FROSTBURG — Frostburg State University will celebrate the student achievements of its fall 2024 graduating class at the 165th commencement ceremony on Dec. 18 in the Cordts Physical Education Center Main Arena at 2 p.m.
This year’s commencement speakers will be Hana Nazelrod from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences; Courage Tikum from the College of Business, Engineering and Computational and Mathematical Sciences; and Carolyn DeSena from the College of Education and Health and Natural Sciences.
Nazelrod, of Oakland, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in illustration and ceramics with a minor in art history. She has been on the dean’s list every semester. She was also a founding member of the Muslim Student Association, currently serving as the association’s president. Nazelrod placed second in the Open University Art Show for three consecutive years for her ceramic sculptural pieces.
As part of her senior exhibition installation, Nazelrod authored and illustrated a graphic novel titled “My Roommate Yoshiko,” using two- and three-dimensional skills to enhance her work. “The development and execution of such a monumental project is something that many professionals never successfully undertake, but Hana, as an undergrad, is seeing this project through to completion,” said Jamison Odone, an associate professor in the Department of Visual Arts. “She will graduate with her first major work of literature and illustration ready for publication, and this makes me proud to be her professor.”
Tikum, of Berwyn Heights, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in computer science with a minor in mathematics. While at FSU, he has been an active member of the Computer Science Club, served as a software development intern, is a leader in the Spark Innovation Lab and was the founder of Iron Sharpens Iron — an organization created to help students reach their full potential.
Tikum was the first-place winner of the Capital One Budget Competition and a member of the winning team at the first Annual Bobcat Innovation Launch Pad. Tikum is also the career and professional development student engagement liaison, an Engage FSU student mentor, a member of the African Student Association and Creative Minds, a peer mentor and orientation teacher’s assistant and a resident assistant.
“Having known Courage for four years as his instructor, adviser and mentor, I have witnessed his remarkable journey through college,” said Michael Flinn, professor, chair and graduate coordinator in the Department of Computer Science and Information Technologies. “Courage’s ability to connect with his peers is one of his most compelling qualities. Students often seek his advice on navigating college life, and he has helped many find their footing, grow in confidence and reach their potential.”
DeSena, of Ellicott City, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in health science with a focus in pre-med and minors in biology, chemistry and music. She is currently the president of the Pre-Professional Medical Society and Gamma Sigma Epsilon and is treasurer of the Student Members of the American Chemical Society. In addition, DeSena participates in TriBeta, the national honor society for students of the biological sciences, the National Society of Leadership and Success and the Student Athletic Advisory Committee. DeSena is also a starter on the women’s varsity soccer team. In addition, she has accumulated numerous research and job shadowing experiences necessary for acceptance into medical school.
“Carolyn’s goal is to become a physician, and she has already been accepted to begin next August at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, W.Va.,” said Karen Keller, professor of biology, coordinator of the Health Sciences Program and chair of the Health Professions Advisory Committee. “I am confident that she will be successful in medical school and become an outstanding physician, because when Carolyn sets a goal for herself, she does everything in her power to meet that goal with integrity and an amazing work ethic.”
Tickets are required to attend commencement. For more information, visit the FSU Commencement webpage at www.frostburg.edu/annual-events/commencement. The ceremony will also be streamed live online. For the livestream, visit FSU’s website at www.frostburg.edu on the day of the ceremony.