Keystone College celebrated its 154th commencement on Saturday, May 17, during a ceremony on the College’s campus in La Plume. Degrees were conferred upon 219 students.
Los Angeles Angels Minor League Physical Therapist and 2018 Keystone College alumnus Rolando J. Rodriguez offered the keynote address and was awarded an Honorary degree from the College.
Commencement Photos
Keystone College President John F. Pullo, Sr. ’69, center, gathers with program participants prior to the College’s 154th Commencement on Saturday, May 17, on campus in La Plume. Joining Pullo are: Rolando J. Rodriguez, DPT ’18, Commencement Speaker, Kirby K. Hickey ’65, Board of Trustees Chair, Abril Coselino, 2025 Outstanding Graduate, and Vicki A Stanavitch, Ph.D. ’92, Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. (Photo courtesy of Timothy R. Dougherty Photography)
In his remarks, President Pullo referenced the upward momentum of the College after the challenges of the past year, “This last year has been all about resilience, and the preservation of a 157-year legacy that is rooted in serving those who place education at the center of transforming their lives and the lives of their families. I am incredibly grateful for the hard work of our dedicated faculty and staff who have persevered to get us here today.” Pullo added, “I am most grateful to all of our students who have stuck with us and are here today to celebrate their achievements and the accomplishment of completing their education at Keystone.”
As the first alum to serve as Keystone’s President, Pullo noted, “What I see here every day is truly inspiring, not only in the quality of work, but also in the devotion to our students by our faculty and staff. More importantly, I come to this job with the belief in the transformative power of education as the gamechanger that lifts all boats and levels the playing field for everyone.”
As he introduced Rodriguez, Pullo said, “Typically, Commencement addresses are given by someone who might be in the midpoint or second half of their career. But this year, we selected a successful young alum who has already accomplished so much but who is still at the beginning of his career. His story is not only reflective of this Keystone mission that I spoke of, but also of the value of and opportunities provided by American higher education.”
A native of Linden, N.J., and the son of Cuban and Colombian immigrants, Rodriguez is a first-generation American and first-generation college graduate. He finished in the top 20 of his Linden High School class while lettering in varsity soccer and baseball. He was recruited to play soccer at Keystone, but he also competed on the track and field team. Keystone’s affordability, through financial aid and donor-funded scholarships, was a major factor in his decision to choose Keystone and pursue his dream of playing collegiate soccer while earning a degree.
Rodriguez graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor of science degree in biology. He openly credits his success at Keystone to the welcoming faculty, staff, and close-knit community which made him feel at home. Beyond his athletics commitments, Rodriguez served as Junior and Senior Class Representative and participated in the Honors Program and the Keystone College Fellows Program. He was also part of the CSAC All-Academic Team, the President’s Book Club, and the Inter-Hall Council. In his senior year, he co-captained the Men’s Soccer Team to their first-ever CSAC final.
After graduating from Keystone, he earned a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) at Rutgers University. He had clinical internships with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Performance Institute in Las Vegas and at the Navajo Nation Four Corners Regional Health Center in New Mexico. He completed a Sports Residency at the University of Evansville in Indiana and later earned a prestigious Upper Extremity Sports Fellowship with the Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Mets, working across both New York and Florida.
After earning his DPT, Rodriguez went on to serve as the International Minor League Physical Therapist for the Baltimore Orioles, overseeing player rehabilitation in both English and Spanish in Florida and the Dominican Republic. In his current role, he supports both minor and major league players throughout their recovery and return-to-play process. Rodriguez also owns a performance and rehabilitation business based in Arizona, working with both athletes and active individuals.
Rodriguez remains deeply passionate about mentorship and education. He has served on the faculty for the University of Evansville’s Physical Therapy Residency Program and as a mentor and guest speaker at Rutgers University. Rodriguez has presented at professional conferences and contributed to peer-reviewed physical therapy research. Beyond academia, he actively mentors physical therapy professionals across various stages of their careers. His commitment to uplifting others reflects the same support he received along his own journey.
