Commencement Program 2022

The Katherine Bryan Sloan Graham Award for academic achievement was established in 1969 in memory of the late Katherine Bryan Sloan Graham, the first student to matriculate at the Peace Institute in 1872. The award is presented to the graduating senior whose academic record places him/her at the top of his/her class as Valedictorian. Additionally, this award is given to the student who, in the faculty’s opinion, exemplifies commendable traits of citizenship, cooperation, and concern for others.

Rafael Ortega, Jr., B.A., Criminal Justice

Rafael Ortega is recognized as the Valedictorian and recipient of the Katherine Bryan Sloan Graham Award. Dr. Elizabeth Kusko, Associate Professor of Political Science, praises Rafel as “an outstanding student … brilliant, curious, hard-working, thoughtful, a critical thinker, an exceptional writer! He’s every professor’s dream.” 

She says “Rafael reached his goal and attained this incredible accomplishment while juggling so many life responsibilities. Rafael worked tirelessly for this accomplishment, and I can think of no one more deserving.” Congratulations to Rafael for his outstanding academic achievements and commitment to excellence!

The Outstanding Graduate Award is presented to the William Peace University graduate who is an outstanding member of the graduating class in their academic, social, and religious leadership; in acceptance of obligations, and in general interpretation of the ideals of William Peace University.

Traditional Undergraduate Outstanding Graduate

Dillon E. Garbrandt, B.S., Biology 

Dillon transferred to WPU in the Fall of 2019 and has been a leader across campus. Dillon has served as a peer tutor and undergraduate teaching assistant, and he has conducted undergraduate research. He has been a student-athlete, playing and serving as co-captain for the soccer team and playing on the tennis team. Dillon’s leadership roles include serving on the Campus Activities Board, as the student body president, as a Resident Assistant, and as a DEEP Leader. Dillon has been inducted into Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society and the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society. Congratulations to Dillon for his contributions and success in the classroom and beyond.

School of Professional Studies Outstanding Graduate

Alorra Dennin Frombach, B.A., Psychology

Alorra enrolled in the School of Professional Studies after joining the Army; it allowed her to pursue her academic and career goals simultaneously. Alorra has a strong work ethic and frequently takes the initiative to address complex issues and challenges. Her ability to think creatively is one of her greatest assets. Alorra embodies what it means to be an outstanding graduate in the School of Professional Studies Student through her academic record, character, and perseverance.

Alumni Distinguished Professor 

The Alumni Distinguished Professorship, created by the Alumni Association of William Peace University, recognizes one outstanding faculty member who has a history of dedicated teaching service, distinguished teaching accomplishments, as well as demonstrated exceptional support for students’ efforts in the areas of advising, counseling, and career advancement. The Professorship is a three-year appointment and provides the recipient with a stipend for faculty development and a reserved parking space on campus. Nominations are made from the faculty, selected by the Senior Leadership Team, and approved by the Alumni Association Board of Directors. 

Charles Duncan, Ph.D. – Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Duncan is an outstanding educator focused on students and their success. Dr. Duncan received more than a dozen nominations for this year’s Alumni Distinguished Professorship. His nominators had this to say about him: “He is beloved and respected by both students and faculty…his teaching style is compelling and very effective… our graduates are better students and citizens become of him…his leadership and amazing personality have led faculty and students through a very difficult couple of years… he is the first person to reach out to a student with needs…he sees the potential in all students and does everything he can to help them realize it.”

McCormick Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes a full-time faculty member with the characteristics of a master teacher and scholar, concern for the development of students, and a commitment to education. Nominations are made by students, faculty, and staff. In consultation with past recipients, the Office of Academic Affairs selects the yearly recipient.  

Heidi Gailor, Ph.D. – Associate Professor of Business and Coordinator of Honors Program

Dr. Gailor received numerous nominations for this award, from faculty, staff, and students, with accolades for her exemplary teaching, passion for leadership, ability to create engaging classes, and commitment to remaining current in the discipline. She is a true leader around immersive learning, incorporating travel experiences, client-based projects, guest speakers, and engaging simulations into her courses. She is also dedicated to every one of her students. One student nominee wrote that Dr. Gailor “is the professor you dream of having because of her knowledge and dedication to her students.” Another wrote, “What she does best is see the potential in all the students that sit in her classes.”

