LYCOMING COLLEGE FALL 2026
then NOW}
Move-in day marks a powerful beginning for both students and their families. It is a moment filled with excitement, pride, and a touch of nervousness as a new chapter begins at Lycoming College. Over the decades, the process may have changed — from paper maps to digital check-ins — but the emotions of anticipation and bittersweet goodbyes remain much the same. Yesteryear’s wood-paneled station wagons and today’s SUVs are packed with belongings symbolizing not just physical items, but hopes, dreams, and possibilities for a bright future. Cheers to the students as they embark on this step of growing independence, and best wishes for a fantastic year ahead! 1 www.lycoming.edu
This fall marks an exciting chapter in the continued evolution of our academic offerings. We are introducing four new programs — environmental science, environmental studies, exercise science, and sport management — that reflect existing strengths in our academic program while also addressing student interests and emerging workforce needs. Designed with real-world application in mind, these programs combine hands-on learning, interdisciplinary coursework, and close faculty mentorship to prepare students for meaningful careers in rapidly changing fields. These programs remain grounded in Lycoming’s liberal arts and sciences curriculum which ensures every student has both breadth and depth of learning. With these additions, Lycoming now offers 67 majors and 69 minors, providing students with even more pathways to pursue their passions and achieve their goals. every opportunity to learn, grow, and engage fully in the vibrant life of our campus community. s we begin a new academic year, I am delighted to welcome both our returning students and the incoming Class of 2030 to campus. This is always an exciting time at Lycoming College, filled with possibility, discovery, and the promise of new experiences. I encourage our students to embrace Hello, Friends A Message from the President 67 69 majors minors 2 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2026 FALL MAGAZINE
As our students arrived on campus last month, they were welcomed by several exciting enhancements across campus. Over the summer, air conditioning projects in both Rich and Crever Halls were completed, ensuring comfortable living spaces for our students from day one. New lights now shine over the Lycoming College Baseball Complex in Brandon Park, and the team had the chance to see them illuminated for the first time following the Little League World Series Grand Slam Parade on Aug. 17. We also refreshed student lounges and kitchens in several residence halls. Looking ahead, we are eager to continue improvements to the Wertz Dining Hall and our retail locations during fall break. Beyond our physical campus, the first phase of a major refresh to the College’s website (www.lycoming.edu) is complete and the remaining phases should be concluded this calendar year, creating a more user-friendly, informative, and appealing site for prospective students and alumni. I am pleased to share the appointment of alumna Minta (George) Krise ’00 to the Lycoming College board of trustees. As chief operating officer and associate partner of InTandem Financial, a strategic wealth advisory practice of Northwestern Mutual, Minta brings extensive leadership experience and a deep commitment to her alma mater. We look forward to the perspective and expertise she will contribute as we continue shaping Lycoming’s future. This spring, we proudly celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2026. Commencement is always a powerful reminder of our mission and the transformative impact of a Lycoming education. As I shared with our graduates, the knowledge, skills, and experiences they gained here are exactly what our world needs. To our newest alumni, I encourage you to move forward with confidence, humility, and purpose. Let the lessons and relationships that defined your time at Lycoming guide you as you write the next chapter of your story. And remember, no matter where life takes you, Lycoming will always be a place to return home. On that note, I hope to see many of our alumni, student families, and friends on campus for Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 2-4, 2026. It promises to be a wonderful celebration of our shared Warrior spirit and an opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate all that makes the Lycoming community so special. Sincerely, Charles Edmonds, Ed.D. ’98 President President Edmonds with his wife, Erin, and the senior class officers (L to R) Gabriella Fugon, secretary; Chloe Shendge, vice president; Jacob Wagers, treasurer; and Anna Glantz, president Let the lessons and relationships that defined your time at Lycoming guide you as you write the next chapter of your story. And remember, no matter where life takes you, Lycoming will always be a place to return home.” 3 www.lycoming.edu
VOL. 41, NO. 2 FALL 2026 We all lead with our heart, our soul, and our mind. We stand for each other, we strive to make a difference. I think that’s the beauty of every Lycoming student LYCOMING COLLEGE MAGAZINE EDITOR Amy Chandler marketing@lycoming.edu ASSOCIATE EDITORS Julia Bidelspach ’27 Joe Guistina Marla Kramer Lynn (Detwiler) Zitta ’11 ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER Murray Hanford PHOTOGRAPHY DMK Media Prime Photography Gordon Wenzel M. Mitchell Wheary ’20 Ralph Wilson CLASS NOTES EDITOR Terri (Neufer) Brewer ’14 ADMINISTRATION Charles W. Edmonds, Ed.D. ’98 President Richard “Chip” Hinton Vice President for Enrollment Management & Marketing Sandra Kingery, Ph.D. Provost & Dean of the Faculty Walter C. Williams Vice President for College Advancement 4 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2026 FALL MAGAZINE
LYCOMING COLLEGE ONE COLLEGE PLACE WILLIAMSPORT, PA 17701-5192 570-321-4000 www.lycoming.edu Copyright© 2026 Lycoming College. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or duplicated without the prior written permission of the publisher. Lycoming College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Lycoming College Magazine is produced biannually. A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT NOTEWORTHY TRAINING TOMORROW’S SPORTS AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS FOSTERING COMMUNITY: MEET THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS AND SUCCESS CELEBRATE THE CLASS OF 2026 KAMRYN SKEITH ’29: FROM WASHINGTON TO WILLIAMSPORT FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: ALLISON SAUNDERS, PH.D. FACULTY & STAFF NEWS ALUMNI HAPPENINGS ALUMNI & REUNION WEEKEND 2026 THE 2026 AAEB ALUMNI AWARDS CLASS NOTES CONNECT: HENRY “HANK” KNERR ’77 MARKING PERSONAL CELEBRATIONS WITH PURPOSE: LARRY SNYDER ’68 2 6 12 16 14 18 20 22 24 26 GO PAPERLESS. To receive a link to an online version of Lycoming College Magazine rather than a paper copy, email marketing@lycoming.edu with “online magazine subscription” in the subject line. Include your name, class year, and mailing address in the message. 28 10 36 37 www.lycoming.edu 5
