Conversations with PennWest Commencement Speakers

It’s time to meet our May 2025 Commencement Speakers. Being a leader means inspiring and guiding others towards achieving their goals, fostering a sense of unity and purpose. As commencement speakers, these individuals motivate graduates to embrace their potential, encouraging them to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world. First, we’ll chat with Cassidy McCormick, an Early Childhood Education major from our California campus. Cassidy has held multiple leadership roles at PennWest, including president of Alpha Lambda Delta. She aspires to become an elementary teacher, contributing to her community with dedication and passion. To our Clarion campus with Joe Feiser, a psychology major who excelled academically and athletically at PennWest Clarion. Joe was a dean's list recipient, scholar athlete and active in various clubs. He plans to pursue a master’s in clinical mental health counseling. Our other Golden Eagle is Gage Gray. At PennWest, Gage has been deeply engaged in campus life, serving as Student Government President. Passionate about higher education, he will pursue a master’s in counseling, aiming to contribute to student affairs. Garrett Hannah, the Student Government President at PennWest Edinboro, also joins us on the podcast. Garrett is an Economics major with minors in Political Science and General Business. He considers himself a Swiss Army Knife, holding two cabinet positions and 2 ex-officio positions in just five semesters. Also, from Edinboro, we have Sonia Yost, who’s graduating Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in English. While at PennWest, she served as Student Trustee and was active in various organizations, such as Highland Ambassadors. She will pursue a master’s in student affairs in higher education. Finally, we have Chloe McMullen, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in middle-level education. Also a member of Highland Ambassadors, Chloe served as co-president and was also a team leader for the President’s Leadership Academy. She aims to inspire future generations as an educator.