Altruistic alum returns to celebrate newest 'Awesome Women'

A total of 37 students, nominated as “Awesome Women Exemplars” and representing all six of Penn College's academic schools, were recognized Tuesday evening during a reception in the PDC’s Mountain Laurel Room. The group heard from keynoter Kacie L. Weaver, a 2016 graduate in applied human services who was instrumental in endowment of the college's Start to Finish Minority Scholarship. Currently working as a behavioral health specialist with adult inpatients at Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, Weaver spoke about the challenges and triumphs of being a minority student at Penn College. Although it was a different environment from her upbringing in Harrisburg, she changed her perspective and realized it was important to be a voice for all students. “A strong woman speaks up for herself," she said, wrapping up a speech that shared its title with the scholarship. "A stronger woman speaks up for others." The event, begun in March 2006 and annually held in conjunction with Women’s History Month, was organized by Katie L. Mackey, director of campus and community engagement, and Sammie L. Davis, coordinator of diversity and cultural life.



2019’s Awesome Women Exemplars:

Kaitlyn L. Andersen, nursing
Carinne Beiter, occupational therapy assistant
Olivia G. Birt, residential construction technology and management: architectural technology concentration
Judith A. Brandenberger, applied technology studies
Taylor D. Brooks, nursing
Rossell Burgos, building science and sustainable design: architectural technology concentration
Stephanie Charles, pre-registered nurse
Rachel A. Eirmann, web and interactive media
Julia M. Ely, business administration: marketing concentration
Kennedy L. Englert, graphic design
Cayla L. Erisman, building science and sustainable design: architectural technology concentration
Margaret M. Falco, aviation technology
Kaitlyn R. Goodreau, pre-nursing
Genevieve F. Guzman, nursing
Morgan B. Heritage, dental hygiene
Adri S. Lee, landscape/horticulture technology: plant production emphasis
Rachael E. Malek, applied human services
Kimberly P. Masullo, building construction technology
Kelsey L. McKenrick, dental hygiene
Megan M. Mecouch, dental hygiene
Brianna E. Milden, information technology: network specialist concentration
Shawnee M. Mills, plastics and polymer engineering technology
Alaina M. Murren, dental hygiene
Jennifer Nicholson, applied health studies: radiography concentration
Taquicha A. Ottley, human services
Ashley Ritter, nursing
Kate M. Ruggiero, aviation maintenance technology
Erin N. Shaffer, graphic design
Grace M. Thompson, engineering design technology
Sabrina S. Toplovich, engineering design technology
Abigail S. Way, dental hygiene: health policy and administration concentration
Amber L. Way, applied health studies: occupational therapy assistant concentration
Catherine E. Weatherman, engineering design technology
Bernice C. Weaver, residential construction technology and management: building construction technology concentration
Rebecca D. Weaver, nursing
Emily A. Wikane, applied management
Holly J. Wilson, business administration: marketing concentration