NOTEWOR PRESIDENT EDMONDS ELECTED TO AICUP BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Chip Edmonds, Ed.D. ’98, was elected to the board of directors of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP), effective July 1, 2026. He is one of nine higher education leaders newly elected to statewide board roles this year. AICUP represents the largest sector of higher education in Pennsylvania, comprising more than 80 independent nonprofit colleges and universities that together serve hundreds of thousands of students across the Commonwealth. The organization’s board is composed entirely of college presidents from member schools. “It’s an honor to join the AICUP board and to work alongside fellow presidents from across Pennsylvania on behalf of independent higher education,” said Edmonds. “Our sector plays an outsized role in preparing students for careers and lives of purpose, and I look forward to advocating for the policies and partnerships that keep a Lycoming education, as well as an independent college education more broadly, accessible and affordable for students across the Commonwealth.” AICUP’s member institutions educate more than half of Pennsylvania’s four-year degreeseeking students and contribute significantly to the state’s workforce and economy. Through his board service, Edmonds will help advance initiatives that strengthen educational access, student success, and the impact of independent colleges across Pennsylvania. The Society of Actuaries (SOA) recognized Lycoming College’s actuarial science curriculum by naming Lycoming to its Universities and Colleges with Actuarial Programs (UCAP) list. The distinction indicates that Lycoming meets the SOA’s UCAP standards for actuarial education, expanding resources for Lycoming students who are pursuing an education and career in the profession. SOA, the world’s largest actuarial professional organization with more than 35,000 members across more than 100 countries, aims to empower its members to drive solutions to life’s financial risks. By earning a spot on the list, the College is signaling that it is committed to providing a high-quality actuarial science education to undergraduate SOCIETY OF ACTUARIES RECOGNIZES LYCOMING COLLEGE ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROGRAM students that prepares them for success in the field. Lycoming has achieved the UCAP–Introductory Curriculum tier owing to required coursework designed to prepare students for exams P and FM. Lycoming also requires that students demonstrate proficiency in Validation by Educational Experience (VEE) topic areas, including economics, accounting and finance, and mathematical sciences — all foundational to actuarial science. “The Society of Actuaries has recognized that our curriculum prepares students to take and pass actuarial exams P and FM. Our program offers a twocourse sequence geared to each of these exams, where students learn the exam content in the 6 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2026 FALL MAGAZINE
RTHY LYCOMING COLLEGE APPOINTS NEW VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT Walter C. Williams has been appointed vice president for college advancement. Reporting directly to the president, Williams will serve as the chief fundraising officer and a member of the administrative cabinet while acting as the liaison to the board of trustees’ advancement committee. He will oversee fundraising, alumni relations, advancement operations, and foundation relations while partnering with College leadership to advance philanthropic priorities, grow the endowment, and support future campaigns. “Walter brings a very strong record as an advancement leader and fundraiser. He immediately stood out through the search process and demonstrated his capacity to lead Lycoming’s talented and experienced advancement team. I am very excited to welcome him to Lycoming College and look forward to the ways in which his leadership and commitment to the liberal arts and sciences will shape the future of Lycoming,” said President Chip Edmonds, Ed.D. ’98. A seasoned advancement leader, Williams brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education fundraising and alumni engagement. Most recently, he served as assistant vice president for development at The College of Wooster, following senior advancement leadership roles at Hiram College, SUNY Empire State University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Syracuse University, and Cornell University. He holds a master’s degree in organizational communication, learning, and design from Ithaca College, and a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations from the University of Mississippi. He also holds professional certifications from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Executive Education and the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. “Lycoming’s commitment to a distinguished liberal arts and sciences education within a supportive residential community resonates deeply with me,” said Williams. “The College’s emphasis on experiential learning, student opportunity, and endowment-supported access offers a compelling case for philanthropy that is both mission-centered and impact-driven. I look forward to partnering with President Edmonds, the trustees, and the entire Lycoming community to sustain and grow the College’s philanthropic momentum.” first course and spend an entire semester preparing for the actuarial exam in the second course,” said Michael Smith, Ph.D., assistant professor of math and coordinator of the actuarial science program. “Students who pass one or both of these exams are well-positioned to secure an actuarial position upon graduation.” 7 www.lycoming.edu
