Sneha Angie Patel of Wharton Earns Post-baccalaureate Degree from The University of Scranton

2013 May 28

Sneha Angie D. Patel of Wharton was among the record number of graduate degree recipients who earned degrees from The University of Scranton at its post-baccalaureate commencement on May 25. The Jesuit university conferred 65 doctoral degrees in physical therapy and 748 master's degrees at the ceremony held on campus.

Patel earned a Master of Business Administration degree with a major in operations management from The University of Scranton.

Graduates represented 38 states, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas and Virginia. Programs with the most graduates at Scranton were educational administration, curriculum and instruction, MBA, occupational therapy and physical therapy.

Austin Burke, president of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, served as the principal speaker. A leader in community development for four decades, Burke has served as the chamber's president since 1981. He served in Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell's cabinet as secretary for community and economic development.

"Graduates, the master's degree you earned today will help you to prepare for a lifetime of surprises," said Burke. "You will encounter challenges and frustrations, as well as moments of pure euphoria. My hope is that your euphoria will be intense and richly satisfying; that your euphoria will be the result of endeavors which benefit our children and grandchildren."

University of Scranton President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., also addressed the graduates and their guests.

Degrees were conferred by Father Quinn to candidates presented by W. Jeffrey Welsh, Ph.D., dean of the College of Graduate and Continuing Education.