Rodriguez began his remarks by sharing his joy for the future of Keystone “because this school gave me and so many others our dream job, introduced us to our best friends, and provided some of the best memories of our lives.”
He went on to reflect on how his experiences as a student at Keystone benefitted him. “To set yourself apart as a small college is no easy task, and even with the odds stacked against us, Keystone outperforms, outmeasures and outpaces its competitors, because quite frankly — that’s the spirit of Keystone. Resilient. Never flashy, but always fighting. Underdogs. It’s easy to root for!”
His remarks to the graduates included his central message, “Leave the place better than you found it — your workplace, your relationships, your community, even the energy you bring into a room. It’s a mindset. Be intentional. You will discover that things start to improve. Not just slowly, but at a faster rate. And while you’re doing that, remember this: Serve others. Serve well. And ask yourself, ‘How can I serve better?’”
Prior to awarding degrees to this year’s graduates, Stanavitch and Hickey surprised President Pullo with an Honorary degree in recognition of his dedicated and tireless leadership during the past few years.
This year’s 219 degree recipients are:
Master of Accountancy: Kimberly Michele Aukema, Montrose; and Anthony J. Harding, Scott Township.
Master of Business Administration: Avenlea Nicole Bixby, Montrose; Kara Lee Cole, Sayre; Courtney Elizabeth Dwyer, Nicholson; Kelly Nicole Irwin, Saylorsburg; Erika Linn Mayes, McClure; Stephanie Pearl Smulek, South Abington Township; LaTanya Stone, Akron, Ohio; and Sean Robert Tocci, Lodi, N.J.
Master of Education: Rachelle Annette Medrano, Jefferson Township; and Shelby Elizabeth Williams, Olyphant.
Master of Science in Criminal Justice: Hector Tomas Camaja Lucero, Palisades Park; N.J.; Luke Charles Cruver, Factoryville; Christy Lynn Davall, Tunkhannock; Emily Elizabeth Decker, Hop Bottom; Angel Emmanuel Diaz, Woodhaven; N.Y.; Madolyn Marie Fernandes, Allentown; Sean Edward Gallagher, Sr., Scranton; Makiya Louise Masters, Clarks Summit; Shaila D. Miller, Philadelphia; CJ Riccobono, New Hyde Park; N.J.; and Izaiah Daniel Gene Simon, Monroe Township.
Master of Science in Sport Leadership Management: Kaylee Jade Beckage, Jermyn; Steven Michael Bohlman, Brentwood; N.Y.; Kyle J. Caringi, Williamsport; John Paul Gorel, Carbondale; John Edward McGarvey, Wilmington; Del.; Angelina Rose Morley, Binghamton; N.Y.; Devinne Scott, Dickson City; and Andrew Michael Sorrentino, Schnecksville.
Master of Science in Wildlife Biology: Alyson Mae Grindall, Falls; Abigail Patricia Hayford, Winooski, Vt.; Shanon Hornung, Waymart; Tara Elizabeth Lydon, Jefferson Township; and Summer Rayne Price, Enola.
Bachelor of Arts: Kaisymari Acevedo Figueroa, Taylor; Griffin M. Atkinson, Forest City; Casey Rowan Best, Mayfield; Jillian Frances Brennan, Scranton; Eric Thomas Janiszewski, Tunkhannock; Breana V. Liebowitz McDaniel, Henrico, Va; Kylie Danielle Markovitch, Scranton; Kristian Gabriel Milas, Dalton; Hanaje Tseday-Kharysma Riley, East Stroudsburg; Quentin Jahlil Tibbs, New Brunswick, N.J.; William Michael Troegler, Harleysville; Diante Shawn Washington, Waldorf, Md.; and Mujaheed Williams Black Muhammad, Philadelphia.
