Penn State World Campus students received military honor cords at a ceremony held Thursday, May 8, to recognize learners who are serving or have served in the armed forces.
Penn State Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Tracy Langkilde presented the red, white, and blue honor cords to graduates, who wore the cords during the spring 2025 commencement ceremonies held May 9–11.
The honor cords were first established in 2016 to recognize students who have served, are actively serving, or are commissioned to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Penn State Senior Director of Veterans Affairs and Services Eugene McFeely congratulated the soon-to-be graduates on accomplishing their mission.
"For those of us who have served, we understand that the mission is everything — the focal point and purpose for all our effort," McFeely said. "You should move forward to your next mission with the same confidence as a well-prepared service member to battle as you are backed by the strength of your Penn State education and skills you learned in service of our nation."
The students in attendance were:
- Shanice Bermudez, Air Force, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration
- Ashley Cole, Air Force, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership
- Casey Dunigan, Navy, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
- Eddie Galarza, Army, who is graduating with a Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security
- Victor Melendez, Navy, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Security and Risk Analysis
- Amber Misner, Army, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Design in Digital Multimedia Design
- Joseph Parise, Air Force, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences and Technology
- Herbert Rash, Army, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership
- Joel Rodriguez, Army, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies
- Vanezza Rodriguez, Army, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies
- Haley Schwenzer, Navy, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Labor and Human Resources
- Michael Shires, Navy, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
- Dane Sorensen, Army, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Labor and Human Resources
- Brian Spencer, Army, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership
University and community leaders, as well as loved ones, attended the ceremony, which was followed by a social hour.
About Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus has been offering a Penn State education online for more than 25 years, with a comprehensive portfolio of more than 200 degrees and certificates now available.
For military learners, Penn State offers a variety of tailored support services, including financial aid and advising.
Learn more about the opportunities for military-affiliated students offered through Penn State World Campus.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
