USMH celebrates this year's graduates

The University System of Maryland at Hagerstown celebrated the sweat, toil and sacrifice of this year's graduating class on Wednesday, while giving out awards to some students.

The annual graduation celebration honored the 159 USMH students getting degrees from USM schools that offer classes in Hagerstown.

Some students already have received their degrees from their home universities; some will soon.

This was USMH's largest graduating class in its six-year history, according to Jamie Bushong, a spokeswoman for the downtown Hagerstown campus.

At a dinner and program at University Plaza, three students addressed their fellow graduates.

Evelyn Kloos of Hagerstown, who will receive a Master of Science degree in nursing from Towson University on Friday, said the graduates had a range of backgrounds. Some were the first in their families to go to college; others are carrying on traditions.

But all made sacrifices, she said, and so did their families.

For 23 years, Kloos has worked in the Maternal Child Health center of what's now known as Meritus Health Center, according to a short biography in the USMH program.

She takes part in medical missions and recently returned from a 14-day trip to Nicaragua.

Jonathan Mason of Frederick County, Md., said the hot-air balloon sculptures in University Plaza are reminders that graduates are grounded, but should "keep rising."

He urged them to think of one balloon theme — "Aspire to Inspire" — and to consider how they want to be remembered for their accomplishments and words.

Mason received a Master of Arts in teaching, with a concentration in elementary education, from Frostburg State University.

A three-year starter at quarterback at Shepherd University, Mason and his wife, Beth, just had a second child — Ty, a boy — on May 9.

John Scott Shank III, a lifelong Washington County resident, said life was easier with college so close.

He said experiences shape who people are. For him, his father, who had a farm and a construction business, played a big role.

His father, John Scott Shank II, died in 2009.

"I did this for you, Dad," the younger Shank said.

John Scott Shank III received a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Frostburg State University, working full-time for C. William Hetzer Inc. while he attended college, his biography said.

USMH award recipients

At Monday’s University System of Maryland at Hagerstown graduation celebration, the following students were honored, as recommended by their home universities:

Student Academic Achievement

 

• Melissa Alves, Towson University, Bachelor of Science degree in nursing
• Rebecca Graham, Frostburg State University, Master of Arts in teaching with a concentration in elementary education
• Ryan Kaczmark, Frostburg State University, Master of Education in administration and supervision
• Christina McCauley, Salisbury University, Bachelor of Arts in social work
• David Morehead, University of Maryland University College, Bachelor of Science in investigative forensics
• Sue Rowland, Frostburg State University, Bachelor of Science in sociology
• Danielle Shives, Frostburg State University, Master of Education in special education
• Ann Marie Virts, University of Maryland University College, Bachelor of Science in information systems management
• Andrew Whipp, University of Maryland University College, Bachelor of Science in criminal justice

Student Leadership and Service

• Kathryn Angle, Frostburg State University, Master of Arts in teaching in elementary
• Tamara Burnette, Towson University, Bachelor of Science in nursing
• Ryan Kaczmark, Frostburg State University, Master of Education in administration and supervision
• John Scott Shank III, Frostburg State University, Bachelor of Science in business administration
• Carmen Veneziano, Frostburg State University, Bachelor of Science in sociology