Cedar Crest College

On Saturday, May 9, Cedar Crest College honored the Class of 2026 during its 156th Commencement Ceremony at PPL Center in Allentown, Pa. Graduates and their loved ones gathered to mark this significant milestone, celebrating the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained during their time at Cedar Crest. The event highlighted the values of leadership, service, and community that are integral to the Cedar Crest spirit. We are immensely proud of each and every graduate. Your resilience and commitment have brought you to this moment, and we are excited to see the remarkable contributions you will make in the future. Congratulations, Class of 2026!

On Saturday, May 10, the PPL Center in Allentown filled with students, staff, faculty, and supporters to celebrate the accomplishments of Cedar Crest College's Class of 2025 at Commencement. Graduates and their loved ones gathered to mark this significant milestone, celebrating the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained during their time at Cedar Crest. The event highlighted the values of leadership, service, and community that are integral to the Cedar Crest spirit. We are immensely proud of each and every graduate. Your resilience and commitment have brought you to this moment, and we are excited to see the remarkable contributions you will make in the future. Congratulations, Class of 2025!

On Saturday, May 11, the PPL Center in Allentown filled with students, staff, faculty, and supporters to celebrate the accomplishments of Cedar Crest College's Class of 2024 at Commencement. Graduates and their loved ones gathered to mark this significant milestone, celebrating the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained during their time at Cedar Crest. The event highlighted the values of leadership, service, and community that are integral to the Cedar Crest spirit. We are immensely proud of each and every graduate. Your resilience and commitment have brought you to this moment, and we are excited to see the remarkable contributions you will make in the future. Congratulations, Class of 2024!

Delphi, the esteemed honor society at Cedar Crest College, recognizes students who have completed 86 or more total credits (including at least 60 graded credits of academic work at the college) and maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.8 or above. These exceptional students are honored as members of Delphi.

Delphi, the esteemed honor society at Cedar Crest College, recognizes students who have completed 86 or more total credits (including at least 60 graded credits of academic work at the college) and maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.8 or above. These exceptional students are honored as members of Delphi.

Delphi, the esteemed honor society at Cedar Crest College, recognizes students who have completed 86 or more total credits (including at least 60 graded credits of academic work at the college) and maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.8 or above. These exceptional students are honored as members of Delphi.

Congratulations to the exceptional students who have been named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2024 semester. This esteemed recognition highlights the dedication and academic prowess required to achieve a grade point average of 3.65 or higher. These students have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their studies, setting a high standard for excellence within our institution. Please join us in applauding their achievements and celebrating their place on the Fall 2024 Dean's List.

Congratulations to the exceptional students who have been named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2024 semester. This esteemed recognition highlights the dedication and academic prowess required to achieve a grade point average of 3.65 or higher. These students have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their studies, setting a high standard for excellence within our institution. Please join us in applauding their achievements and celebrating their place on the Spring 2024 Dean's List.

Congratulations to the exceptional students who have been named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2025 semester. This esteemed recognition highlights the dedication and academic prowess required to achieve a grade point average of 3.65 or higher. These students have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their studies, setting a high standard for excellence within our institution. Please join us in applauding their achievements and celebrating their place on the Spring 2025 Dean's List.

Sunday, April 21, Alumnae Hall Auditorium at Cedar Crest College filled with students, staff, faculty, and supporters to celebrate the accomplishments of the College's student leaders. This annual celebration, "Best of the Crest," is held by the Student Government Association and acknowledges the contributions of members of the campus community to the College for their involvement, leadership, compassion, and commitment to Cedar Crest. Additionally, new members of the Student Government Association and Student Activities Executive Board are sworn in each year at the ceremony for their term starting the upcoming Fall semester.

The Department of Health Sciences is proud to acknowledge the following students who worked with Dr. Hollie Gibbons, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences, to complete two community-based public health projects. Ela Patel (Public Health major) and Morgan Bentley (Public Health minor) worked with Communities In Schools to complete a State of the Student project to identify nonacademic needs of students in Lehigh, Northampton, and Berks counties. Crystal Levene (Public Health major) and Sara Reagle (Public Health major) worked with Community Services for Children to complete a community needs assessment focusing on Early Head Start and Head Start.

