Campus News
Class of 2025 Honored at 147th Commencement
Juniata College celebrated the Class of 2025 at the 147th commencement ceremony on May 17. With their families and friends gathered on the quad, graduates marked the culmination of their academic journey.
This year, 317 graduates received their diplomas, including 258 who earned bachelor’s degrees and 59 who graduated with master’s degrees—the largest cohort in the history of Juniata’s graduate program.
“Students, I feel as though I have had a front row seat to the last four or so years of your young lives. I couldn’t be more proud of how each of you have enriched this community,” said President James A. Troha. “Like so many Juniatians before you, you did it with passion, enthusiasm, and distinction.”
Class president Brenna Haggerty ’25 spoke to her classmates about the challenges and opportunities at this moment.
“I couldn’t be more proud of how each of you have enriched this community. Like so many Juniatians before you, you did it with passion, enthusiasm, and distinction.”President James A. Troha
“There is so much pressure placed on us as graduates, but there is also so much newness,” Haggerty said. “When you leave Juniata, this place you have called home for the last few years, I hope that you’re excited and scared in equal measure. I want you to go out and make mistakes. The only way to learn and grow is to mess up first.”
Dr. James M. Metz ’89, chair of radiation oncology and Henry K. Pancoast professor of radiation oncology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, served as the commencement speaker.
“It is up to your generation to make the differences in the future. Follow your passions and do what you love,” said Metz. “I find that people who do this make the biggest impact in whatever you do.”
Three honorary doctor of humane letters degrees were bestowed upon Metz, Carol Heaton Pletcher ’66, a distinguished leader in corporate innovation; and James A. Wagner, recipient of the Pennsylvania State Police Purple Heart and Trooper of the Year award.
The ceremony is available to watch on the College’s YouTube channel.
College Starting Construction on Building to Advance Health Education and Community Care
Juniata is transforming the corner of Moore and 17th Streets through the construction of a new three-story facility that will expand healthcare access in rural Pennsylvania and educate the next generation of nursing professionals. The ceremonial groundbreaking, held April 25, marks the beginning of a bold new chapter for the College and the Huntingdon region.
“We are excited about what this program and the Gateway Center are going to mean for the Huntingdon region.”President James A. Troha
Speakers at the event included Mary White ’73, chair of the Juniata board of trustees; President James A . Troha; Dan Sunderland ’88, a member of the board of trustees; Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Debra Bogen, MD; Pennsylvania Sen. Judy Ward; Pennsylvania Rep. Rich Irvin; and Jim Watt, vice president for advancement and new strategic initiatives.
For information on how you can support the Gateway Center project, please contact Jim Wat, vice president for advancement and new strategic initiatives, at wattj@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3110.
Above: Juniata senior leaders, trustees, advancement staff, and local elected and state officials took part in a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the future Gateway Center.
Isett Family Donates Heritage Museum and Property to Juniata
The Isett Family has donated the Isett Heritage Museum and its surrounding property to Juniata College.
“The gift to Juniata is a new opportunity for the museum to continue the educational legacy of our parents and further our family’s long history of philanthropy.”Chet Isett, son of Isett Heritage Museum founder
Located on Stone Creek Ridge Road in Huntingdon, the museum showcases a collection of 40,000 historical artifacts connected to Huntingdon County and the local community. The late Melvin and Beulah Isett built the collection over their lifetimes. Since its founding, the museum has focused on providing families with accessible, educational, hands-on exhibits. “The gift to Juniata is a new opportunity for the museum to continue the educational legacy of our parents and further our family’s long history of philanthropy,” said the Isetts’ son, Chet Isett, who manages his family’s charitable trust with his sister, Judy Isett. “My father anticipated that the museum’s ownership would need to transition to ensure the continuation of his work. Juniata College perfectly aligns with my father's commitment to education.”
A Day Devoted to Community Service
Students, faculty, and staff volunteered at 28 local organizations across Huntingdon, Mount Union, Williamsburg, and Alexandria, as part of the College’s observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service, which is inspired by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s belief in the power of service and community engagement. Celebrated as “a day on, not a day off,” and participation doubled this year with 250 Juniatians supporting the community through painting, cleaning, organizing, baking, tree trimming, and more. Funding to support Juniata College’s Day of Service activities was provided through Partners for Campus Community Engagement (PCEE) and from AmeriCorps.