Adair Robertson, M.S. – Associate Professor of Mathematics and Coordinator of International Studies

Ms. Robertson is recognized as a master teacher and dedicated mentor, giving countless hours to her students and colleagues. She received numerous nominations for this award from faculty, staff, and students. Nominees referenced Ms. Robertson’s ability to teach challenging concepts in ways that students can understand. One student wrote that Ms. Robertson “goes above and beyond to help her students.” Another noted she is “so approachable and reliable, making time for students outside of class and office hours. She’s made Peace feel like home.”  

Colleagues also celebrate Ms. Robertson’s encouraging approach, extensive service, and commitment to offering international travel to allow students to see the world. Ms. Robertson is retiring after 40 years of teaching at Peace, and this award recognizes her life’s work in support of WPU and our students.

Alumni Distinguished Advising Awards are given each year to two faculty advisors who demonstrate excellence in academic advising, support of advising program goals, and commitment to improving advising effectiveness.

Corinne Andersen, Ph.D. – Professor of English and Program Director of English

Numerous students nominated Dr. Andersen for this award, celebrating her patience, thoroughness, and that she always takes time for her students. One student wrote, “She made sure that I was good, pushed me past my limits, and encouraged me to step outside the box. She is reliable and is just a good human to have in your corner! She deserves this award!” We celebrate Dr. Andersen for her continuous mentoring and support of her advisees and all students.

Lisa Bonner, Ph. D.  – Professor of Biology and Department Chair of Science and Mathematics

Numerous students nominated Dr. Bonner for this award, praising her detailed advising plans, attention to detail, and genuine care for each of her students. One student wrote, “Dr. Bonner is incredibly thorough at tailoring advice for each student.” Another noted that Dr. Bonner is “very helpful with any needs and is always there to lend a helping hand. She truly cares about the individual success of the student.” 

We celebrate Dr. Bonner for the dedication and care she demonstrates for her advisees and all students.

The Part-Time Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award, initiated in 2021, recognizes one part-time faculty member in our Traditional Undergraduate program and one in the School of Professional Studies. William Peace University benefits from the positive contributions of many part-time faculty members dedicated to outstanding teaching, including classroom innovation, consistent commitment to students and their success, and contributions to the academic department or University. The award recipients must have taught at William Peace University for at least three semesters.

Traditional Undergraduate Recipient 

Jennifer Suchanec, M.A. – Instructor of English

Ms. Suchanec has taught part-time at WPU for over 15 years and is a contributing member of the English department faculty. She received multiple nominations for this award in recognition of her dedication to her students and commitment to improving her own teaching every semester. One nominee writes that “She is not the type of instructor who just puts a new date on an old syllabus and calls it a day.  She experiments, innovates, and updates her course every semester; she’ll even pivot mid-semester to meet the needs of her students and keep things fresh.” 

We are grateful for Ms. Suchanec’s ongoing contributions to the English department and her dedication to her courses and her students.

School of Professional Studies Recipient

Dale O’Neal, M.S., M.S.N.  – Instructor of Nursing 

Ms. O’Neal joined WPU as a part-time faculty member when the program started in 2019. She is an integral part of the Nursing faculty and serves on the Nursing Advisory Board. One nominator noted that she is “an excellent teacher who engages with her students to ensure that their educational experience is of the highest quality.”  Another stated, “She has been an engaged and supportive colleague and goes above and beyond to attend faculty meetings, advise in the nursing program, and attend social and celebratory events with the students.” 

Another noted that Ms. O’Neal “worked one-on-one with students to make sure that they could achieve the learning outcomes for the course.” 

We are grateful for Ms. O’Neal’s commitment to the Nursing program and her assistance in launching the RN to BSN program and her excellent teaching and commitment to her students. 

Sophomore Marshals:

Courtney Arnold, ‘24

Emmarose Boylan, ‘24

Junior Marshals:

Kelsey Bierbauer, ‘24

Shelby Cooper, ‘23

Katey Doyle, ‘23

Connor Phillips, ‘23