The Best of the Crest ceremony held on Sunday, April 23, at the Alumnae Hall Auditorium celebrated the accomplishments of Cedar Crest College's student leaders. Recognizing excellence beyond the classroom, the awards highlight the contributions made by students through their exemplary leadership in various clubs, organizations, and other opportunities. Best of the Crest Awards Emerging Student Leader - Corinne O'Connor For a first-year student or sophomore who has shown initiative, motivation, and potential for continued student leadership early in their career. Capstone Student Leader - Emily Demarest For a student in their junior or senior year who has demonstrated a capacity for impacting the Cedar Crest community and served as a role model to younger students. Outstanding Student Involvement - Morgan Bentley To the individual who is highly involved within the campus community without sacrificing efficiency and dedication. The Bridge Award - Rachel Bilger To the individual who has demonstrated outstanding innovation and leadership in bridging the gap between co-curricular activities. Unsung Hero - Madelyn Chase For a student from any class level who may or may not hold a formal position, but whose behind-the-scenes dedication and labors have proven invaluable to the success of a project, program, cause, or movement on campus. Student Organization of the Year - Psychology Club For a student organization that has consistently made positive contributions to the campus community and encouraged leadership through its membership, events, or programmatic initiatives. Miguel Marroquin - Lynnsae Powers Dedicated to the family and staff of Miguel Marroquin. Given to the staff member who demonstrates a students-first attitude and commitment to working with students. Outstanding Advisor - Crystal Stubbs Given to the advisor who has been deemed by their club or organization as someone who has shown dedication to supporting the club, its members, and the events and programmatic initiatives created by the membership. Outstanding Graduate Student - Cristina Lemus For a graduate student who has demonstrated a capacity for impacting the Cedar Crest community through their initiatives, motivation, and student leadership. Senior Crest Awards Religio - Carter Reichard The seated figure on the left of the Seal represents a student who strives to apply enduring standards of value to the circumstances of their life, to guide their own actions, and to demonstrate those values to others. Libertas - Rosemarie Kramer The figure in the center of the Seal represents a student who stands as a guardian of the liberal arts and the personal freedom of individuals. Scientia - Joslyn Schwieterman The seated figure on the right of the Seal represents a student who scans the globe for opportunities to extend their learning skills into the community for the benefit of others. Housing & Residence Life Awards Rising Resident Award - Zenaidia Douglas This award recognizes a resident student who can always be seen in the residence halls, engaging with the residential community, and attending events. One to Watch Award - Rachel Bilger Given to a new RA, who has worked as an RA for one year or less, who has exceeded job expectations and really grown into the role of an RA. RA of the Year Award - Catherine Strickland Given to the RA who consistently exceeds the job requirements and develops a strong sense of community in their residence hall. First Year Experience Awards Mentor of the Year - Ali Porchick Awarded to the mentor who has shown exceptional work ethic and support for their students. Rookie Mentor of the Year - Anaya Duncan Awarded to the first-time mentor who has shown exceptional work ethic and support for their students. Most Improved Mentor - Tyssina Bright Awarded to the mentor who has shown exceptional growth and the ability to implement feedback into their role. Lutz Center Awards Volunteer Organization of the Year - Psychology Club Awarded to the club or organization that serves through their interests and actions to recognize, advocate, and effect positive social change for our community. Student Volunteer of the Year - Maliha Asad Awarded to a student who embodies the knowledge of service and accepts opportunities for action while also recognizing, advocating, and effecting positive change for our community. Faculty/Staff Volunteer of the Year - Cara Cavall Awarded to a faculty and/or staff member that actively utilizes their time and skills to recognize, advocate, and effect positive social change for our community. Center for Diversity and Inclusion Awards Inclusion Advocate of the Year - Charlie McClain Awarded to a student who, through their work at the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) for the last year, has gone above and beyond to fulfill their role as an Inclusion Advocate. Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion Award - Nicole Lewis Awarded to someone who, throughout the year, has embodied the Cedar Crest College Diversity Statement and has encouraged others through their work, academia, and/or service. https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAB46T

On Monday, January 15, Cedar Crest College students, faculty, and staff gathered for the College's second annual Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast to commemorate MLK's legacy through powerful speeches, performances, and commitments to future acts of service. The morning started with impactful and powerful words from Student Government Association President Noor Hussain, '25, and a Step Dance performance choreographed by Corinne Mundy, '24, performed by herself, Jahniya James, '26, Elayah Toney, '26, and Erika Butler, '27. Further highlights included keynote speaker Dr. Damary Bonilla-Rodriguez, spoken word poetry performed by Dieruff High School group Spittin' Truth, and closing remarks from President Meade.