Lycoming College has announced a new affiliation agreement with Geisinger College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine (GCHS SOM) that provides eligible Lycoming students with a guaranteed interview for consideration for admission to GCHS SOM’s highly competitive doctor of medicine (M.D.) program. GCHS SOM offers a community-based medical education model that emphasizes early clinical experience, research, and innovative approaches to healthcare. Through this new agreement, qualified Lycoming pre-med students who meet established academic and professional standards, including active participation in the Lyco White Coat program, will benefit from a streamlined pathway to GCHS SOM, including the opportunity to interview for admission before completing their undergraduate studies. Through a new partnership with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), LYCOMING COLLEGE PARTNERS WITH GEISINGER COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND LAKE ERIE COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE Lycoming College students may now apply to LECOM’s Early Acceptance Program (EAP) for access to advanced medical and health degrees, including a doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.), doctor of dental medicine (DMD), doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), and doctor of pharmacy (PharmD.). The partnership provides a streamlined pathway into healthcare careers through LECOM — the nation’s largest medical school and the only osteopathic Academic Health Center — while helping Lycoming students prepare for successful futures in a wide range of health professions. Qualified students can interview with LECOM and potentially secure provisional acceptance to medical, dental, pharmacy, or podiatric programs before completing their undergraduate degrees. Students who meet admission requirements and maintain the required academic and professional standards at Lycoming College has established a new cooperative agreement with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) that allows eligible students to earn internship credits toward their degree in any discipline by completing cadet basic training at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy during their final semester. The partnership creates a direct pathway from college to career, enabling students who are accepted into and successfully complete the highly competitive academy to graduate with both a Lycoming degree and the training required to begin a career as a Pennsylvania state trooper. “This agreement with Lycoming College allows cadets to earn their college degree upon graduating from the PSP Academy,” said Lieutenant Colonel George L. Bivens, the acting commissioner of the PSP. “This initiative demonstrates our commitment to higher education and lifelong learning, formally recognizing the academic rigor, discipline, and professional standards necessary to become a member of the PSP.” Students in the program will substitute traditional classroom time with a rigorous 28-week training program at the PSP Academy in Hershey, Pa. The academy curriculum includes physical activities and educational coursework in Pennsylvania’s crimes and vehicle codes, law enforcement principles and practices, firearms, and special equipment training. Upon graduation from the academy, cadets are promoted to the rank of trooper. “Through our new partnership with PSP, Lycoming students will graduate one step ahead, having earned a bachelor’s degree and completing cadet basic training at the Academy at the same time,” said Kerry Richmond, Ph.D., professor of criminal justice and criminology and the College’s primary point of contact for the program. “This agreement allows our students to seamlessly transition from the classroom to a rewarding career in law enforcement, gaining invaluable hands-on experience that perfectly complements their liberal arts education.” LYCOMING COLLEGE CREATES CADET TRAINING PATHWAY WITH PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE 8 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2026 FALL MAGAZINE
Lycoming will matriculate into their LECOM program after graduation. Students pursuing either partnership will benefit from personalized advising and mentorship throughout their undergraduate experience. Dedicated faculty advisors provide guidance on academics, clinical and shadowing opportunities, community service, MCAT preparation, and the medical school application and interview process, helping students navigate pathways to professional programs and prepare for success in medical school and healthcare careers. Lycoming College rallied its community during its eighth annual Days of Giving on April 14–15, 2026, raising $676,269 from 1,059 donors. The event supports innovation, student success, and strategic priorities across campus, and donors had the opportunity to fund a variety of initiatives, including new academic programs such as sport management and exercise science (see pages 10-11). “This is a moment of new beginnings and momentum that will help shape Lycoming’s future,” said Lindsay Crist, senior director of annual giving. “Thank you to all who joined us in support of making uncommon outcomes possible.” Many gifts supported the Presidential Initiatives Fund, which provides President Chip Edmonds, Ed.D. ’98, with resources to advance key institutional priorities and build on Lycoming’s tradition of excellence. “I am deeply thankful to everyone who took part in this year’s Days of Giving,” Edmonds said. “Support of the Presidential Initiatives Fund creates a strong foundation that will allow the College to build on its successes and move boldly into the future.” Athletics once again generated excitement, raising $200,080 and exceeding its 2025 Days of Giving total. Alumni, parents, and friends made gifts designated to teams, athletic projects, and department-wide initiatives. “The generous support of our student-athletes is truly inspiring,” said Glenn Smith ’07, director of athletics. “Days of Giving provides critical support for opportunities that help our student-athletes compete, learn, grow, and succeed.” The campaign was further energized by alumni, faculty, staff, and friends who sponsored matching gifts and challenges. Donors supported a wide range of areas across campus, including academics, athletics, Greek life, music, and reunion class projects, while social media advocates helped build excitement and expand participation throughout the two-day event. LYCOMING COLLEGE CELEBRATES ITS MOST SUCCESSFUL DAYS OF GIVING $676,269 1,059 RAISED DONORS I am deeply thankful to everyone who took part in this year’s Days of Giving... “ ” SAVE THE DATE! LYCOMING COLLEGE’S 9TH ANNUAL DAYS OF GIVING, MARCH 9 & 10, 2027 9 www.lycoming.edu
LYCOMING COLLEGE INTRODUCES SPORT MANAGEMENT AND EXERCISE SCIENCE MAJORS s workforce demand continues to grow across the sports, fitness, and healthcare sectors, Lycoming College is expanding opportunities for students beginning this fall semester with the launch of two new majors: sport management and exercise science. Combining hands-on learning, faculty mentorship, and interdisciplinary coursework, these programs prepare students for careers in athletics, health, wellness, and human performance. Drawing on the sciences, business, and social sciences, students gain a broad foundation that equips them to understand both the technical and human dimensions of sports and healthcare while building the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in rapidly evolving industries. TRAINING TOMORROW’S SPORTS HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND 10 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2026 FALL MAGAZINE
