October Commencement honors the Classes of 2020, 2021

It felt more like May than October, as a sunny warm day greeted members of the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021 for their long-awaited Commencement ceremonies. With family and friends in the stands at Clipper Magazine Stadium, the event paid tribute to these two groups of new alumni who graduated in the midst of a pandemic and waited until now for a formal Commencement.

During the ceremony, PCA&D conferred honorary degrees on Hale Krasne and Robert Krasne. Hale Krasne’s family history of philanthropy has given more than $100 million to the Lancaster community through its Steinman Foundation to support education, housing, the arts, and more. Robert Krasne, Chairman and CEO of Steinman Communications, was honored for his support of a free and fair press and his founding and leadership of the Lancaster STEM Alliance.

The College’s Medal of Honor, its highest award, was presented to Robert Patierno, a founder of PCA&D and the leader of our Fine Art Department for more than two decades. A celebrated artist and printmaker in his own right, his work is collected worldwide. Patierno was also named a Professor Emeritus of PCA&D. The Commencement Address was delivered by Adam Davis, President and Chief Creative Officer of TAIT, who also was presented with the PCA&D Medal of Honor. His company innovates and designs live experience events, from Super Bowl halftime shows to NASA partnerships.

Other honors:

Class Address: Anthony Nardo (2020), Hannah Miller (2021)

Animation & Game Art Department Award: Dana Timpert (2020), Jeremy Bensing (2021)

Fine Art Department Award: Corinne Carmiche (2020), Meranda Hall (2021)

Graphic Design Department Award: Anthony Nardo (2020), Zorina Eckman (2021)

Illustration Department Award: Rachel Wolfe (2020), Kaitlyn McCulley (2021)

Photography & Video Department Award: Kyra Shackelford (2020), William Metzinger IV (2021)

Award for Academic Excellence: Rachel Wolfe (2020), Rachel Boldt Stork (2021)

Mary Colleen Heil Vanguard Award: Dyneisha Gross (2020), Meranda Hall (2021)

Founders’ Award for Excellence in Leadership: Tyler Le (2020), Zorina Eckman (2021)

Trustees’ Award for Faculty Excellence: Pam Barby (2020), Michelle Fogel (2021)

Trustees’ Award for Staff Excellence: Alexandra Leonhart (2020), Mariah Postlewait (2021)