Karly Rees earned a bachelor’s degree in business along with magna cum laude honors.
MEDIA, Pa. — One-hundred and sixty graduates received their bachelor’s degrees at Penn State Brandywine’s spring 2025 commencement ceremony on May 10 in the campus gymnasium. An additional five students were awarded associate degrees.
Regional Chancellor Marilyn J. Wells commended the graduates for their persistence that led to the milestone occasion.
“Class of 2025, you did it. You crossed the finish line. But more than that, you climbed the mountain. And every step you took — every late night, every doubt, every breakthrough — has brought you to this summit,” Wells said. “Here at Penn State Brandywine, we believe that education isn’t just about books and grades — it’s about becoming. And we have seen you become — stronger, wiser, kinder, more powerful than perhaps you even imagined.
“And the heartbeat of this place is people like you — students who believe in something bigger than themselves. Who believe that knowledge can lead to compassion, that community can lead to change, and that one voice can echo far beyond these grounds. Today, you join generations of Penn Staters who carry those values into the world.”
Mike DeGirolamo earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He gave opening remarks at the commencement ceremony and performed the song Humble and Kind.
Michael DeGirolamo, who graduated with a bachelor of science degree in psychology, provided welcoming remarks and a musical performance of Humble and Kind. He was a member of the baseball team and the Brandywine Music Association.
“Even after everything school has taught me, I can say that the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that time moves faster than you think,” he said. “And when it feels scary to jump, that’s exactly when you jump. Because the biggest regrets of your life won’t be what you did, they’ll be what you didn’t do. So whatever you do, go live, travel, adventure, and don’t be sorry. Because one day at the end of it all, everyone in the room will look back and think about how time moves faster than you think.”
Three other graduating students offered remarks as well: Angela Pagliotti, Dillon Jones and Jordan Polillo.
Pagliotti, who graduated in December with a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies, was a member of the volleyball team, a lion ambassador and part of the Brandywine Events and Activities Student Team.
“As we leave this campus today, let’s remember that our potential is limitless,” Pagliotti said. “Each of us is capable of great things. Let’s embrace the challenges ahead, knowing we’re equipped to face them. Let’s be the leaders who bring compassion to our communities, the innovators who solve the world’s problems, and the thinkers who challenge the status quo. And finally, as we go our separate ways, let’s never forget where we started — from Penn State Brandywine, a place that gave us not just an education, but a sense of belonging, a network of friends and teammates, and a shared commitment to making the world a better place.”
Dillon Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in communications. He was one of the student commencement speakers.
Jones, who earned a bachelor’s degree in communications, was a member of the men’s basketball team, a resident assistant, and active in several student clubs.
“This journey wasn’t just about degrees. It was about discovery,” Jones said. “About the friendships that turned into family. The mentors who saw something in us before we saw it in ourselves. The moments of joy, of struggle, of transformation that shaped us into who we are today. You have already proven that you can endure, that you can overcome. So, when challenges come — and they will — remember this moment. Remember what it took to get here.”
Polillio, who earned bachelor’s degrees in business and project and supply chain management, served as president of the Student Government Association, dancer relations chair for Brandywine Benefitting THON, and was active with several other student organizations.
“As we stand here on the brink of the future, I want to remind you all of something: This is just the beginning. We’ve learned how to face challenges, adapt and succeed even when the road wasn’t clear,” Polillo said. “As we take this next step, I encourage you to keep living with your heart on your sleeve. The world needs compassionate, thoughtful and driven individuals more than ever before. Lead with integrity, keep pushing forward and never forget the lessons we’ve learned here at Brandywine. This world needs us to step up and make a difference. And I have no doubt we will.”
Jerry Parsons, a 1974 Penn State graduate, chairman of CTDI and past chairman of the Penn State Brandywine Advisory Board, was the keynote speaker. Parsons founded CTDI in 1975 with his father and brother in the family garage. The company is now an industry leader for test engineering, repair and logistics services for the telecom, cable and consumer device industries with more than 20,000 employees in 22 countries.
“Never stop dreaming about what could be ahead. Your dreams can be short-term or mid-term — not way far out,” Parsons said. “I could have never dreamed what my journey has ended up to be. It’s too big of a dream. So dream about what you want to do and that you could accomplish. Then take your ticket and do one step at a time.”
Parsons also noted the importance of hard work and being surrounded by good people.
“Work hard,” he said. “If you know where you want to go, set your sights and be focused on getting there. Besides being educated, my biggest advantage I did for my career was working hard.”
He added: “Surround yourself with good people. People that have the same values, ambition and interest as you do. Think about this. If I did not surround myself with good people, I would still be in the garage.”
After the commencement address, Wells and Chief Academic Officer Jennifer Nesbitt conferred the degrees. Nesbitt also recognized graduates who earned academic distinction for graduating in the top 12% of their class within their respective colleges.
- Summa cum laude: Michael Dunleavy, Jeremy Dela Rosa Ramos, Karlyn Rees and Brandon Renschler
- Magna cum laude: Natasha Agape, Sonya Brown, Alok Ishwar, Tala Obeid, Cole Roycroft and Julia Santangelo
- Cum laude: Gianna Marie Casale, Roberta Gonzalez, Miranda Pepper and Rebecca Valente
Alok Ishwar, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity analytics and operations, was recognized as a Schreyer Honors Scholar.
Michael Adami, who earned a bachelor’s degree in project and supply chain management, and Mark Boyer, who earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, were recognized for their military service.
Michael Gambol, president of the Penn State Brandywine Advisory Board, offered greetings and congratulations to the graduates.
The Lenape Brass Ensemble performed "Pomp and Circumstance", the National Anthem and the Penn State Alma Mater.
Penn State Brandywine, with more than 1,200 students, is a residential campus offering 14 baccalaureate programs and the first two years of nearly all of Penn State’s 275+ majors.
