Congratulations Class of 2020: Page 2
Sam Rosmarin 2008
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, NA
I took a semester off before Dickinson and graduated mid-year so, like you, I did not walk down the old stone steps. Know that those steps don't make you a graduate -- completing the distinctively Dickinson education does. I hope you find success as you step forward to your next phase and predict that you'll discover success takes many forms. For those of you facing uncertainty, I recommend that you embrace the unknown to move boldly in your early post-graduate years. You have a small window to explore places unknown -- both within and around the world. Take career risks early and know that you'll always be able to roll with the tide due to your dynamic liberal arts education. For, as John Lennon said, “Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.”
Deana Vitrano 2012
Albany, NY
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2020!! You did it!! Now is the time to celebrate this wonderful achievement! Wishing each and every one of you a sincere "congratulations!" and continued success in the future. Stay healthy and well during this very difficult time, and keep supporting each other in everything you do!
Matt Halvorson 2013
Austin, TX
Congrats to the newest Dickinson Grads! Is it ideal to culminate your Carlisle career with online classes? NO! But persistence and dedication should never go unnoticed. You have the opportunity to be creative in how you end this chapter and begin the next; whether short or long. Live confidently and creatively and walk boldly into your next adventure!
Nancy Snyder 1989
Statesville, NC
Congratulations Class of 2020!!! I am sorry that your graduation is not happening as you had planned. Know that you have a special place in history. Now go do something great with it! Go forth graduates and shine! WE ARE ALL celebrating you.
John Roth 1976
Albuquerque, NM
To the class of 2020:
I am sorry you won't be able to physically walk down the steps, but you have already walked the walk of a Dickinsonian. Congratulations!
Elaine Anderson 1965
Stanford, CA
Now at 55 years later I still remember that glorious graduation day. A time to celebrate achievement and with slightly frightened eyes abut what the future will bring. Dickinson did a great job of preparing me for graduate work in biology. Have confidence that you will do well. Stay in touch with your college friends and those shared memories.
At our 50th reunion we again got to walk through the grand doors of Old West and down the stone steps.
Congratulations Dickinsonian graduate.
Becci Menghini 1996
Durham, NC
Congratulations to each of you for all you've accomplished. That you won't get to walk down the steps of Old West in your graduation attire makes all you've done to reach this point no less important or valuable. That you carry with you into the world a degree from Dickinson College and all the work, memories, and stories that come with it is what matters, and it shall prepare you well for what lies ahead, whatever that is. You are strong, you are ready; go forth and do great things! Congratulations on your graduation!
Vera Kowal Krewsun 1986
Clarks Summit, PA
Wishing the Class of 2020 much success in all you aspire to do. Take your Dickinson days with you and draw upon them each and every day of your life and you will be amazed at what you can do when you reflect upon a Dickinson moment. Remember as a Dickinson alumni we have the privilege to share one important thing: the ability to think and discern critically at any given moment. Congratulations!
Joe Stahley 2013
New Columbia, PA
Congratulations to the class of 2020! While the world is going through this unfortunate pandemic, try to keep a clear mind of the great accomplishments you all have created over the past four years! There is NO greater feeling than receiving your bachelors degree from such a distinguished institution. I welcome you to a strong alumni community and wish nothing but the best for you all. Cheers to you!
Cynthia McNicholas 1974
Glen Mills, PA
Congratulations and Best Wishes!!! Remember -- if you can weather this storm, you can do anything! (And you will!)
Maia Baker 2019
Boston, MA
Congratulations! You made it, through all-nighters and longhand essays and warm beer and caf dinners. You did the work - the first-year seminar, the distribution requirements, the Banner crashes, the library search engine - and you brought yourself here, to graduate. You made it, and your Dickinson family is so proud of you.
Jill Smith Kahlenberg 1992
Doylestown, PA
Congratulations to the class of 2020, particularly three-time legacy Mary Smith!
I am so proud of the challenges each of you has had to overcome during this difficult time. I know you will each be stronger and unite together even as alumni.
Skip Persick ’83 P’18
West Chester, PA
Class of 2020:
Just think how special you all are! Dickinson has been graduating students for more than 235 years. How many times has graduation been postponed for a pandemic? Once. You're the most memorable class of all time!
