CJA Students Recognized for Academic Achievements

A total of 28 CJA students were recently recognized for their outstanding academic achievements earned during the Spring 2016 semester.

Twenty-seven students were bestowed with Dean's List honors, including: Emily Galligan, Maurin MacNamara, Michelle Sadowski, Breyann Campbell, Patricia Gentzyel, Matthew Tamanosky, Nicholas Vaccaro, Peter Wright, Dylan Chapman, Dana Mahini, Michael Losecco, Cameron Lewis, Nicholas Mahonski, Gina Larose, Aleah Briggs, Skyler Hoover, Chelsea Davidson, Sierra Lancaster, Tanner Swan, Antonio Ruta, Curtis Weston, Brian Reich, Kathleen Christman, Melissa Cooper, Joshua Hewlett, Benjamin Danner, and Sean Allen.

Ralph Briggs was named to the President's List.

The CJA Department congratulates each of these students on their academic accomplishments. Keep up the excellent work; we are proud of you all!

LAE Awards Banquet

Lambda Alpha Epsilon (LAE), the professional coed criminal justice fraternity, held their annual awards banquet on Sat April 23rd. Over 70 people, including students, faculty, parents and other distinguished guests, attended the event.

Numerous LAE members were presented awards, including:

* Patricia Gentzyel, Brother of the Year and Brother Most Likely to get Involved with Everything Awards
* Marissa Stage, Most Creative Award
* Martina Padilla, Most Improved Brother Award
* Ana Joswick, Most LAE Spirit Award
* Shyanne McKivison, Best New Brother from the Spring Class
* Aleaya Phillips, Most Likely to be a Lawyer
* Scott Syryla, Most Likely to be a Politician & Class Clown Award
* Dana Mahini, Brother who would try to take over the World Award
* Michael Jankowski, Most Athletic Award
* Andre Morton, Grandpa of LAE Award
* Megan McSwain, Grandma of LAE Award
* Colin Ohnmeiss and Scott Syryla, Best ‘Bromance’ Award
* Amara McKinney and Aleah Phillips, Best ‘Bramance’ Award
* Princella McCullough, Worst Driver of LAE Award

CJA faculty and staff were also bestowed awards by the LAE membership. Notably, Dr. Olson was presented with the best new professor award and Dr. Johnson was presented with the best professor to receive legal advice from award, while Gayle Thompson was recognized for her many years of service. In addition, Drs. Crowl and Battin were presented with ‘funny’ awards. Specifically, Dr. Crowl was presented with the excessive use of the hashtag award (‪#‎fitting‬, eh?), while Dr. Battin was given the most sarcastic professor award.

Graduating LAE members, namely Patricia Gentzyel, Nicholas Mahonski, Maryann Personius, Ana Joswick, and Megan McSwain,were recognized for their service and commitment to the organization.

President Fran Hendricks, who attended the event with his wife Connie, was made an honorary LAE member and presented a plaque in commemoration.

“LAE members are part of a very unique group. They represent a well-distinguished organization, one whose students are dedicated and truly committed to giving back, to helping others,” said Dr. Justin Crowl, LAE advisor and assistant professor, Criminal Justice Administration Department. “They lead by example… to them, LAE is more than just another group; instead, it’s a lifestyle, a way to give back.”

 

Student Scholarship Showcase 

Four CJA students, namely Emily Galligan, Dana Mahini, Sommer Gaydos and Carrie McSurdy, presented research on Wed April 20 in 307 Alumni at the Student Scholarship Showcase.

The students, who are all current members of Lambda Alpha Epsilon, the professional coed criminal justice fraternity, presented a research proposal on juvenile delinquency that their group put together last semester for the Research Methods and Stats course taught by Dr. Crowl.

A job well done ladies; keep making everyone proud!

CJA Students Recognized for Outstanding Achievements

Dylan Chapman was bestowed the Outstanding Senior in CJA Award. Dylan has maintained one of the highest GPA's among CJA majors and has earned Dean's List honors on several occasions. In addition, he has been the CJA Department student worker for a little over one year where he has contributed to various projects and assisted with bringing to campus Martin Pane, US Marshall, for a presentation to students. Dylan has presented research on urban sprawl and migration trends at the Student Scholarship Showcase and has been employed as a correctional officer at the Bradford County Jail.

Breyann Campbell was honored with the Outstanding Junior in CJA Award. In bestowing the award, Dr. Crowl asserted, “Breyann is avery special person. She is an excellent student, one who consistently strives for success, both in and out of the classroom.” She is a member of Alpha Phi Sigma, which is the nationally recognized criminal justice honor society, and will be doing an internship this summer with the Ocean City Police Department. Breyann is also in the military, serving in the Air Force Reserve since she was 17 years old.

Dana Mahini was presented the Outstanding Sophomore in CJA Award. Dana has excelled academically and is also is a member of Lambda Alpha Epsilon, where she’s been actively involved on the executive board and with other professional development activities. In addition, she serves the community as a firefighter for Mansfield Hose Co 2 and an attendant for the Mansfield Firemen’s Ambulance Association. In presenting this award, Dr. Crowl added, “Dana’s academic curiosity is infectious and often accompanied by her dedication and willingness to serve.”

