sunday, May 29.
The concert is organized by Beth Israel member and violist Carol Briselli, a member of the Arioso Quartet, which also includes violinists Igor Szwec and Gregory Teperman, and cellist Vivian Barton Dozor. The public of all ages is invited to attend on a first come basis since seating is limited to 75 attendees. Parking is plentiful and free. Donations to Ukraine charities will be solicited. A Facebook Live-stream will offered at http://www.bethisraelmedia.org.
Congregation Beth Israel is at 542 S. New Middletown Road, Middletown.
Penn Wood High School holds annual juried art show
William Penn School District announced the return of the Penn Wood High School Annual Juried Art Show, from now until May 19.
Penn Wood High School Art Instructors Alyce Grunt and Jason Sorvari will host the exhibit to showcase the talents of the students in their art classes and student members of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS). This year’s artwork will be on display at Penn Wood High School’s Green Avenue Campus, 100 Green Ave., Lansdowne, during normal school hours.
On Thursday, May 12, from 6-8 p.m., a reception and awards ceremony will take place. The Awards Ceremony will begin at 7 p.m.
Starting at 6 p.m., members of the Penn Wood High School Chapter of the National Art Honor Society will demonstrate various art techniques used to create much of the work on display. These include art media such as drawing, painting, sculpture and ceramics.
The event is sponsored by the Penn Wood High School Chapter of the National Art Honor Society. Student NAHS members will also lead child-friendly art activities during the event. The Art Show and the Reception and Awards Ceremony are free and open to the public.
The William Penn School District serves approximately 5,000 students who live in the communities of Aldan, Colwyn, Darby, East Lansdowne, Lansdowne, and Yeadon boroughs. To learn more, visit http:// www.williampennsd.org.
DCIU and Delco Right to Education Task Force invite residents to honor children and adults who make differences
Delaware County’s Right Education Local Task Force is sponsoring the 10th Annual Making a Difference Award Ceremony honoring students and adults in the community who level the playing field for children with disabilities, Thursday, May 12. Honorees include students who have persevered and overcome significant challenges to be successful in their school setting, as well as, adults and students who have made significant contributions to the acceptance of individuals with disabilities.
Similar to last year, this year’s awards ceremony will be held virtually via Zoom. Attendees will view videos submitted by Ridley School District and Interboro School District depicting their district’s inclusive cultures. Videos of nominations will also be played for all to hear. Winners will receive certificates as an acknowledgment of their accomplishments. This year’s event promises to be filled with heartfelt stories that provide the opportunity for all members of the community to learn from the winners, who by their actions, lead the way for accepting and including individuals of all ability levels.
For more information, contact the local task force via email at righttoedtaskforcedelco@gmail.com.
Williamson Auxiliary holds craft fair and car show
Williamson College of the Trades’ Auxiliary will hold a craft and vendor fair, featuring the Class of 2023’s car show,10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 14, on school grounds. Food will be sold.
Williamson is at 106 S. New Middletown Road, Middletown. All proceeds benefit the young men of Williamson.
For more information contact Terri Dugan at 610329-6427 or terrimojo@ gmail.com.