SPORT MANAGEMENT Sport management is designed to prepare students for careers throughout the sports industry, including sports marketing, front-office operations, college athletics, professional and amateur sports organizations, and non-profit community program management. “This interdisciplinary program gives students the chance to build real expertise in the classroom and then put it to work in the field,” said Mark Zajack, Ph.D., associate professor of business administration and coordinator of the sport management program. “Our goal is to prepare students not just to enter the sports industry, but to lead within it, whether on the marketing side, in athletics administration, or through the non-profit and community organizations that make sports possible at every level.” Students will have opportunities to conduct undergraduate research alongside faculty related to sport management, as well as complete internships and practicums in the field of athletics, and even study abroad for an international perspective on the sports industry. Students will also be able to engage with the local community through service-learning courses that connect with recreational organizations. “One of the real strengths of a place like Lycoming is that students aren’t locked into a single track,” Zajack added. “A sport management major can pair with a minor or a second major to build a path that fits exactly where they want to go, such as coaching, athletic administration, marketing, or something they haven’t discovered yet. We want students to design their own route into the industry, not follow someone else’s.” EXERCISE SCIENCE Exercise science is a dynamic and growing field at the intersection of biology, health, and human performance. The program was created in response to strong national demand for trained professionals in healthcare, rehabilitation, fitness, and athletic settings — an area that is expected to grow nine to 14 percent by 2034. The program offers two pathways: a B.A. for careers in personal training, health education, strength and conditioning, and athletics, and a B.S. for students preparing for medical school, physical therapy, physician assistant programs, or graduate study in exercise science and kinesiology. “Exercise science sits at a fascinating crossroads. It draws on physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and psychology to help us understand what the human body is capable of and how to optimize it,” said David Andrew, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology. “Whether a student wants to work alongside athletes, help patients recover from injury, or go on to medical school, Lycoming’s exercise science program gives them the scientific foundation and the hands-on experience they need to succeed.” “What excites me most about this program is that it meets students where they are, whether they’re passionate about athletic performance, drawn to clinical healthcare, or still figuring out their path, and gives them the tools to pursue it with confidence,” said Mary Kate O’Donnell, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology and co-coordinator of the exercise science program. Students will gain direct experience through lab-based learning, internships, and professional opportunities beginning in their first year. Partnerships with UPMC, Geisinger Medical Center, and other regional healthcare providers give students valuable exposure to clinical, rehabilitation, and human performance settings before graduation. Additionally, Lycoming has expanded its biology curriculum to offer four distinct majors with both the B.A. and B.S. degrees: biology, biomedical sciences, cell and molecular biology, and ecology. Environmental science and environmental studies majors have also been introduced. These focused pathways allow students to tailor their academic experience to their interests and goals while building a strong scientific foundation. The expanded offerings complement programs like exercise science and provide additional preparation for STEM careers. WE WANT STUDENTS TO DESIGN THEIR OWN ROUTE INTO THE INDUSTRY, NOT FOLLOW SOMEONE ELSE’S.” Learn more about these new academic programs at www.lycoming.edu/sport-management and www.lycoming.edu/exercise-science. LYCOMING’S EXERCISE SCIENCE PROGRAM GIVES THEM THE SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATION AND THE HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE THEY NEED TO SUCCEED.” 11 www.lycoming.edu
I’ve approached this opportunity with a strong focus on relationship-building, visibility, and alignment around student success. I am intentional about listening, observing, and engaging broadly with students, faculty, and staff in a variety of settings. I’m looking for underlying patterns, such as barriers, unmet needs, or gaps in services that may impact the student experience. What has been energizing is seeing the strength of the work already happening at Lycoming and the many opportunities for cross-divisional collaboration to further support students. My goal is to connect what I’m hearing across campus to meaningful, coordinated action in a proactive rather than reactive manner that enhances the student experience. I also stepped into a division with a talented team and a strong foundation. Bringing together student life, student success, and athletics has created a cohesive structure, and I see my role as aligning resources, providing strategic direction, and supporting our team so they can continue to do their best work in service of our students. success mean to you in today’s higher education landscape? I view student success holistically in the ways we are supporting students academically, socially, and professionally so they can thrive while they’re here and leave prepared to succeed in whatever path they choose. It’s essential that we create an environment where all students have access to the support and opportunities they need to succeed. That includes strong academic resources, meaningful engagement and a sense of belonging, leadership/skill development through clubs and organizations, and support for wellness to help students navigate challenges in their journey. I interact daily with students at campus events, athletic games, and through many aspects of my role, and it is truly the most rewarding part of my work. Being visible and approachable is very important to me, so I make a point to be present in spaces where students gather. I regularly dine in the campus dining areas and attend evening and weekend events, which allow for meaningful, informal connections. I especially value the moments when students feel comfortable stopping to say hello, ask questions, or share their experiences. Additionally, I intentionally create structured opportunities for engagement, such as hosting focus groups and collaborating closely with Student Senate and other student leadership