Bachelor of Science: Filipe Azevedo, Clarks Summit; Sydney Elizabeth Barbini, Dalton; Rosselys Bare, West Hazleton; Enrique Jesus Barreto, Harrisburg; Timothy James Benedix, Mission Viejo, Calif.; Tyler Michael Berkhimer, Dalton; Riley Mae Berry, Factoryville; Kabrina K. Birmingham, Burlington, N.J.; Jacob Matthew Bohr, Carbondale; Mar-Zhon H. Brinson, Edison, N.J.; Tanner Benjamin Britton, Forest City; Mara Anne Brooks, Manassas; Va.; Michael Allan Buckwalter, Pocono Pines; Monika Buczek, Tobyhanna; Elise Marie Burk, Paw Paw, Mich.; Braelynn Carpenter, Avoca; Lisa Marie Charnichko-Urbanski, Hanover Township; Courtney Anne Cienki, West Milford; N.J.; Angelina Michelle Clayton, Norwood; Mass.; Katrina Sue Coe, Ulster; Lakisha Cooper, Tallahassee; Fla.; Abril Zoe Coselino, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Richie Sean Crews, Cuddebackville; N.J.; Ashley Custard-Allen, Lake Ariel; Joshua David Darrin, Dickson City; Nathan Charles Darrow, Hop Bottom; Adrianna Ranay Derrick, Oklahoma City; Okla.; Marissa A. Derrick, Susquehanna; Aneesa Ann Dickey, Scranton; Alexis Lynn DiGregorio, Old Forge; Andrew Chad Doherty, East Windsor; Anna Beth Domiano, Clarks Summit; Meaghan Teresa Drennan, Drums; Erik Orlando Duran, Marietta; Ga.; Ashley Marie Dymond, Laceyville; Adam John Elvidge, Falls; Michael O. Eniola, Philadelphia; Robert José Estrada, Jersey City; N.J.; Michael Joseph Farella, Saylorsburg; Jessica Lee Fassler, Montrose; Abigail Kathryn Fata, Dalton; Haley Marie Finkler, Tunkhannock; Celia Lynn Fortney, Factoryville; Quinton Daniel Frampton, Factoryville; Cassidy Morgan Fredo, Washington; N.J.; Michael Robert Frey, Jr., Niceville; Fla.; Carmen Estrella Gabino, Whitehall; David Brian Getz, Olyphant; Hernan Dario Godoy, Peapack; N.J.; Julian Anthony Gonzalez, Bayonne; N.J.; Noel Gonzalez, Denver; Colo.; Abby Lee Gorham, Marshfield; Mass.; Teagan Elizabeth Grattan, Shickshinny; Hannah Marie Griffin, Montgomery; N.Y.; Maria Magdalena Guzman, Philadelphia; Alex J. Hackenberg, Scranton; Darren Hefton Hagan, Aston; Jacob Stephen Allan Hall, Troy; Cory Nicholas Halley, Lake Ariel; Elizabeth Jean Hamm, Forest City; Jack Henry Hammontree, Baldwin; Mich.; Olivia Ann Hancock, Clarks Green; Justin R. Hill, Deltona; Fla.; Angela Lynn Horan, Scranton; Aiden Hughes, West Pittston; Keith Xavier Johnson, Jr., Hagerstown; Md.; Zachary Kalinoski, Throop; Reese Meyer Karp, Nazareth; Ethan Marcin Kemmerer, Swoyersville; Dalten E. Klinges, Nicholson; Kayleigh E. Konek, Harvey’s Lake; Joshua Francis Kovaleski, Jermyn; Richard Pacelli Lardner, III, Olyphant; Donald Edward Leach, III, Harrisburg; Denim Se’maj Lighty, Paterson; N.J.; Gabriela Rose Lodato, Union; N.J.; Corey Zuko Kieran Machmer, Moscow; Tyler Anthony Malanga, Hightstown; N.J.; Daniel Joshua Mama, Jersey City; N.J.; Zachary C. Manchak, Jessup; Isabela Grace Pereira Martin, Mount Pocono; Marina G. McRae, Bethlehem; Amber Mecca, Scranton; Brooke Leigh Mendegro, Shickshinny; Paige