Skip Persick '83, P '18
Timothy Ferguson 1999
JBLM, WA
Congratulations on your achievement of successfully undergoing the rigors of a Dickinson education and attaining your degree. Much is expected of you and you must work hard, stay positive, and understand that life is going to continually throw more challenges at you every day. Nothing is easy. Do not despair - use what you have learned, how to think, how to communicate, and your energy to find ways to lead and make the world a better place. Find small victories in trying times and bring positive energy to every endeavor. Serve your fellow man. I wish you the best of luck and reach out to other Dickinsonians who have preceded you as you build your own story and add to the legacy of those old limestone walls.
Sean Casey 2006
Vienna, VA
Dear Class of 2020,
Congratulations on your graduation! I wish you could be together and in person to walk through Old West as a Dickinson College graduate, but rest assured that your hard work and accomplishments are celebrated by all Dickinsonians. Go forth into the world and make it a better place for us all.
I wish you the best of luck and encourage you to pursue your dreams!
All the Best,
Sean Casey ’06
Matthew Allen 2005
Philadelphia, PA
While I still recall the pageantry of my Commencement in 2005, these memories pale in comparison, and in importance, to the friendships I made, the experiences I had, and the life-changing education I received during the four years I studied at Dickinson. The fact a global pandemic caused Commencement to be postponed does not diminish the achievements you made during your short time within Dickinson's hallowed limestone walls. Be proud of your accomplishments, maintain the friendships you have made over the past few years, and engage the world! Congratulations class of 2020!
P.S. come back for the pageantry of Commencement when it occurs, it'll be well worth the trip.
Jess Bell 2018
Boston, MA
Congratulations to the Class of 2020! You have all worked so hard to get here, and I’m so excited to see where you end up next. Best of luck to you all in your future endeavors!
Molly Dean 2008
Washington, DC
Congratulations Class of 2020! Incredibly proud of your resilience. Excited to see your impact on the world!
Michelle Bartoli 2004
Washington, DC
Congratulations to the class of 2020! I wish you were concluding your time at Dickinson under better circumstances, but the friends and memories you made there, even if cut a bit short, will last you a lifetime. I wish you lots of happiness and success as you move on to this next chapter in your life.
Jill Hannemann 2003
Seattle, WA
Congrats Class of 2020! You're accomplishing a huge milestone in your life that will belong to you for the rest of your journey. Hold on to your memories of your experiences at Dickinson. Hold onto the lifelong friends you've made. Nothing happening now can erase the years of laughter, discovery and learnings you've made. Your class will always be unique. This pandemic will make your class special. Use this as a strength to innovate and rise to the occasion of the moment and beyond. You may not have the fanfare of a regular Dickinson graduation, but you are celebrated unlike any class before. We are proud of you. We respect you. We cannot wait to see what your class brings to the country and the world!
Norman Kranzdorf 1952
Bala Cynwyd, PA
I wish I could tell you in person where my wife Hermie and I have been and what we have done in the years since our Dickinson days together. But you all know why we cannot due to the virus.
It does not seem that 72 years have past since I left Hanover and today. I have wonderful memories of our 4 years together and I know that my time since then and now has made me a better citizen, lawyer, real estate developer, married man, father, grandfather and all around good guy. Oh yes, for those of you who remember my days a Red Devil football player, I am 60 pounds lighter.
My best regards and wishes to all of you,
Norman (Yukie) Kranzdorf
Nick Boyer 1973
Jackson, WY
Best wishes, graduates! I want you all to have great lives and do what you've always wanted to do!
Allison (Known as Sunny at D'son) Richards (Browning) 1966
Camden, DE
Congratulations to all of you in the Class of 2020. I sympathize with your not having a real graduation ceremony. Remember, however, that you have received a wonderful education, and you are embarking on a new chapter of your life. Make the best of it! Best of luck to all of you.
