Cedar Crest College

The Lutz Center for Community Service hosted four students for their "In the Valley, For the Valley" Alternative Spring Break from March 1 - 6, 2026. Takyra Batz, Assistant Director for Community Engagement & Leadership Development, and Cara Cavall, Program Coordinator, coordinated and led the week of service and local exploration. We followed our "In the Valley, For the Valley" model that focuses on sharing our Greater Lehigh Valley community needs, businesses, and sites without requiring a cost to attend the program. The participants received the following (and more) experiences: Godfrey Daniels Tour & Open Mic Night, The Willow: Inspirit Senior Living in Macungie (3 hours), Museum of Indian Culture, PBS39 (3 hours), exploring Bethlehem, JuxtaHub (3 hours), Allentown Farmer's Market, downtown Allentown, Lehigh University's Art Gallery, and much more. The following students used their time off for Spring Break to serve others: Seniors: Stella Oen and Madelyn Updegrove, Junior: Cam Beverage, and First Year: Fox Pisch.

On Thursday, December 4th, students in Adjunct Professor Megan Angelo's ENG 104 Introduction to Creative Writing class presented a public reading at The End bookstore in Allentown. Valeska Barsallo, Fatema Bhalloo, Joseph Dedona, Jaileen Deleon, Angelina Iatarola, Samora Merchant, and Joshua Zalot presented original works of fiction, poetry, and screenwriting to a packed house of family, friends, and community members. The event was a wonderful showcase of student creativity!

On Thursday, November 6th, Jazmyn Davis, Savannah Aguilera, and Sydney Jeker attended the Second Annual Lehigh Valley Nonprofit Impact Conference hosted by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley at Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem. Jazmyn, Savannah and Sydney all seized the opportunity to network and speak with individuals from multiple professional backgrounds - such as CEOs, Program Managers, Volunteer Coordinators, and much more. They also shared that they were challenged to explore their leadership and communication skills by speaking in three breakout sessions that they attended throughout the day.

Corinne O'Connor, Graduate Area Coordinator for the Office of Housing & Residence Life presented twice this past Saturday, October 11th at the Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers (MACUHO) Student Staff Live-in (SSLI) Conference at Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington, Delaware. Corinne presented two sessions to student staff member attendees from around the mid-Atlantic region. One session was "Wisdom about Wellness: Taking Care of Yourself and Residents" and the second session was "Let's Get Better Together: Supporting your LGBT+ Residents." For the second presentation, Corinne invited two of our Resident Advisors (RAs), Cam Beverage and Catherine Legutko, to co-present with her. Corinne, Cam, and Catherine all did an amazing job and both presentations were well received by the attendees.

Senior social work student, Caitlyn Anders, recently presented her research, The Impact of Time Management Among College Students, at the National Association of Social Workers, Pennsylvania Conference on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. At the Social Workers Level Up Conference, Caitlyn's research poster won 2nd place during the student poster session. Caityln conducted research during the Social Work Research Methods Course Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters. Dr. Chelsea Toth, Associate Professor of Social Work, served as Caitlyn's research faculty advisor. Caitlyn was also the 2024-2025 Cedar Crest College Social Science Undergraduate Capstone award recipient.

Joshua Lucas, a senior student in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program, presented a poster at St. Luke's 13th Annual Pulmonary and Critical Care Symposium on October 4, 2025. His presentation focused on the ambulation of patients receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) therapy in the Intensive Care Unit. The work was well received by critical care and pulmonary physicians, nurses, and fellows, who offered positive feedback recognizing its potential to reduce the effects of patient immobilization.

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 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.

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!

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.

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 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.

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!

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.

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 2023 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 2023 Dean's List.

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

Congratulations to the exceptional students who have been named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2023 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 2023 Dean's List.

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.

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.

Cedar Crest College conferred over 200 bachelor's, 60 master's, and 10 doctoral degrees upon the Class of 2023 on May 13 at its 153rd Commencement Ceremony at the PPL Center in Allentown, PA. Graduates hailed from 23 States and 13 countries. The ceremony marked the culmination of a week of festivities celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2023 and their transformative journey at Cedar Crest College.

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 Friday, April 21, three Cedar Crest students were inducted into the Delta Pi chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda. Alpha Sigma Lambda is a national honor society for adult students. The goal of the organization is to recognize the achievements of adults who accomplish academic excellence while facing competing interests of home and work. To be eligible, students must meet certain academic requirements. The group aims to motivate students to achieve academic and leadership excellence while creating a network of outstanding students and faculty.

The 2023 Class of the Doctor of Nursing Practice presented the following scholarly project presentations, sponsored by Lehigh Valley Health Network, on April 20: Pear Murphy, BSN, RN, SRNA: Gender-Affirming Perioperative Care for the Transgender Patient Kevin Udo, BSN, RN, SRNA: Culturally Competent Education for Nigerian Women on Epidural Analgesia During Labor Hannah Parker, BSN, RN, SRNA: Use of the STOP-Bang Questionnaire to Increase Referrals for Follow-Up Care for Patients at Risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Rochelle Graf, BSN, RN, SRNA; Jennifer Perry, BSN, RN, SRNA; Candice Townsend, BSN, RN, SRNA: The Use of Point of Care Ultrasound in Nurse Anesthesia Practice Liane Bacon, BSN, RN, SRNA: Implementation of an Educational Intervention to Increase the Use of Quantitative Neuromuscular Monitoring Mitchell Dent, BSN, RN, SRNA; Quinn Luckenbill, BSN, RN, SRNA; Peter Caruso, BSN, RN, SRNA: Health Policy Advocacy for Full Practice Authority for Nurse Anesthetists

On April 14, twenty-one students were inducted into the Rho Xi Kappa Chapter of Gamma Sigma Epsilon, the national chemistry honor society.

The Cedar Crest College Honors Program is proud to acknowledge the accomplishments of its seniors who recently attended the Northeast Regional Honors Conference in Pittsburgh. The conference theme was Building Resilience from Tragedy: Understanding Hate, Violence, Loss, & Reconciliation, and this was reflected throughout all of the conference events: the Pittsburgh history tours (e.g., Cathedral of Learning), author talk (Brian Broome "Punch Me Up to the Gods"), Keynote Speech (columnist and feature writer Tony Norman), and intellectually engaging research presentations by students from Honors colleges throughout the northeast. Oral Presentations given by Cedar Crest College students: Megan Dunkle (research mentor: Larry Quarino): The Importance of Bodily Fluid Identification in a Court of Law Patsy Holtz (research mentor: Audrey Ettinger): Resilience in the Face of Controversy: Using Rocio ostofasciata Stem Cells to Study Antidepressant Induced Neurogenesis Khoula Jaber (research mentors: K. Joy Karnas, Rich Kliman, Josh Harrington): Modeling Bacterial Resilience: Simulation of Environmental Antibiotic Exposure to Substantiate the Predictive Power of Mathematical Models Art Show Participants: Megan Dunkle "Leaving Your Mark on the World" Patsy Holtz "Moonlight"

On April 16, three students were inducted into the Xi Kappa Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, an international English honor society. Congratulations to Stephanie Michelle Astacio Mackenzie Gregory Alyson Miller