LYCOMING COLLEGE 2024 FALL MAGAZINE

the CLASS OF By Chase Bower ’26

2024

ycoming College held its 176th Commencement Ceremony on May 11, 2024. The Class of 2024 started and proceeded through their college experience

during a global pandemic, narrowly avoiding scattered showers for a celebration on the Fultz Quadrangle. “You are tenacious, resilient, and capable of overcoming adversity. Your contributions, leadership and successes during the last four years are noteworthy,” championed President Kent Trachte, Ph.D. D. Mark Fultz ’80, chairman of the board of trustees, added, “I, like my fellow trustee alumni, look back on my Lycoming years as being truly transformative…. As

time moves on from this day forward, you all will gain a growing realization of how impactful your Lycoming experience was. And I guarantee you’ve all gained something special here at Lycoming.” Slaughter delivers keynote address, receives honorary degree Derek Slaughter ’24H, Williamsport’s mayor and stalwart supporter and friend of the Williamsport community and Lycoming College, delivered the commencement keynote address. During the ceremony, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws. “Many of you in this graduating class are already doing great work,” said Slaughter to the Class of 2024. “Tap into the experiences of Lycoming alumni and join them as you continue this proud tradition of engagement and leadership… Find that which enriches your own life and the lives of others. Be a force for positive change.” Slaughter is a native of Williamsport, having graduated from Williamsport Area High School before moving on to earn a bachelor’s degree in information sciences and technology from Penn State and a Master of Education degree from the University of Maryland. In 2007, Slaughter returned to his hometown to teach and coach

at the Williamsport Area School District. For 10 years, Slaughter taught mathematics and coached the girls’ varsity basketball team. His connection to the sport brought to his attention the removal of basketball hoops around the city, which, in turn, led to his running for City Council to effect positive change for the city. After two years on the Williamsport City Council, Slaughter made history when he was elected as the first black mayor of the City of Williamsport in 2019, a position to which he was

People will try to set limits on what they think you can

accomplish, try to sway you from taking chances, exploring a new opportunity, or moving to an unfamiliar place. Let. Them. Try. – Mayor Derek Slaughter ’24H

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