organizations. & WITH SUZANNE O’DRISCOLL As the first person to hold this position, how are you approaching the opportunity to define and shape it? What does student success mean to you in today’s higher education landscape? FOSTERING COMMUNITY: Meet the vice president for student affairs and success BY JULIA BIDELSPACH ’27 A Philadelphia-area native and lifelong fan of the city’s sports, culture, and history, Suzanne O’Driscoll, D.Prof., discovered her passion for student affairs as an undergraduate student leader and resident assistant. Most recently associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Shenandoah University, she further developed her leadership through an American Council on Education Fellowship at Widener University. With a career rooted in small liberal arts colleges, O’Driscoll was drawn to Lycoming College’s mission and joined the institution in 2025 as its inaugural vice president for student affairs and success. success mean to you in today’s higher education landscape? How do you plan to engage directly with students to understand their needs and experiences? 12 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2026 FALL MAGAZINE
Student mental health is a growing concern nationwide. What innovative approaches do you think colleges should be exploring? What are you most excited about in joining the Lycoming College community? We are fortunate to have an outstanding counseling services team that not only provides direct support to students but also leads a wide range of preventative and educational programming. The team is launching Mental Health First Aid trainings across campus, an important initiative that will equip students, faculty, and staff with the skills to recognize and respond to mental health concerns early, reduce stigma, and enhance overall student well-being and safety. I am also a strong advocate for peer mentor well-being programs and will be actively exploring opportunities to expand these efforts. Our goal is to foster a campus culture where we take care of one another and where engaging in well-being practices is a shared and valued part of the student experience. There is something incredibly special about being part of a close-knit campus community where people know one another, collaborate with intention, and work together to impact students’ lives. I am excited to be visible, engaged, and present on campus, creating opportunities for connection and good conversation. I have genuinely enjoyed every moment of my time here so far, and that has only strengthened my enthusiasm for the work ahead. I invest heavily in building trust through strong relationships across the campus community, thus enabling more open dialogue, collaboration, and ultimately more effective support for students. 13 www.lycoming.edu
CELEBRATEthe ycoming College’s 178th Commencement Ceremony on May 9 saw the Class of 2026 celebrate in true Warrior fashion. Despite steady rain, graduates embraced the time-honored tradition of processing through the Oliver Sterling Metzler Gate and across the Fultz Quadrangle, albeit huddled beneath umbrellas, before joining family and friends in Lamade Gymnasium. John Piper Jr., Ph.D. ’07H, emeritus professor of history and dean of the College, gave the invocation, and D. Mark Fultz ’80, chair of the board of trustees, welcomed guests. 14 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2026 FALL MAGAZINE
The Chieftain was awarded to Soumayyah Gaujee ’26, a biochemistry major and French minor from Mauritius. “I would like to dedicate this award to every Lycoming student because in my opinion each and every Lycoming student embodies what it means to be a Chieftain. We all lead with our heart, our soul, and our mind… we stand for each other, we strive to make a difference, and I think that’s the beauty of every Lycoming student,” she said. A Dean’s List scholar and researcher, Gaujee was a member of Phi Sigma Iota and IRUSKA and served as a chemistry and biochemistry research fellow, Chemistry Club vice president, and lead resident assistant. She contributed to the Multicultural Awareness Group, was president of Habitat for Humanity, and supported her classmates as a tutor and teaching assistant. She will attend the University of Maryland for the doctoral program in environmental molecular science and technology with a focus on marine biology. “I am truly thrilled to share in this day with you. It is a first for both of us, but a far more momentous day for each one of you – and all those who have come to celebrate with you – as we commemorate one of the most significant achievements of your life,” said Chip Edmonds, Ed.D. ’98, presiding over his inaugural commencement ceremony as president of Lycoming. “What you have done and learned here is what the world needs of you. As you graduate and embark on your next chapter, go with the confidence, humility, and passion to be the best version of yourself because of the extraordinary moments that have defined your time here.” Lycoming alumnus Lynn Kramer, M.D. ’72, was invited to give the keynote address. Kramer is a distinguished executive leader, clinical neurologist, and pioneer in pharmaceutical research whose career has advanced innovative treatments for neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s. As chief clinical officer, Deep Human Biology Learning, and a member of the executive committee at Eisai Co., Ltd., he oversees the product creation cycle, including clinical introduction and regulatory approval of innovative projects for all Eisai products. A former Lycoming trustee, he is the recipient of numerous professional honors, and the College bestowed upon him an honorary Doctor of Science degree during the ceremony. Kramer remarked, “You were privileged to grow as a person here at Lycoming. Don’t waste what you learned... Take risks to make achievements, be audacious in pushing yourself...[and] try to understand what makes you special and stay true to it.” Anna Glantz ’26, a music major with certifications in music and special education, delivered the senior greeting. “I hope you continue to show up for the Lycoming community the way it has shown up for you. Support the future generations of your teams and organizations, attend Alumni & Reunion and Homecoming Weekends for many years to come, and remember that Lycoming is always going to be your home,” she said. Glantz was deeply involved in campus life, serving as fouryear class president, holding leadership roles in Alpha Xi Delta, choir, and band, and competing in women’s lacrosse. She excelled academically, earning Dean’s List honors all four years, serving as a Haberberger Research Fellow and WISE Intern, and joining several honor societies. Recognized with numerous awards, she will attend Berklee College of Music for a master’s degree in music education focusing on autism studies while beginning her teaching career. As Conner Penz ’26 crossed the stage to receive his diploma, the leather gloves and sword at his hip revealed him as the student behind the mascot, Lycos. “My favorite thing about being the mascot was the people I got to interact with. I was talking to people, high fiving them, just being silly with so many more people than my normal friend group, so Lycos really allowed me to get into the campus community,” he said. Penz came to Lycoming as an astronomy major, later adding a second major in archaeology and a minor in chemistry, and with guidance from faculty, he landed a prestigious Koobi Fora Field School internship in Kenya. For six weeks, he reconstructed ancient river systems and studied how the world’s earliest stone-tool makers chose their landscapes. He will continue his studies in a master’s program at the University of York, England, this fall. 15 www.lycoming.edu