Alxis Rodis 2018
Williamsburg, VA
Congratulations to the Class of 2020. I know this time has been extremely hard on all of you and that you are sad about missing out on all of the Dickinson traditions you have been looking forward to for the past four years, but I hope that you can look back on this challenging time and know that you are capable of handling anything life throws at you. You are strong, you are resilient, and you have so much ahead of you. Good luck Class of 2020! We are all rooting for you.
Annette Pearce 1970
Tallahassee, FL
Congratulations on your graduation achievement. Fifty years ago I graduated from Dickinson College. I am sure the College experience has changed in many ways, yet remains the same in many ways. I have carried much with me from Dickinson over the last 50 years, all of it very positive. I hope you find this true for yourself, and use your outstanding education and formative experiences to create a fulfilling life.
Amelie Milet 2010
Harrison, NY
Congratulations to the class of 2020! My heart goes out to you during these challenging times as I know none of you imagined having to leave campus and finish the rest of your college experience online at home. My hope is that someday you get a real, if not symbolic, graduation ceremony at Dickinson when it is safe to do so you can reunite with your friends, faculty, and the campus. However, just because you are graduating in less than ideal circumstances does not take away from the fact you will always be a part of the Dickinson community. Some of my closest friends to this day are people I met at Dickinson and I am so thankful for them during this pandemic as we regularly check up on each other. I wish you all the best of luck as you start to move forward into your adult lives.
Randi Silverberg 1989
Arlington, VA United States
Congratulations to the class of 2020! What a crazy turn of events for you. I’m sorry that you were not able to walk thru the doors of Old West this month but hope you are able to at a future date and that it occurs with friends, family, and classmates in attendance.
Wishing you all the best!
Randi Silverberg
Phil Greenhut 1959
West orange, NJ United States
Congratulations to the amazing class of 2020
Maeve Hogel 2015
Columbus, OH United States
Congratulations, Dickinson Class of 2020! I'm sure that you are disappointed to not be able to walk down the steps of Old West as planned. However, your Dickinson education has taught you to be problem solvers and out of the box thinkers; the world needs you right now. Best of luck with everything the future has in store for you.
Jacqueline Pasquarella Hershey 1991
Malvern, PA USA
Congratulations Dickinson Class of 2020! I know that your college years did not end as you had hoped, with one more class with a favorite professor, or one more afternoon hanging out on campus. You missed your senior celebrations, commencement ceremony, and most of all, the privilege of walking through the doors of Old West in front of your family, friends and classmates. As a Dickinson alum, I share your sadness and sense of loss. But these missed opportunities do not diminish your accomplishments. Take the lessons you learned at Dickinson with you, and the world will be a better place for it. Welcome to a proud and supportive network of Dickinson graduates!
Jay Tress 1974
Lansdowne, PA United States
Congratulation to Class of 2020. It is sad that you can't have a normal graduation, but life will get back to normal eventually and you will have the opportunity to celebrate with your family and friends. Best of luck in the future and always remember to stay in contact with your Dickinson friends and alumni.
Caroline Pappalardo 2018
Iowa City, IA United States
Class of 2020 YOU DID IT!!! You've achieved something great through your hard work, dedication, and resilience. As you enter the world during these difficult times, remember the lessons you learned here at Dickinson and the people you befriended. Carlisle will always be your home, and Dickinson will always be your family. Continue to support one another no matter where life takes you or how much times goes by. Once a Dickinsonian, always a Dickinsonian. You have the support, encouragement, and hopes of the alumni community you now join! Go change the world!
Emily Katz 2016
Bethesda, MD
Congratulations, class of 2020! You have put four years of hard work into learning and building relationships that will last well beyond this pandemic. Virtual graduation or not, we're excited to welcome you to the alumni community!
Evelyn Spratt 1991
Bel Air, MD USA
To the Class of 2020: Wishing you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors!!! Look forward and celebrate!!!
Lexie Raczka 2015
Boston, MA USA
Congratulations Dickinson Class of 2020, you did it! This past semester has put your useful education to the test proven that you are adaptable and equipped with the skills to be successful in unexpected situations.
Though you will have to temporarily delay walking down the steps of Old West and stepping on the seal, your achievements don’t deserve any less celebration. Congratulations again, and welcome to life beyond the limestone!
