*In photo – Lackawanna College graduates Channel Evans Kearse, Scranton, Ashley Bruno, Wilkes Barre, Jessica Hinton, Blakely, Abigail Eileen Foley, Dunmore, Gustavo Weislher Andrade, Clarks Summit, Chelsea L Bush, Susquehanna, Tiffany Michelle Anello, Spring Brook Township and Makkah Madinah Watkins, Scranton celebrate outside Angeli Hall.

Lackawanna College awarded 117 bachelor’s degrees along with more than 375 associate degrees and 19 certificates at the college’s 129th commencement.

The ceremony honored the class of 2023 and Brianna McCarthy of Scranton presented the valedictory address.

“Leave today with the knowledge to take on the world and meaningfully contribute to it,” McCarthy said. “Whether we land our dream career, go on to achieve our masters or more; we remember Lackawanna College as the place to fuel true ambition.”

Jill Murray, Ph.D., and Erica Barone Pricci, Ph.D. addressed graduates at the ceremony, conferred degrees to candidates and presented degrees with Adrienne Asbury, dean of curriculum and faculty affairs, and Kelly Musti, associate vice president for academic affairs and dean of health sciences.

“I am proud of what you all have accomplished and what you will accomplish as cherished alumni,” Dr. Murray said. “Your time at Lackawanna College has made you intellectually curious and prepared you to be responsible citizens of this planet. The work you do once you leave us, will help to evolve a better world.”

Members from the Class of 2023 represented 15 states including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maine, Colorado, Florida, Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Georgia, Oklahoma, Connecticut and Virginia.

Undergraduate degrees with the most graduates were bachelor’s Human Services, associate in Professional Studies, associate in Business Administration, associate in Business Studies and associate in Criminal Justice.