FROSTBURG — Frostburg State University will honor the achievements of its spring 2026 graduating class during its 168th Commencement ceremonies on May 21 in the Cordts Physical Education Center Main Area.
Two ceremonies will be held to recognize graduates across the university’s colleges. The College of Education, Behavioral and Health Professions ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. An afternoon ceremony at 2 p.m. will celebrate graduates from the College of Business, Engineering, Computing and Analytics and the College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences.
This year’s commencement speakers, selected for their academic excellence, leadership and service, are Kris Modeski, Saylor Miller and Mariah Tewell.
Modeski of Sparrows Point will represent the College of Education, Behavioral and Health Professions. She will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in social work as one of the program’s top performing students. A leader in the program’s honor society, Alpha Phi, Modeski has also served as a teaching assistant for the social work research course, demonstrating strong communication skills and deep compassion for vulnerable populations.
Her commitment to service extends beyond the classroom. She has mentored youth through Girls on the Run and is currently interning with the Center for Urban Violence and Crime Reduction, where she conducts research on restorative interventions in public schools. Modeski has already earned acceptance into graduate programs in both social work and education.
“Kris is incredibly hardworking, organized, self-directed and can juggle multiple projects simultaneously,” said Nancy Giunta, associate professor and department chair. “She exemplifies resilience and serves as a role model through her academic excellence, curiosity, emotional maturity and positive attitude. We are excited to see her accomplishments and anticipate her future successes.”
Miller of Frostburg will speak on behalf of the College of Business, Engineering, Computing and Analytics. She will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering through the collaborative program with the University of Maryland, College Park, and has earned Dean’s List honors every semester.
Miller serves as the president of Frostburg State’s chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, is a member of the President’s Leadership Circle and captained the university’s cheerleading team. She was also selected to compete in the 2026 Lockheed Martin Ethics in Engineering Case Competition as part of a two-person team.
In addition to her academic and leadership roles, Miller tutors fellow students through weekly group sessions and mentors incoming engineering students during orientation.
“Saylor has demonstrated a deep commitment to learning and to helping other succeed academically,” said Jamil Abdo, professor and department chair. “She also brings a creative dimension to her character through her passion for writing and poetry, reflecting a thoughtful perspective. Her journey as a dedicated engineering student, student-athlete, mentor and campus leader represents the determination, resilience and community spirit that define many of our graduates.”
Tewell of Arteman, Pennsylvania, will represent the College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences. She will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in health science and a minor in biology. An Army veteran, Tewell served from 2018-2022 as an all-source intelligence analyst, earning multiple medals and achievement awards.
At Frostburg, she has been actively involved as a VA work study student in the Capt. James A. Graham Veterans Center and as a member of Student Veterans of America. She also belongs to the Salute Veterans National Honor Society, the Pre-Professional Medical Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Tewell continues her service to others as an EMT with Raystown Ambulance, while also working as a document processor and volunteering with several community organizations, including the Orleans Volunteer Fire Department, the American Legion and at Bennett Cemetery. She is currently applying to medical school, with a focus on osteopathic medicine and a commitment to preventative, holistic care.
“Mariah’s work ethic and genuine desire to serve others set her apart,” said Karen Keller, professor of biology and coordinator of the Health Science Program. “I am confident that she will excel in medical school and become an outstanding physician.”
Tickets are required to attend commencement. For more information, visit the FSU Commencement webpage at www.frostburg.edu/annual-events/commencement. The ceremonies will also be streamed live online. For the livestream, visit FSU’s website at www.frostburg.edu on the day of the ceremony.