Gabriel Chong-Ling 2016
Carlisle, PA
You, the class of 2020, have overcome adversity and deserve to celebrate! Congratulations to all on your graduation and all of the accomplishments you've made along the way!
Liam Stenson 2019
Boston, MA USA
Hello Class of 2020!
I want to wish all of you my best during your graduation. Although the world had very a very unexpected ending for your academic year, this does not take anything away from what you have accomplished and will continue to accomplish in the future. This might be a great time to just spend some time with your family and enjoy the people who have helped you accomplish this incredible goal through it all. This has definitely impacted us all in different ways, but I am sure the education that Dickinson has provided us has prepared us for many things yet to come. Congratulations and be well.
Cheers,
Liam Alec Stenson Ortiz
Jessica Holst 1995
Harrisburg, PA USA
Congratulations to all of you. What a memory to tell to future generations. I wish you all the very best in all that you do. Not only have you learned all of the wonderful things that Dickinson has to provide, but you have learned so much more about our humanity, our resilience, our community, and our ability to band together to find the best in ourselves. I wish we could be there in person to cheer for you but here we are, together but not, but we are all rooting for you.
Elizabeth Nolle 1980
Bernardsville, NJ USA
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2020!!
So happy to share in the excitement of your Graduation day from Dickinson!
As a fellow Alum, you enter your next chapter in a most challenging time; know that the world desperately needs YOU.
Without doubt dear Dickinsonian, you were made for great things! Go proudly into your future with confidence and benevolence, to serve the world with ALL your unique gifts. Remember along your continuing journeys, these roots that have guided you to this proud & momentous milestone. May it be the beacon which guides you in mentorship to help those who come after you.
Caps off to you! Warmest Congratulations on your well deserved success!!
Jennifer Moll 2002
Atlanta, GA USA
You did it and you did it in style! Congrats & best wishes for whatever the world throws at you... just remember, you can do it!
Jonathan Drake 2004
Alexandria, VA United States
Your class and mine are united in having experienced historic, generation-defining moments during our time within the limestone walls. Future classes will look back at yours with admiration at the sacrifices you made, and at your success in the face of this unprecedented challenge. I look forward to meeting some of you back on campus someday, and hearing the stories you have to tell!
Chip Horner 1978
Watchung, NJ USA
My very best wishes to the Class of 2020 - well done! Life's great adventure is sure to continue - enjoy it!
John Slike 1951
Camp Hill, Pa USA
While you are being denied the celebratory activities related to commencement weekend you will not be denied the memories you have accumulated over the past four years as I have of my years at Dickinson almost seventy years ago, the greatest being meeting a comely coed in the class of 1953 , Loma Rein, who has indulged my whims as my wife since 1954.
Hazel Osborn 1976
Loveland, CO US
Don't let these weird circumstances sap the great feeling of graduating! It's a huge accomplishment that's a springboard for your entire life. Each year, you'll realize more and more what a treasure your education is. And you will have great stories to tell someday, about how you finished college in the midst of a pandemic. Just like Isaac Newton did.
Sarah Koch 2014
Brooklyn, NY United States
To the Class of 2020: YOU'VE MADE IT.
Although it wasn't what you had hoped for in your final semester, you have built resilience in getting through these especially difficult times. This will prepare you in ways you could not have imagined beyond graduation, and for that you should be incredibly proud. These are unprecedented times and of course, finding work will not be easy. Your post-graduate life is not going to be what you had imagined. But the alumni network is here to support you. We are rooting for you and want you to succeed. If you're ever hesitant to reach out, or afraid of asking for help, don't be. We are here to help.
I cannot cannot wait to see what you accomplish. YOU'VE GOT THIS.
Congratulations!!!
-Sarah Koch, Class of 2014
P.S.: a special shoutout to the Syrens, Delta Nu, and Wheel & Chain grads!
Andy Miles 1995
Chestnut Ridge, NY US
Congratulations Class of 2020! Enjoy this achievement with your family, friends and loved ones... you've earned it!
Live your lives to their fullest and reach your greatest potential. Stay on course. Remain determined, believe in yourselves. Always keep learning. Be strong for yourself and others who need you. Inspire others every chance you get. Stay humble. Care. Be generous when you can and always share. Be proud. Love. Forgive.