Kamryn Skeith ’29 grew up in a volleyball cart, literally. Her mother, Sarita, the high school principal at Sultan High School, and father, Jared, a woodshop and greenhouse teacher at the same school, ran a volleyball club, and she’d spend time sleeping in the carts during practices in those early years. She came to understand the importance of each role on the court at an early age and also learned that the way to success sometimes required getting out of her comfort zone. An outside hitter by trade, she learned the position of setter in ninth grade to fill a need on her high school team. That led to Lycoming having one of the most versatile volleyball players in the Landmark Conference when she stepped on the court last fall. She led the team in kills with 238 and assists with 348 and finished third on the team with 218. She had five triple-doubles in the season (a match with at least 10 kills, 10 assists, and 10 digs), something that had only been done once by a Warrior in the previous 20 years. “To be a well-rounded player, you have to be able to play any position on the court,” Skeith said. “You have to learn court awareness and see where I can help the team be successful during this play. You have to learn what types of sets will be successful with this type of hitter. I do think being an outside hitter helps me be a better setter and vice-versa.” Her transition to setting is just one example of Skeith taking a chance and making the most of the new opportunity. How does one end up in Williamsport for college after growing up in Monroe, Wash., about an hour northeast of Seattle, a scant 2,653 miles from Lamade Gym? For Skeith, it started with pinpointing that she wanted to play volleyball at the Division III level. She took to Instagram and studied volleyball team’s feeds, finding Lycoming’s (@lycovb) and relating to the team’s posts. She did more research and found the school had a path for Kamryn Skeith ’29 FROM WASHINGTON TO WILLIAMSPORT BY JOE GUISTINA n many ways, volleyball is one of the most complete team sports. A player can’t get a dig without the help of a good blocking effort at the net most of the time. A player can’t get an assist without a good pass from the digger. A player can’t get a kill without a good set. At least 75 times a match, all six players need to work in unison in order to win. When she was going through something hard, she still showed up, came to every game and event, no matter what she was going through. 16 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2026 FALL MAGAZINE
her to get into veterinary school and convinced her father, Jared, to make the trip across the country. “We also went to Cedar Crest and Chatham on the trip,” Skeith said. “Lycoming was the last school. I loved the feel when we got on campus — it’s not so big I would get lost and a perfect-sized campus. People we met were so kind and welcoming.” “When we went home, my dad knew that I wanted to go to Lycoming. He saw my face lit up when I saw campus. There is a building with our name on it – how perfect is that even if it is spelled different? He was a big part of my decision to go to Lycoming.” That was no small sacrifice for Jared, who was diagnosed with liver cancer in December 2025 and is still fighting the disease. “He pushed me to go to Lycoming even though I was nervous to go,” Kamryn, a biochemistry major, said. “He knew it was where I was meant to be.” Jared’s battle with cancer wasn’t the Skeiths’ first brush with the disease. Sarita was diagnosed with breast cancer during Kamryn’s junior year of high school and has been in remission for a year. “She’s one of my biggest role models,” Skeith said. “When she was going through something hard, she still showed up, came to every game and event, no matter what she was going through. She still showed up the next day at school after chemotherapy.” That commitment Kamryn saw in her mother is something that Lycoming’s new women’s volleyball coach, Hannah Lingold, saw in the younger Skeith during the spring semester. “She’s very tough,” Lingold said. “She has the ability to keep going, even though we might have pushed her a lot. Kamryn knows she still has to keep going because her teammates rely on her to set a ball or to make that effort to get the ball. She works with teammates if they want to work on different things and they need a setter, or they just need someone else there.” Then again, having grown up in a ball cart, could you really expect anything less? 17 www.lycoming.edu
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT A llison Saunders, Ph.D., entered undergraduate studies at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) as an undeclared science major where she explored all the possible science majors available. “I really enjoyed my math, chemistry, and biology courses, so I was drawn to biochemistry as my major as it involves all those areas,” Saunders explains. Saunders continued her studies and received her doctorate from The Pennsylvania State University where her research focused on isolating and characterizing enzymes that use iron-sulfur clusters as cofactors. After graduating, she remained at Penn State as a postdoctoral fellow. She briefly worked in the pharmaceutical industry and began her academia career teaching biochemistry at Mansfield University before joining the faculty at Lycoming College where she now teaches both chemistry courses (general chemistry) and biology courses (cell and molecular biology) in addition to biochemistry. Saunders explains that she enjoys the ability to dive into research projects that she finds interesting and to have the flexibility to start new projects. She also enjoys watching students grow through their college experience. “I typically first meet students as freshmen in my general chemistry courses and then interact with them again in their junior or senior year in my biochemistry courses,” she says. “To contribute to the change in their maturity and curiosity about science between those years is incredibly rewarding.” LOOKING FOR A Re 75 186.21 Rhenium ALLISON SAUNDERS, PH.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND CHAIR OF THE DEPARTMENT ACTION 18 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2026 FALL MAGAZINE
