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To celebrate the accomplishments of our fall graduates, the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education hosted its yearly dinner at Seegers Union on Thursday, October 12, 2023. Featured speakers included:

• President Kathy Harring
• Dr. AJ Lemheney, vice president and executive director for the division of Muhlenberg College Division of Graduate and Continuing Education
• Jennifer Sarnitsky, director of employer and alumni engagement
• Christie Milan, undergraduate speaker from the class of 2023
• Alexandra Carporusso, graduate speaker from the class of 2023
• Dr. Michael Miller, dean of Continuing Studies

With heartfelt speeches from esteemed speakers and a gathering of supportive faculty and guests, it was a fitting tribute to the dedication and hard work of the graduates. As they embark on new journeys, we extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes for their future endeavors.

Lauryn Graves '23, a graduate of the Bachelor's of Business Administration program, has dedicated over 26 years to Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. Her commitment has seen her rise through the ranks to her current role as the operations manager of U.S. and international government relations. As an advocate of lifelong learning and commitment to the community, she has partnered with numerous nonprofit organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley. 

 *Dr. Hasshan Batts pictured left, Lauryn Graves top, Tracey Mathews bottom.

Tracey Mathews '23, a graduate of the Master's in Organizational Leadership program and the founder of Trixie's Treats, started her own business as the first mobile bakery in the Lehigh Valley. She became the co-founder and president of the nonprofit organization Lehigh Valley Mobile Food Alliance from 2014-2022. For the last 17 years, she has worked for Lehigh Valley Health Network as an office coordinator, project coordinator and now as an electronic medical records education liaison.

Dr. Hasshan Batts serves Allentown and the surrounding areas as executive director at Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley (PNLV). As a healthcare and community development consultant, he has invested over 20 years in becoming a leading expert in trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and reentry. As a practitioner, Batts has helped countless individuals, families, and organizations address issues, including equity, program development, and strategic planning. Batts is also a sought-after subject matter expert, sharing his methodologies on trauma-informed care and community engagement with hundreds of healthcare professionals and administrators.

In addition to being a faculty member in Muhlenberg's Graduate Certificate of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Program, Batts is a Fulbright Specialist (2022-2025), a Rider-Pool Collective Impact Fellow alum and a distinguished Robert Wood Johnson Culture of Health Leader alum. Two governors have appointed Batts as a Pennsylvania commissioner on African-American affairs and co-chair of the governor's Public Safety and Gun Violence Commission. Previous Governor Tom Wolf appointed him as a thought leader and trauma-informed care expert to the Adult Behavioral Health Commission.