Make your mark on this world. The world will be better for it! God Bless you all!
Elizabeth Plascencia 2016
Honolulu, HI USA
Aloha Fellow Dickinsonians,
Congratulations on this life achievement. No one could have ever imagined the world you are currently graduating into, but please know that you are not alone. You have your fellow cohort of Dickinson Class of '20 and have now joined the legion of alumni spanning a global network. We all have your back. Take care. Your life toolkit now includes a Dickinson degree and will aid you wherever you may go.
-Liz Plascencia '16, Earth Sciences
Julien Herpers 2019
Washington, CT United States
Congratulations, Class of 2020! Though you are not all physically on campus, I can assure you that the memories and connections that you made at Dickinson will long outlast the current pandemic. Great things are in store for your future, and I wish you all good luck!
Donna Miller Ward 1968
Aspen, CO USA
I'm sure this is not the graduation you expected and I trust you will find new ways of celebrating your accomplishments at Dickinson. As a 1968 graduate, yes, an old hippy, I wanted to let you know that as you leave Dickinson I trust you will take the treasured parts of your experience with you as I did. The relationships and connections you have made will continue to expand through your life if you stay in touch with each other. You have no idea how they will materialize in the years to come. I still meet yearly with a wonderful group of Dickinson alums. And each one has become a new relationship through the years. We have had great adventures together, including a trip to Croatia to visit an alum who was attached to the state department. We did that to celebrate our 60th or thereabouts birthdays! Just a few weeks ago a dozen of us Zoomed together for two hours. We are there for each other and have been through the years. I know you have had a rich experience at Dickinson and it will bear fruit throughout your lives. Congratulations and best of luck. If you are ever in Aspen, CO feel free to look me up.
Artrese Morrison 1992
Point Richmond, CA United States
Congratulations. Welcome to a group of proud and community-minded Alum. Your class will be tasked to help us find our way forward in a post-COVID world. I know you will be up to the task because you have DICKINSON as part of your foundation.
Much love and respect,
Artrese Morrison 92'
Stuart Pankin 1968
Pacific Palisades, CA United States
It's not the graduation, it's the Grad.
This old Red Devil and Mermaid Player send you positive thoughts and hopes for your next 80 years.
Walk down the steps of Old West in your minds. You won't trip on your gown, and your cap won't blow away.
You're already winners!
Best to you all,
Stuart Pankin
William Mercer 1970
East Stroudsburg, PA USA
Congratulations, but celebrate safely. A new world awaits you; don't be foolish and miss it. Make it even better than it would have been had this crisis not befallen us! We of the class of "70 have waited 50 years to mark this anniversary. We are proud of you! We know you won't let us down!
SEMPER FIDELIS!
Kathy Czepiel 1988
Hamden, CT US
Class of 2020, Your years at Dickinson were long and rich and full of becoming who you are in ways you haven't even realized yet. Be brave, be well, and--with a special shout-out to Matt Loalbo '20--run into the world like you mean it!
Matthew Hillsberg 2013
New York, NY United States
Congratulations on your graduation! It is truly a great honor to be a graduate of Dickinson. Dickinson finds a way to make it back to your life in mysterious ways - a new colleague is best friends with someone in your class, the person next to you in a restaurant is an alum, or you see familiar faces wherever you end up. There is NO better community than the alums of Dicksinson.
While this year is different, and your senior year didn't end the way you planned or wanted, please know you are deeply valued, and your time at Dickinson is more than the loss of these months.
Congrats again and best of luck,
Matt '13
Kim Blank Wallace 2010
Mount Vernon, OH USA
Congratulations to the class of 2020! You will always have a strange fellowship of this shared unfinished experience. Don’t forget to cherish the positives and nourish the friendships you made in Carlisle. And don’t hesitate to reach out to other alumni when we may be able to help you. Cheers!
Susan Buckenmaier 2016
Washigton, DC USA
Congratulations class of 2020! And to those Blue Mountain Battalion new 2LTs - congratulations on commissioning!