Winning Speech Calls for Action and Responsibility in Pursuit of Peace
Amya Martinez ’28 of Newark, NJ, won Juniata College’s 115th Bailey Oratorical with a powerful speech on the “bystander effect,” drawing from personal experience to emphasize moral responsibility and the call to action in Elizabeth Evans Baker’s quote, “Peace is everybody’s business.” She earned the $1,000 grand prize and the People’s Choice Award. President James A. Troha and Provost Lauren Bowen praised the event’s celebration of civil discourse and community. Finalists addressed peace through themes of compassion and justice, with Lillian Case ’25 and Molly Sheets ’25 placing second and third. Seven students competed in this storied academic tradition.
Silver Rating Awarded for Excellence in Sustainability
Juniata has earned a STARS Silver rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), recognizing the College’s significant achievements in sustainability. STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System, measures and promotes sustainability in all aspects of higher education, with more than 1,200 participants in 52 countries. Juniata’s strong performance reflects our commitment to integrating sustainability into the curriculum, fostering meaningful community engagement, and promoting collaborative, interdisciplinary research that addresses pressing global challenges.
Brenna Haggerty ’25
Boiling Springs, PA
POE: Politics
Interview by April Feagley g'23
How did your program of emphasis (POE) shape your experience?
When I was coming to college, politics felt like the only thing I could see myself doing every day for the rest of my life and feeling fulfilled and engaged.
At every step, it felt like someone here reaffirmed that I belonged in that space. Jack Barlow is my adviser, and from the beginning, he cared and engaged with me about my future and me personally. He was taking care of me and making sure I was taking care of myself. Emil Nagengast is my thesis adviser–he’s trying to help me figure out my future. Dennis Plane has helped me find internships. I think being a part of a department that is so close and cares so much is great. They are all genuinely engaged with us and what we want to do in the future.
“Juniata gave me a place to become what I think is a truer, more authentic version of myself that I am proud of. I’m more prepared to go out into the adult world and live authentically.”Brenna Haggerty ’25
What was your favorite class?
My favorite class of all time has been Introduction to International Politics with Nagengast because it showed me what I want to do in my career. The first time I went to class, I was fascinated. I woke up excited to go to every lecture and to do my reading, homework, quizzes, and tests. Now, I tutor for that class because I love the content, and the way it made me excited to work in politics.
How will your education prepare you for life after college?
I came out of high school in a rural Pennsylvania town where you know everyone, and everyone knows you. Juniata is similar in that it’s small, but different in that it challenges you, introduces you to diverse perspectives, and shows you the ways you can change and expand. Juniata gave me a place to become what I think is a truer, more authentic version of myself that I am proud of. I’m more prepared to go out into the adult world and live authentically.
What do you want alumni to know about the Juniata students of today?
The Juniata students of today aren’t that different, even if so much has changed, like media, our phones, and social currency. Today’s Juniatians are part of the Juniata community in the same way the alumni are. The Juniata values that students embrace are universal because of how strong our community is. That culture still exists, and the students of today are just as committed to keeping it alive and caring for it as the alumni who came before us have been.
Above: Carol Peters
The Big Question
With ever-advancing AI technology, some may argue that strong writing and communication skills are less important than before. We asked Carol Peters, director of the Writing Center:
How Do You Think Writing Will Adapt to Prepare Students for This Technology-Driven World?
When faced with the question “what will you do about ChatGPT,” I have always quipped “retire.” And I am about to do that very thing.
As I’ve been clearing out my office, I’ve found mimeographed handouts, budget reports from dot matrix printers, and overhead projector slides. I used to handle College Writing Seminar (CWS) drop/add of the entire first year class by using individual meetings, paper forms, handwritten lists, and white out. Turns out I really enjoy technological interventions and improvements.
The Writing Center is located on the second floor of the Statton Learning Commons and was made possible through the generosity of Bob Cunnion ’77 and his wife, Dawn.
I am not afraid of the emergence of technology in writing. At best, it is a poor substitute for the creativity and precision of the human mind. At worst, it is inaccurate and amusing.
Technological change requires flexibility and adaptability on the daily. We have truly become lifelong learners as we constantly adjust to updates and apps and new equipment. AI is just another adaptation, another tool — not a substitute for independent or creative thought.
Remember the dot command days? We use spellcheck and keyboard shortcuts with dexterity now. Yet spellcheck is often incorrect. Grammar check can’t accommodate a distinct style that breaks rules. We can use all the tools we have but we still must review, edit, and preserve our own stylistic choices to produce writing that’s remembered.
