College news
Rachel Betzner graduated summa cum laude from Mercyhurst University in Erie with bachelor’s degrees in intelligence and business marketing. Betzner was an active member in the Competitive Intelligence Club, serving as club president for two years, and the university’s equestrian team, serving as co-captain for three years. She also interned with FirstLink Research and Analytics in Erie in the spring of 2016. Following that internship, she accepted a part-time position with FirstLink in June 2016 and a full-time position in June 2017. Betzner is a 2013 graduate of Bishop Canevin High School, and her parents are Eric and April Betzner of Washington.
Cullen John Chatman, son of John and Toni Chatman of Washington, has graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in communications. He also was named to the dean’s list with a 4.0 grade-point average. Chatman was involved in intramural sports and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. A graduate of Trinity High School, Chatman is a financial adviser with Northwestern Mutual in Dayton, Ohio.
Jessica Rose Cocciolone was named to the dean’s list at Robert Morris University, where she is majoring in cyber security. Cocciolone is a member of the Top Secret Colonials Computer Club. In the fall, she will be working in Washington, D.C., through the University Center as she pursues a certificate in mobile security and a master’s degree in data analytics. Cocciolone is a 2015 graduate of Geibel Catholic High School, and her parents are Carl and Sharon Cocciolone of Monessen.
Tyler Esno, son of Barbara and Paul Esno of Slovan, graduated from Ohio University with a doctorate in history. Esno received the 2015 Baker Peace Fellowship at Ohio University and wrote his dissertation on “U.S. Economic Policies and the End of the Cold War.” He also earned a Master of Arts in history in 2012 from Ohio University and a bachelor’s degree in history in 2010 from Duquesne University. Esno is a 2006 graduate of Burgettstown High School.
Taylor Gray Elyea was named to the dean’s list at Temple University, where she is majoring in art history. Elyea is a 2016 graduate of Beth-Center High School, and her parents are Tamara Elyea of Fredericktown and Timothy Elyea of Soldotna, Alaska.
Kyle Hartzell graduated from West Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in social work. He was an officer in the West Liberty Social Work Club and a volunteer at the Miracle League Field in Wheeling, W.Va. Hartzell is a 2011 graduate of McGuffey High School, and his parents are Tracey Hartzell of Tridelphia, W.Va., and the late Dennis Hartzell.
Lindsay Knowlson graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she majored in nursing. Knowlson was on the dean’s list all eight semesters. She is a 2013 graduate of Trinity High School, and her parents are Keith and Grace Knowlson of Washington. She is employed at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, W.Va.
J. Patrick McGill of East Washington has earned a Master of Voice Performance from Duquesne University. McGill is a graduate of Slippery Rock University and Washington High School, and is a professional chorister for the Pittsburgh Opera and soloist for First Presbyterian Church 1793. His parents are James S. and Nancy McGill.
Sarah Siedlak has graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Law with a Juris Doctor. She was ranked in the Top 14 of her class. Her parents are Dennis J. and Sandra Siedlak of Ohio, and her grandparents are Edward J. and Helen Siedlak of North Franklin Township. Siedlak has accepted a job with a law firm in California.
Jillian Wright of Houston was inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, National College Athlete Honor Society, during Honors Convocation at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, where she is majoring in exercise science and biology.