Kaitlin Irvine 2010
Philadelphia, PA
Congratulations Class of 2020! What a weird time but it doesn’t take away from the fact that you did this, you earned this! And a special shoutout to all the first-generation college graduates - this may not look like how you pictured and dreamed it to be but nonetheless you have blazed the trail and are onto the next one! Cheering for you all and celebrating you from quarantine in Philly!!
Jennifer Miller 1989
Wallingford, PA United States
Congrats on a HUGE accomplishment! And my condolences for how your Dickinson experience ended. It will certainly never be forgotten! What you need to do is COME BACK to Dickinson -- for homecoming, for alumni weekend (whether or not it is "your" reunion year), or just for fun. After 30+ years it still feels like home to me. And those stone steps will be there forever waiting for you to have your own little celebrations (over and over again). All the best to each of you as you begin your next chapter.
Jasmin Lopez 2019
North Plainfield, NJ
CONGRATULATIONS to my sister, DULCE LOPEZ, on graduating!! So proud of you and the way you showed up up until the very last assignment.
Class of 2020, use this time to follow your passions. Stay strong and united. You have an alumni family ready to welcome you however we can.
Morgan D'Arcy 2019
Frederick, MD
Congratulations to the class of 2020! While I can only imagine the sadness you're feeling of being away from campus during this time, I hope you take solace in the fact that everyone is incredibly proud of your accomplishments and I personally am honored to be able to share Dickinson Alum status with you. The adversity you have faced this year goes to show how amazing you all are and I can't wait to see what you will accomplish as graduates. A special shoutout to Arielle, I love you with all my heart and I'm so proud of you. Cheyenne, your intelligence and kindness has always inspired me. Another shoutout to my fellow Theta's, your dedication to being leading ladies makes me feel so happy to have been in the same organization as you. Lastly, to the wonderful men of Delta Sigma Phi, I know you will go very far in life, I'm lucky to know you.
Erika DeCree 1989
Mansfield, MA
When you look back at your years at Dickinson, you'll remember the friends, the experiences, the parties and the sense of community. While walking through the doors at Old West is a time honored tradition, your class will always be unique for rising to the challenges of 2020. You'll walk through those doors eventually, but more importantly, the windows to the world will be forever open to you for having forged through this tumultuous time. Best of luck to you all, and welcome to the Alumni Club!!! Cheers!
Meghan Erdman 2009
Wilmington, DE
Class of 2020, you did it and you're on to do great things! Today, you should be proud of what you have accomplished in life thus far regardless of these circumstances and celebrate in a new way like no other Dickinsonian has done before. Now, I welcome you to a new family called the Dickinson Alumni. #dsonalumni
Elizabeth Carberry 2009
Washington, DC
To the Class of 2020,
Congratulations!
While the ending to this chapter was probably not what you hoped for, take comfort in knowing that you laid incredible ground work for you future during your four years in the best place on earth... CARLISLE! Hold tight to all you learned, stay in touch with all of those that walked within those limestone walls with you and get excited because the real world will be here before you know it.
Wishing you all the best!
Anne Kelty 1966
Aiken, SC
Congratulations!! Even though your year finished in a way you never expected, you are to be congratulated for completing your Dickinson education -- a wonderful achievement! Wishing much success in whatever/ wherever you pursue next!
Karen Pflug-felder 1971
Collegeville, Pa
Congratulations members of the Class of 2020! Although you won't get to walk down the steps of Old West with your classmates, I 'm sure you will remember this year forever. You will continue to have the memories and the friendships you made at Dickinson forever as well! Keep them close!
Wayne Geller 1978
Avondale, PA United States
My family and I are very concerned about the safety and well being of Dickinson students and the broader Dickinson community during
Karen Edler 1981
Mullica Hill, NJ USA
Congratulations class of 2020! I know the disappointment of not being able to walk through the doors of Old West; however, your class will have the most unique graduation and finish to its senior year of any in the history of Dickinson College. In life we choose to see the glass as half empty or half full. Moving forward I hope you will choose to see the glass as half full. Your class is resilient and strong and I’m certain you will move forward into this world in a successful manner. Know that your Dickinson college education will hold you in good stead throughout the rest of your lives. Celebrate now as best you are able and when life r