Elizabeth Miller, Clifford Township; Abbigale Kallyn Mingus, Monroe Township; Vincent Michele Montone, Oak Ridge; N.J.; Alex Moore, Scranton; Joshua Isaiah Moore, Clinton; Md.; Mujahid Kamal Moore, Akron; Ohio; Kylie Jean Mosier, Lawton; Jayson Steven Nami, Old Bridge; N.J.; Matthew William O’Heren, York; Ryan Isamu Oka, Auburn; Wash.; Molly Elizabeth O’Malley, Clarks Summit; Morgan Taylor Organisciak, Montrose; Madison Laine Osborne, New Milford; Philip Raymond Page, Montrose; Xavier Joseph Parrick, Duryea; Samantha Gail Parry, Moscow; Robert Steven Piatt, Mayfield; Colleen Jessica Politowski, Scranton; Omar G. Prieto, Dickson City; Justice Andres Ramirez, North Bergen; N.J.; Lexa M. Reed, Scranton; Lane Gregory Repsher, Tunkhannock; Redio Risell, Jr., Cooper City; Fla.; Damion James Rohan, Montrose; Nathan Michael Ross, Albuquerque; N.M.; Julianna Lee Santiago, Allentown; Justin Santiago, Middletown; N.Y.; Sandy Santos, Allentown; Corey Thomas Scochin, Scott Township; Brandon Michael Shon Scott, Elkins Park; John James Shnipes, Eynon; Makayla Jade Sigafoos, Tunkhannock; Dillon Zackary Singer, Montrose; Rachel Erin Singer, Archbald; Jenna Marie Sloan, Palmerton; Cameron Alexander Adayine Smith, Irvington; NJ Yuna Song, South Abington Township; Sophia H. Stanish, Uniondale; Dawn Roxanne Stanley, Dalton; Brooke Marie Staple, Carbondale; Charles Edwin Stevens, Mohrsville; Jamie Catherine Stine, Scranton; Sage Elizabeth Superko, Laceyville; D’andre Leo Sutherland, Miramar; Fla.; Julianna Symons, Dunmore; Jason Thompson, Manville; N.J.; Jordan Hailey Vandermark, Hackettstown; N.J.; Donald David Vozzi, Thornhurst; Rasheen Jerry Ward, Jr., Glenolden; Hailey M. Warner, Hop Bottom; Brandon M. Way, Montrose; Haley Anne Welch, New Milford; Madeline Rae West, Monroe Township; Korrine Elizabeth White, Factoryville; Molly P Williams, Honesdale; Griffin Peter Yastremski, Bath; N.Y.; Alex Jonathon Young, Scranton; and Nicole AnnMarie Zuzzio, Archbald.
Associate in Science: Austin K. Fortney, Factoryville; and Jase Ronald Hughes, Factoryville.
Associate in Applied Science: Aidan Dale Albertson, Sierra Vista, Ariz.; Jack Allen Anderson, Davie, Fla.; Veronica Liz Andujar, Philadelphia; Kelsi Grace Becker, Honesdale; Joshua David Collazo, North Plainfield; N.J.; Doraliz Cruz-Rodriguez, Easton; Jesenia Gautreaux, Bethlehem; Sara Naomy Godoy, Miami; Fla.; Jesus M. Gonzalez, Scranton; Gevonna Alicea Hernandez, Whitehall; Bryanna T. Hicks, Lititz; Rachel Lynne Hollis, Simpson; Tempest Kramer, Hazle Township; Lauren Ashley Kuchinski, South Abington; Elizabeth Maria Lawless, Vandling; Maritza Mendez, Philadelphia; Emily Joy Louise Phillips, Susquehanna; Dulcema Colleen Priestner, Meshoppen; Tiffany Anne Prindle, Beaver Falls; Nelis Rodriguez, Philadelphia; Isabelle Violet Rosario, Bethlehem; Kaylee Shane Sargent, Tioga; Keith Michael Thompson, Levittown; Alliyanna Cyian Veneracion, Milford; Shayne Marie Witko, Carbondale and Nabila Yakouben, Philadelphia.
