Posted on Saturday, May 9, 2026
Westminster College awarded degrees to 249 students during its 172nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, in the Will W. Orr Auditorium on the College’s campus.
Members of the Class of 2026 were awarded Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. Four students earned dual degrees: three received both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree, while one student earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Music degree. Academic honors were awarded to 62 graduating seniors, including 18 summa cum laude, 24 magna cum laude and 20 cum laude graduates. In addition, seven students received Master of Education degrees, 18 earned Master of Business Administration degrees and one student was awarded a Master of Arts degree.
David Farner, chair of the Westminster Board of Trustees and a 1985 graduate, opened the ceremony followed by the invocation by College Chaplain the Rev. James Mohr II. President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson welcomed graduates and guests, while Dr. Jeffrey Bersett, professor of Spanish and chair of the faculty, delivered faculty remarks.
Richardson praised the Class of 2026 for its resilience, commitment and perseverance, noting that students gained knowledge, confidence, relationships and lifelong memories through their experiences in the classroom, athletics, research and campus life. Richardson encouraged graduates to carry forward Westminster’s mission by representing “the best of humankind” in their professions, communities and service to others.
“I hope you have rightfully gained confidence in your abilities and in your resilience,” Richardson said. “Your mission as graduates of Westminster is to represent the best of humankind wherever you are called to live, work and serve. Stand out as a Titan wherever you go.”
During the ceremony, alumnus Michael Anthony ’77 of Amherst, N.H., a 40-year veteran of the retail and brand-building industry, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Business degree. He served as chairman, president and chief executive officer of Things Remembered Inc. from 2007 to 2015, leading the nation’s largest retail chain of personalization stores and expanding its growth as a multi-channel retailer.
Previously, Anthony held a series of senior executive roles at Brookstone from 1994 to 2006, including chairman, president and CEO, helping transform the company into a leading specialty retailer with a national presence in premium malls and airports. Today, Anthony continues his work in private equity, helping shape the strategic direction of consumer and retail brand opportunities. He is a member of Westminster’s Board of Distinguished Visitors.
Offering the senior address, Kole Alcorn, a psychology and criminal justice studies major and summa cum laude graduate from Eau Claire, Pa., reflected on the Class of 2026’s shared journey at Westminster College, describing the Westminster experience as an “epic” built through friendship, perseverance and community.
“You did it. You put in the work. You built this community. You wrote this epic,” Alcorn said. “You are not just a Titan of Westminster College. You are a Titan of your own story.”
Prior to the conferring of degrees, the prestigious Distinguished Faculty Award was presented to faculty member Dr. John Bonomo, professor of computer science. Bonomo, who has been a member of the Westminster faculty since 1998, was nominated for the honor by current and former colleagues, alumni and students.
Bonomo holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics from Catholic University and a doctorate in computer science from Purdue University. He has served as a judge and problem contributor to the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) and has served as the ICPC World Finals chief judge since 2010.
The award is presented annually to a tenured faculty member who demonstrates intellectual vitality, effective communication skills, the ability to inspire and motivate students, collegiality and leadership.
Senior vocalists Liam Chute, a music education major and magna cum laude graduate from Sharpsville, Pa., and Alexandra Webster, a music education major and summa cum laude graduate from Oil City, Pa., sang the Westminster College Alma Mater at the close of the ceremony.
Other ceremony participants included Dr. Jamie Chapman, associate professor of sociology, and Dr. Matteo Luisi, assistant professor of physics, who served as faculty marshals. Students were led by marshals Dr. Patricia Clark, associate professor of history, Dr. Patrick Krantz, associate professor of environmental science, and Dr. Jennifer Waldo, assistant professor of finance.
The day’s events began with the morning Baccalaureate service in Wallace Memorial Chapel led by Mohr. Alex Rothwell, a marketing and professional sales major from Canfield, Ohio, provided the call to worship.
Dr. Jeffrey Arnold, executive director of the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities, provided the message, “Blessed are the Graduates, for They Shall....” and challenged graduates to define success not only by professional achievement, but by character, compassion and vocation. Drawing from the Beatitudes and David Brooks’ concept of “resume virtues” and “eulogy virtues,” Arnold urged graduates to balance career accomplishments with humility, mercy, integrity and service to others, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes when professional gifts are aligned with a higher calling and used in service of community and faith.
“While resume virtues can definitely open doors, the true measure of our lives will be found in how we show up for others—and ultimately, how each of us is remembered long after we’re gone,” said Arnold.
Seniors Elliott Wentzel, a biology major and summa cum laude graduate from Houston, Pa., and Ramont Scott, a broadcasting and sports communications major from Frederick, Md., provided the litany of faith.
Other senior Baccalaureate speakers included psychology major Alyssa Jeffcoat of Wampum, Pa., accounting major Mick Hergenrother of Canfield, Ohio, and biology major Jahiem Hawkins of Huntington, N.Y.
The service included music by organist Mitchell Stecker. Special music was provided by Liam Chute, while bagpiper Kim Meek led the processional and recessional during both Baccalaureate and Commencement.
Pictured above from top, Sam Rogers of Orlando, Fla., receives his diploma; Honorary degree recipient Michael Anthony '77, right, with President Richardson, center, and chair of the Board of Trustees David Farner '85; students grab a few selfies before the Commencement ceremony.