What is your research specialization, and what is it that excites you about this research? I’m trained as an enzymologist, which means that I study a specific type of proteins called enzymes that speed up (or catalyze) chemical reactions in the cell. It is exciting because enzymes are working in our bodies all the time without us thinking about it. They allow chemical reactions to occur that are not possible in their absence. To study them in lab, I use genetic engineering techniques that use bacteria (E. coli) to produce them and then purify the one protein away from all the others in the cell. Then the enzyme can be tested for its ability to catalyze the specific reaction. The concept that we need a living organism to produce our enzyme but then can selectively add back chemical compounds to test for reactivity is exciting for me. What do you enjoy most about working at Lycoming with colleagues and students? Working at Lycoming College allowed me to pivot to different research projects that I never imagined myself working on, like the collaborations with alumnus and trustee Joseph Feerrar ’02, owner of Bald Birds Brewing. Joey and I have collaborated on two state-funded projects: 1) acceleration of the ageing process of bourbon and 2) optimization of microbial testing protocols for beer production. Both projects provided research experiences for Lycoming students to solve real world problems. These students are all continuing research in graduate school to pursue their doctorates, and I think these exciting projects helped to spark their interest in scientific research. What advice do you give your students looking to enter a science-oriented career? I always tell my students to find a career they enjoy and encourage them to continue for advanced degrees if they are needed to get that career. After completing my B.S. in biochemistry at RIT, I worked at Merck Pharmaceuticals for two years. I quickly recognized that more satisfying career opportunities would be available for me if I returned to school for my Ph.D. That started me on my journey to obtain my position in academia, which is never dull or boring. I share with my students that I think it is important to work towards finding a career that makes you excited to come to work each day. Outside of the classroom and lab, what brings you joy? I enjoy doing outside activities with my husband, Gregg, and our three children, Maisie, Walter, and Vivian. We spend lots of time downhill skiing in the winter and biking and hiking in the summer. All my kids play multiple sports and instruments, so I spend a lot of my free time cheering them on from the sideline and attending their concerts. I think it is important to work towards finding a career that makes you excited to come to work each day. 19 www.lycoming.edu
FACULTY & STAFF On April 12, 2026, during Lycoming College’s annual Honors Convocation, the Plankenhorn Alumni Award for Faculty Excellence was presented to Amanda Horn Gunderson, D.M.A., associate professor of music. Marisa C. Sá nchez, Ph.D., assistant professor of art history, was awarded the Junior Faculty Teaching Award. Kira Braham, Ph.D., assistant professor of English, was the recipient of the Dr. Meghan C. Andrews Research & Professional Enrichment Award, and Christopher Pearl, Ph.D., professor of history, received the Mary Sieminski Endowed Humanities Research Award. Tenure has been granted to John Capo, assistant professor of communication and media studies, Kim Kohler, Ph.D., assistant professor of education, and Krish Pillai, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer science. Tenure with promotion has been granted to April Drumm-Hewitt, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, and Allison Saunders, Ph.D., associate professor of biochemistry. Laura Seddelmeyer, Ph.D., has been promoted to associate professor of history. Promotion has also been granted to Jacob Berger, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, Betty McCall, Ph.D., professor of sociology, Elizabeth Moorhouse, Ph.D., professor of economics, and Christopher Pearl, Ph.D., professor of history. Cullen Chandler, Ph.D., Frank and Helen Lowry Professor of History, presented a paper at the International Medieval Congress (IMC) hosted by the University of Leeds in England. The IMC is the largest and most important annual gathering for medieval studies in Europe. His paper, “For everything there is a season: Food for Thought about Time in the Carolingian Age,” was part of a group of research presentations under the heading Temporalities of Taste, organized by and featuring scholars from several countries. Also at the IMC, Chandler moderated a roundtable dedicated to the Namen, Personen und Personengruppen des Mittelalters (NPPM) Database at the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen in Germany. After sessions ended each evening, he could be found watching the FIFA World Cup with his international colleagues at The Old Bar on campus (pictured above). Sascha Feinstein, Ph.D., Robert L. & Charlene Shangraw Professor of English, published six poems — “Accidental Mouth,” “Azubah’s Funky Sun,” “Cherished,” “Driftwood,” “Foreign Burials,” and “Wandering Deziah” — in the winter edition of The Missouri Review. These are part of his book project titled “Winged Skulls.” Feinstein also published a multi-sectioned poem, “Into Obscurity,” in Syncopation Literary Journal. The poem is a series of imagined monologues that take place on March 13, 1963, by musicians who would soon disappear (in one way or another). His latest book, “Writing Jazz: Conversations with Critics and Biographers,” earned him bronze for the 2025 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award in the Performing Arts & Music category. Submissions to the 41st Annual Educational Advertising Awards earned Murray Hanford, director of visual communications, gold for the 2025 President’s Report and bronze for the Fall 2025 issue of Lycoming College Magazine. In the 2025 Collegiate Advertising Awards, he earned gold for Lycoming’s mascot promotions and silver for the College’s holiday e-card in the Special Video Production category. Jessica Munson, Ph.D., associate professor of anthropology and archaeology, is co-author on a paper published in Science Advances titled “The Distribution of Power and Inclusiveness across Deep Time.” The research team examined archaeological and historical evidence from 31 ancient societies across Europe, Asia, and the Americas and found that shared, inclusive governance was far more common than once assumed. While traditional