This November 16, 17, 18 at 7:00 p.m. and 19 at 2 p.m., Cedar Crest College's Department of Performing Arts presents DanceWorks, a yearly showcase featuring original work choreographed by Cedar Crest dance alumnae and current students. By design, DanceWorks challenges choreographers to push the limits of their creativity and create their dances on a 10x10 ft stage. A visual feast, the show features a variety of assorted styles such as jazz, contemporary, step, and modern dance. Saturday's performance will also feature a Q&A session with the choreographers to get inside the minds of the artists, discussing their inspirations and individual creative processes. Led by the guidance and artistic direction of Sarah Carlson, this year's choreographers include: Madison Anusky, '23 Corinne Mundy, '24 Dannica Mitchell, '24 Haven Black, '24 Emma Redman, '24 Abby Engle, '24

This March 23, 24, 25 at 7 p.m. and March 26 at 2 p.m., Cedar Crest Performing Arts will present Jane Martin's controversial play, "Keely and Du." Performances will be held in the Tompkins College Center & Samuels Theatre on the campus of Cedar Crest College, Allentown, PA. Tickets may be purchased online at cedarcrest.edu. The cast includes: Du - Sofia Barbour Keely- Rosemarie Kramer Walter- Andrew Galindez Cole- David Lippincott Prison Guard- Mahek "Jayden" Dhawan Orderlies- Chelsi Fread, Lizbeth Parra, Ashly Rodriguez- Ascencio For information, please visit https://www.cedarcrest.edu/academics/performing_arts/events.shtm

Cedar Crest College's literary club, Preterite is pleased to announce the winners of its annual writing contest. Winners are honored at the History, Literature, and Languages Department's Celebration of Creativity, to be held this year on Sunday, April 16 from 2-4 p.m. in the TCC Conference Center. Cover photo for Onyx chapbook: Juno Thomas, for "Falling Jellyfish" Poetry 1st place: Deshian Garricks, for "Lyrics of Black History Month" 2nd place: Fatimah Abdulqaher, for "Brotherhood of Poetry" 3rd place: Tara Tevald, for "Speaking to the Inner Child" Honorable Mention: Anya Stott, for "Orphan" Fiction 1st place: Tara Tevald, for "A Visit Home" 2nd place: Mackenzie Gregory, for "In the Woods Somewhere" 3rd place: Anya Stott, for "The Circus" Creative Nonfiction 1st place: Taylor Hutson, for "Loss" Preterite wishes to thank all of the students who submitted their work for consideration.

Earlier this month, the Lutz Center hosted seven students for their "In the Valley, For the Valley" Alternative Spring Break. Michele Moyer, Director of Career Development and Community Engagement, and Takyra Batz, Assistant Director for Community Engagement and Leadership Development, coordinated and led the week of service. Alternative Spring Break offers students the opportunity to join their campus community for a week of service to a community, rather than a traditional spring break vacation. The inaugural "In the Valley, For the Valley" model used this year focuses on sharing our Greater Lehigh Valley community's needs, businesses, and sites with our students without requiring a cost to attend the program. Students can fully engage in the community for the full week. The participants received the following experiences: PPL Center Tour, Phantoms Game, ArtsQuest (5 hours of service), Zekraft Cafe - Bethlehem, SteelStacks, Fegley's Bethlehem Brew Works, Wildlands Conservancy (5 hours of service), Nowhere Coffee Co - South Mountain, Downtown Emmaus Shopping (FD Market, Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop, Let's Play Books Bookstore, Conversational Threads Fiber Arts Studio), Cactus Blue Mexican Restaurant, Second Harvest Food Bank (5 hours of service), Martin Guitar Museum, Detzi's Tavern, Udder Bar and the Valley Against Sex Trafficking (5 hours of service). The following students used their time off for Spring Break to serve others: Senior: Rosemarie "Rosie" Kramer, Juniors: Lyss Marino, Lataisha "Latty" Jenkins, Mary Scannell, Sophomore: Deshian Garricks, Maliha Asad, and Alexie "Alex" Blum.

In Spring 2022, Cedar Crest College named Giovanna Sodano as the winner of a four-year, full-tuition scholarship. Sodano competed against more than 80 students from 14 different states at the College's 13th Annual Scholarship Competition held in February 2022.