I’ve talked to our students about their use of AI. They’ve helped me to recognize the writing produced by AI with its stilted language and vague, unsupported assumptions. I’ve encouraged our Writing Center tutors and Writing Associates to become familiar with it and learn to work with it. Our strongest student writers adamantly refuse to use it.
The power in writing is word choice. And in word choice we get a glimpse into the writer’s mind. Writing with an individual style and voice stands out — and gets better results.
I’m not afraid that AI will eliminate great writing. I think AI will make life a bit easier for folks who find writing difficult. And that’s fine with me.
Will I use it? Never.
Sacred Pages
Historic Bibles Find a Home at Juniata
by April Feagley g'23When Martin Luther affixed his Ninety-Five Theses to All Saints’ Church in 1517, he ushered in the Reformation and a new era of access to Christianity’s foundational text – the Bible.
Three examples of post-Reformation Bibles, all written in German, are now part of the Juniata College Archives and Special Collections, after a generous donation by Mary Alice (Hoover) Stoops ’64.
“Juniata has always been a place where history and faith are deeply valued, and I wanted these Bibles to be a part of that legacy,” said Stoops. “My hope is that they will not only be preserved but studied and appreciated by students who seek to understand the past and its influence on the present.”
Mary Alice (Hoover) Stoops ’64
“Juniata has always been a place where history and faith are deeply valued, and I wanted these Bibles to be a part of that legacy.”Mary Alice (Hoover) Stoops ’64.
The Bibles offer experiential learning opportunities for students. The 1538 Froschauer Bible retains its original character. Similar in size to a modern book, this Bible would have originally had clasps to keep the book closed.
While ownership of any Bible would have been a luxury, the four-volume Berleburg Bible, printed in the 1720s, was unquestionably the crown jewel of the bookshelf.
The 1776 Sauer Bible was the first European-language Bible printed in North America and emphasized passages sympathetic with Anabaptist (a Christian movement originating in the Reformation) beliefs, including what would become the Church of the Brethren.
Located in Statton Learning Commons, Juniata’s Archives and Special Collections are available to alumni and the public for study and research.
“As an academic hub for both the campus and local community, the Statton Learning Commons serves as a cornerstone to student research,” said Justine (Kobeski) Black ’08, director of the Statton Learning Commons, where the archives are located.
“Through this donation, the world of centuries past comes to life for students and researchers.”
The Eagles’ historic season ended in a five-set NCAA semifinal thriller. With record wins, All-America honors, and academic excellence, Juniata Men's Volleyball soared into Division III’s elite.
Volleyball
Eagles' Historic 2025 Season Ends in Thrilling NCAA Semifinal Battle
The historic 2025 season for Juniata Men’s Volleyball came to a hard-fought end on April 25. The Eagles lost in a five-set thriller 3-2 to Southern Virginia University in the NCAA Division III National Semifinals at Roanoke College.
The Eagles showed heart in their third clash against the Knights, returning from a two-set deficit to force a decisive fifth set. The match marked the final chapter in a remarkable season for Juniata. Men’s volleyball earned its second-ever trip to the NCAA Final Four, set a program record for wins, and had a strong season all spring in the Continental Volleyball Conference (CVC).
Juan Armando ’25, Luke Hoffman ’24 g’25 and Tyler Goldsborough ’24 g’25 were all named to the AVCA All-America Team and the AVCA All-Region Team. The trio also made the CVC All-Conference All-Conference team and were joined by Will Sierer ’27.
The Eagles’ historic season and Final Four appearance solidified the team’s place among the elite in Division III men’s volleyball.
“As athletes, we are asked to embrace change, to seek it out, and to make the most of it. Change is inevitable, and it can lead to unforeseen positive consequences and opportunities.”Scott McKenzie, associate athletic director for external engagement
Left: Jeremiah Burden ’25, who holds a 4.0 grade point average, won the Elite 90 for NCAA Division III men’s volleyball. It recognizes the player with the highest academic achievement at the championship level.
Back row (L-R): Danny Young Uhrich ’00, Nate Ocasio ’07, Kenny Eiser ’04, Tim Reed ’79, Kate McDonald ’14
Front row (L-R): Dave Saintz ’06, Randy Anderson ’07, Jeremy Hays ’14
Excellence Recognized
Six Inducted into Juniata’s Sports Hall of Fame
Juniata inducted six alumni athletes into the 2025 class of the Sports Hall of Fame at an event on campus in April. Inductees are selected by a committee consisting of current coaches, campus and athletic administrators, alumni, and current Hall of Fame members.
