The end of another school year means something to everyone whether it is happiness or sadness. For the seniors at Waynesburg University it means graduation has come and it is their time to turn the page over to their next endeavours.

“It is absolutely a bitter-sweet feeling,” senior electronic media major Lindsey Stenger said about her upcoming graduation. “I’m sad to see it go but I’m ready to let myself close this chapter and turn to the new one.”

Stenger looks back through her growth not only at Waynesburg, but her entire education experience as a whole.

“High school is kind of where you find out who you are, and college is where you really work on who you want to be,” Stenger said. “I really think Waynesburg has molded me into someone that I can be proud of.”

Stenger recently accepted a job in television news at KTGF and will start working there this June in Great Falls, Montana.

Senior sports broadcasting major Jack Hillgrove speaks very highly of his time at Waynesburg University.

 “[Going to Waynesburg] was the best four years of my life.” 

Waynesburg was the college destination that he was set on since his junior year of high school as he “only applied to one school.”

“Grow” is Waynesburg University’s motto, something that rings true for Hillgrove’s tenure here.

“I’ve grown tremendously,” Hillgrove said, “I couldn’t pick a better place to do it either.”

Hillgrove attributes much of his development to communication professor, advisor and mentor Lanny Frattare.

“Lanny was in my corner from day one,” Hillgrove said. “He believed in me. He got a hold of me and let me know my true potential.”

Hillgrove announces high school sports for the TribLive High School Sports Network and a producer at 93.7 The Fan. Hillgrove has strong confidence in his fellow classmates walking across the stage with him.

“There isn’t a doubt in my mind that each one of us can be very successful in this business,” Hillgrove said.

Stenger, Hillgrove and the rest of the senior class in the department of communication had high expectations set on them. Despite the lofty expectations, the group aimed high and thrived during their time on the fourth floor of Buhl Hall.

“A talented group of students will be leaving Waynesburg,” Chairperson of the Department of Communication Richard Krause said. “You build a relationship with these students, you get to know them really well, and enjoy their company, and enjoy working with them.”

Krause appreciates the group for navigating many changes and adversities in its time here.

“Not only did we have to contend with the pandemic, but this particular group saw a major equipment change in the middle of their experience,” Krause said. “They’ve been instrumental in making that transition from the SD environment that we had before to the HD environment that we have now.”

Krause tabbed this class as a “worker group” and is very fond of his time with this senior class.

“We’re very proud of what they have accomplished and we’re very happy for them that they reached the culmination of their journey,” Krause said.

This article along with many others are included in the 2021 Commencement Issue of The Yellow Jacket. The full print layout version can be viewed here.