Ralph Briggs was recognized with the Outstanding Freshman in CJA Award. Ralph is committed to academic excellence and takes pride in everything he does. “Although he’s been at MU for less than a year, this honoree has already left an indelible mark. He is an ideal student, one who embraces challenges and strives for success. He maintains an enthusiastic personality and is quick to help others in need”, added Crowl.

These four individuals have become well-distinguished students of our department and university. It is truly an honor to teach and mentor these bright minds! Please join me in congratulating each student on their fine accomplishments. A job well done! 

Outstanding CJA Senior Recognized

CJA Students Recognized for Outstanding Academic Achievements

Criminal Justice Students Receive Degrees

A total of 35 CJ students received their degrees at Mansfield University's 150th Commencement held on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Karl Van Norman Field. 

Five students completed the requirements for the two-year, Associate of Science degree and thirty students completed the requirements for the four-year, Bachelor of Science degree.

Graduating Magna Cum Laude were Amber Houser and Tiffany Nobles

Those graduating Cum Laude included Timothy Jensen, Robert Mausteller, Ryan Michelitsch, Angella Miller, and Brittney Mink

Other B.S. graduates included Matthew Batzel, Alexander Bowes, Lacey Croasdale, Tyler Cunningham, Daniel Cwieka, Kimberly Floyd, Jenna Hoefer, Kyle Kendrick, Cody Mackey, Michael Miller, Aaron Payne, Pablo Perez, Alivia Randall, Michael Reamsnyder, Cody Reed, Nathaniel Smyrl, HeidiJo Sponhouse, Bryan Starmer, Troy Taylor, Crystal Treacy, Shawn Ulmer, Whitney White and Wyatt Yorlets.

Those receiving their A.S. degrees were Carly Herman, Sarah Kreitzer, Alyssa Mackie, Matthew Piecuch, and Gavin Rupp.

Here's to wishing these students nothing but success in all of their future endeavors. Go make us proud!

Outstanding Senior in CJA Recognized

Amber Houser was recognized by Dr. Justin Crowl, on behalf of the CJA Department, as the Outstanding Senior in Criminal Justice at the Academic Honors Reception on Monday, April 13, 2015.

Amber has excelled academically, as evidenced by her cumulative 3.6 GPA and being awarded the Dean's List on multiple occasions. She has served as the President of Alpha Phi Sigma, which is a national Criminal Justice honor society that is recognized by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences and accredited by the Association of College Honor Societies. She has also served as the department's student tutor since 2011, tutoring students not only in Criminal Justice classes but also classes within the disciplines of Psychology, Sociology, and Political Science. In addition, she has routinely volunteered her time to assist with various community service activities, ranging from assisting the American Red Cross to helping the Salvation Army to raise over 40,000 cans of food for the homeless.

In bestowing this award, Dr. Crowl stated that "Amber maintains a passionate commitment to academic excellence and takes pride in everything that she does. She is a very resourceful individual who actively embraces challenges and strives for success, both in and out of the classroom. Amber has also demonstrated a commitment to leadership and service to the department and beyond." 

CJA Student-athletes Honored at the Spring Sports Luncheon

Softball's Most Improved Player award went to Laura Knight (Conklin, NY/Susquehanna Valley).  The sophomore became a key part of the Mountaineers team making 15 appearances including six starts.  Knight, who posted a 2-5 overall record, threw 43.0 innings this season compared to just two innings as a freshman.

Co-MVP award went to Courtney Bauder (Jersey Shore, PA/Jersey Shore).  Bauder was recently named to 1st Team All-PSAC East honors after topping the team in nearly every statistical category in 2015.  The senior batted a team-best .350 at the plate with 43 hits in 123 at bats.  Starting all 37 games at either second base or outfield, Bauder drove in 26 runs while scoring 21 herself.  She recorded 73 total bases while hitting 12 doubles, three triples and four home runs.

Scott Rockwell (Canton, PA/Canton) was named the Most Improved Player of the baseball program.  The sophomore outfielder finished second on the team in batting with a .386 average.

Student Scholarship Showcase

On April 22, 2015, Criminal Justice Administration senior Angella Miller and sophomore Dylan Chapman presented research at Mansfield University's Student Scholarship Showcase.  They presented original research and data collection exploring current migration trends due to urban sprawl and its impact on crime in rural Pennsylvania.  Their work is part of a larger research project supervised by Drs. Josh Battin and Justin Crowl. 

Outstanding Students Recognized for 2013-2014 Academic Year

Alexander Farley (pictured C), a senior with a cumulative 3.850 GPA, was selected as the Department of Criminal Justice Administration's nominee for the Outstanding Senior Award. Alexander has maintained commitment to and involvement in numerous leadership and service activities. For example, he serves on the Beautification Committee of the Student Government Association (SGA). He has also participated in several mission trips, both nationally and abroad. While on a mission trip with Hearts in Motion to Guatemala, Alexander worked construction at an orphanage, cared for infants at a nutrition center, and constructed a house for a family of seven. Alexander has also found time to sustain active membership in various clubs and professional organizations. For instance, he is currently a member of the Honor's Association as well as a Senate member of the SGA. He also currently serves as assistant to the treasurer for the Committee on Finance.