As a new part of the celebration, inductees were invited to participate in a question-and-answer session earlier in the day. Joe Scialabba ’86 moderated the discussion, asking inductees questions about their time at Juniata, the state of modern college athletics, and their lives today.
“Hearing the stories and pride for their accomplishments–and especially the impact of coaches and teammates on their success–is always inspiring.”Joe Scialabba ’86
The 2025 Class
Tim Reed ’79 (football) Finished first in the Middle Athletic Conference (MAC) in punting three of his four years, set the single-season record for punting average. Named to the All-MAC First team in 1978 and best punter in East Division III.
Danny Young-Uhrich ’00 (field hockey/basketball) Named to the MAC all-conference team in field hockey and the MAC first team for basketball. Two-time Landmark Conference Coach of the Year and named the D3Hoops.com Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year.
Dave Saintz ’06 (baseball) MAC 2003 Rookie of the Year. MAC first teamer in 2004 and 2006. A Member of the 2004 MAC Championship squad, he holds single season records for at bats, triples, and games played.
Randy Anderson ’07 (track and field) All-American in 2007 en route to qualifying for the 55m in the NCAA indoor track and field championships. Holds the record for the 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay, indoor 60m, and indoor 200m. Anderson was a six-time MAC champion.
Jeremy Hays ’14 (basketball) Named to the Landmark All-Conference squad first team and the second team. Hays also is 12th all time in scoring. He holds the top three seasons in program history for total steals. Member of two Landmark Conference Tournament teams.
Kate McDonald ’14 (basketball) Two-time Landmark Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Landmark Rookie of the Year and a Landmark Conference champion. One of two players in program history to have over 1,000 points and rebounds.
Men's Soccer
Championship Finish to Men’s Soccer
Juniata’s Men’s Soccer closed its best season in the program’s history in November, advancing to the Landmark Conference championship before losing 2-1 to Catholic University in a tightly contested match. With their performance at Landmark, the team clinched the number one seed heading into the 2024 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Men’s Soccer Championship. Beating out McDaniel College in the semifinals, men’s soccer defeated Rutgers-Newark University 3-1 to take home the crown.
This record-setting season included a series of accolades showcasing the quality of the team, players, and coaches—the program’s best-ever showing in the Landmark Conference play with an undefeated record through nine matches, and players named to the All-Conference Team, United Soccer Coaches All-Region Team, and the United Soccer Coaches All-American Third Team. The team’s coaches won Coaching Staff of the Year from the Landmark Conference and the ECAC. The season also featured a milestone win—the first program win over Drew University—during Homecoming and Family Weekend.
Interim Athletic Leadership Announced at Juniata
Brittany (Carr) DeHaven ’09 and Jarrett Kratzer began serving as interim co-athletic directors of the Athletics Department May 1. DeHaven and Kratzer will provide leadership throughout the national search process which is anticipated during the 2025-2026 academic year.
DeHaven currently serves as assistant athletic director for enrollment, retention, and student success, and previously served as senior associate dean of admissions. Her understanding of enrollment and student-athlete recruitment have resulted in a strong increase in varsity participation—from 392 athletes in 2022 to 505 in 2024. She was recently selected for the 2024 Women Leaders in Sports Women’s Leadership Symposium and attended the national conference. DeHaven earned her bachelor of science in criminal justice in 2009 and holds a Master of Science in sport administration from Eastern Kentucky University.
Since joining Juniata in 2021, Kratzer has overseen sports performance, athletic facilities, and fitness center operations, contributing to major upgrades in services and infrastructure. He also teaches in the Exercise Science and Kinesiology program. He is a member of the 2024 NACDA Senior Mentoring Institute cohort, a national program designed to support emerging leaders in athletic administration. He holds a bachelor of science in recreation management from Lock Haven University and an MBA from the University of Hartford, along with several professional certifications in strength training and health.
Eagles fly into the post-season
Juniata Field Hockey made the Landmark Conference Tournament in November, where they lost in the first round in heartbreaking fashion to Moravian 2-1 in a double overtime shootout.
Women’s Lacrosse defeated Drew University 18-10 in the Landmark Conference first round, hosted at home in Gibbel Stadium. Advancing to the semifinals, Juniata lost to Catholic University. This is the second year in a row that the team has reached the semifinals.
Women’s Tennis reached the Landmark Conference Tournament, where they lost in the first round to the University of Scranton.
Men’s Tennis also reached the Landmark Conference Tournament, before falling to Drew University in the first round of play.
Women’s Soccer secured a spot in the ECAC Tournament, where they battled New Jersey City University before falling 2–1.