narratives point to Greece and Rome as the origin of democratic institutions, this research shows that many societies around the world developed strategies to limit the power of rulers and give ordinary people a voice in decision-making and participating in government. The Coalition for Archaeological Synthesis, the Amerind Foundation, and the Field Museum of Natural History provided funds for the research team to hold project meetings at the Amerind Foundation in Dragoon, Ariz., which were essential for the collaborative work. The research has been featured in numerous news outlets worldwide including NPR, El País, the Times (London), and BBC. In April 2026, Maybel Mesa Morales, Ph.D., assistant professor of Spanish, presented at the I Symposium of Latin American and Caribbean Cinemas, coorganized by the College of the Holy Cross and Le Moyne College. This inaugural international gathering convenes scholars of regional cinema for critical discussions on contemporary audiovisual production and cultural transformation. She presented her paper, “Maternal Marronage of the Archive: Intermedial Resistances and Non-Normative Motherhood in Afro-Cuban Women’s Cinema,” which explores how Afro-Cuban women filmmakers reimagine motherhood and reclaim marginalized histories through feminist and intermedial cinematic practices. The presentation is part of her ongoing research on contemporary Cuban women’s cinema, memory, and alternative audiovisual archives. 20 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2026 FALL MAGAZINE
NEWS In April 2026, Andreas Rentsch, M.F.A., associate professor of art, participated in the Association of International Photography Art Dealers (AIPAD) Roundtable Critique. AIPAD, along with Paris Photo, is considered one of the most important photography art fairs in the world. His most recent work, “Lost & Found,” along with the earlier “Entangled with Justice” series, was critiqued and discussed by a group of faculty and photographers from the International Center of Photography. The session was open to the wider AIPAD audience, and two Lycoming students majoring in photography and studio art accompanied him to the event held in New York. Amy Rogers, Ph.D., professor of education and associate provost for assessment and accreditation, presented a workshop with colleagues on Feb. 8, 2026, at the Annual Meeting of the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE), a premier national organization dedicated to advancing teacher preparation and strengthening professional practice. The Michael E. Heyes, Ph.D., associate professor of religion, appeared in “The UnXplained with William Shatner” on the History Channel (Season 8, Episode 8, Satan’s Army, June 5, 2026). The synopsis for this episode states “From demonic possession and cursed homes to battlefield apparitions and ancient pacts with the Devil, history is filled with chilling accounts of supernatural forces said to be working against humanity. Are these terrifying encounters simply the product of fear and belief…or could they point to a hidden war between good and evil — one that continues to this day?” Jesse Randall began his appointment as director of financial aid on June 30, 2026. He comes to Lycoming as a thirteenyear veteran of financial aid, serving most recently at Ursinus College. He received his Bachelor of Arts in information systems from Susquehanna University. Melissa Morris, Ph.D., assistant professor of astronomy and astrophysics, worked with Lycoming student Sarah Bach ’28 and colleagues at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to As the nation commemorates America250, Christopher Pearl, Ph.D., professor of history, has represented Lycoming College through a series of public talks exploring the American story. He joined WHYY’s Studio 2 to mark the 250th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Provincial Conference at Carpenter’s Hall, and he was featured on Pennsylvania Cable Network’s History & Culture episode, “The Walking Purchase of 1737,” a historic and infamous land deal between Pennsylvania and the Lenape for the Lehigh Valley. Pearl also served as keynote speaker at the 148th annual commemorative service of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming. Held on July 4, 2026, the event took place on the monument’s grounds. “It is a day of celebration, certainly, but also one of reflection,” he remarked. “We gather to remember the moment when independence was declared, and we honor those who fought and sacrificed to secure it.” To stream or read more about Pearl’s talks, scan the QR codes. publish a paper in the Astrophysical Journal titled “DRAGNs in the Forest: Identifying Artifacts with Random Forest Models in the VLASS DRAGNs Catalog.” This paper investigates the usage of a particular kind of machine learning method in detecting imaging artifacts in all-sky surveys taken at radio wavelengths. They found that random forest models are able to effectively distinguish imaging artifacts from real radio sources in their dataset, allowing astronomers to more efficiently build catalogs of real radio sources with which they can perform accurate scientific analyses. workshop, “Co-Creating Mentoring Relationships: Elevating Partnerships Through Reflective and Responsive Supports,” highlighted key practices that have proven effective in the mentoring and supervision of novice teachers and teacher candidates. Grounded in mutual respect and care, the session equipped mentors with strategies to initiate strong partnerships, integrate equity-driven approaches in their work with candidates, and engage in proactive, clear communication. Participants explored collaborative teaching strategies and reflective tools that promote candidate growth and deepen mentor–mentee connection. Andrew Stafford, Ph.D., has been appointed associate provost for academic excellence, a fully administrative position. In addition to overseeing teaching effectiveness, the first-year seminar, global education, and course evaluations during his role as assistant provost, he will assume responsibility for driving strategic outcomes related to academic excellence, the first-year experience, and academic engagement. This role’s expanded emphasis on academic excellence entails foregrounding the services that help students achieve that goal. Prior to his administration appointment, Stafford served on the faculty as assistant professor of French. Lycoming College is pleased to recognize these outstanding individuals for their dedication and service to the College upon their retirement: Jay Azriel, Ph.D., Sloter Endowed Professor in Entrepreneurship; Patricia Bausinger, campus store manager; James Lakis, director of financial aid; and Chriss McDonald, Ph.D., professor of chemistry. 21 www.lycoming.edu
www.lycoming.eduRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTA3NDk=