Millersville University

Today’s is Rayn Champion!

Rayn is a recent graduate from Allen, Texas, majoring in Cultural Anthropology with a minor in Film Studies. Rayn chose to attend Millersville to fulfill her wish to explore beyond Texas. A friend of hers recommended MU, and Rayn fell in love with both the anthropology department and the campus.

In addition to her studies, Rayn serves as the president of Expressions Dance, Millersville’s student-run, non-competitive dance organization. “Expressions has brought me so many friendships at Millersville and within the area. This club has given me another family and a home away from home,” she says.

So far, Rayn’s favorite course has been Culture through Film with Dr. Arnold, particularly due to Arnold’s film choices. “This was the one class that was the best of both of my academic interests,” Rayn shares.

Rayn’s favorite spot on campus is the commuter lounge for its cozy environment. Rayn sees it as an escape to relax on campus.

In her free time, Rayn enjoys watching television and movies, spending time with her friends, or painting.

After graduation, Rayn plans to further her education and pursue a law degree or get her doctorate in anthropology.

Rayn’s favorite quote comes from the film “All the Bright Places”: “We do not remember days, we remember moments.”

From MU to the Mountains: Kaden Hunter’s Summer in Solar Physics Research

Millersville University mathematics and physics student Kaden Hunter is spending his summer in Boulder, Colorado, participating in the Boulder Solar Alliance Research Experience for Undergraduates. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the program provides students with hands-on research experience in solar and space physics while collaborating with professional mentors.

Hunter applied for the REU through the National Science Foundation and attributes encouragement to Millersville’s physics and math faculty, including Dr. Baoling Ma, Dr. Zenaida Uy, Dr. Natalia Dushkina and Dr. Xin Li.

His research at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics will be conducted with mentor and research associate Dr. Justin Deighan. Their goal is to use data provided by the Emirates Mars Ultraviolet Spectrometer to predict space weather events on Mars when other instruments are unavailable. The EMUS, according to LASP, is “…designed to detect ultraviolet wavelength and determine the abundance and variability of carbon monoxide and oxygen in the Martian thermosphere.”

Described as an avid hiker, Hunter is excited to be spending his summer in Boulder. So far, he feels that the experience is “going very well,” describing the first week spent listening to lectures, building cohorts and working on coding assignments/labs. Throughout the REU, he is learning more about solar and planetary physics, a focus that is new to his studies.

“I am very excited and honored to be working at LASP this summer,” says Hunter. “I am exploring a research area not available to me at Millersville, which has been incredibly rewarding so far.”

Today’s is Sarah Casler!

Sarah is a recent graduate from Jonestown, PA, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus on Social Studies Secondary Education and a minor in Government, Policy, and Law. She chose to attend Millersville University because of its affordable tuition. Additionally, Millersville reminded Sarah of her small hometown, making her feel at home on campus.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Sarah is the President of Phi Alpha Theta at Millersville (National History Honor Society). “This club has helped me gain valuable leadership experience,” she said. “I have research/conference opportunities that will prove useful for graduate school and peer review.” In addition to her club involvement, Sarah is also a peer mentor. As a first-gen student herself, Sarah enjoys being a support for other students when they need guidance.

​So far, Sarah’s favorite class has been International Law, taught by Dr. Kirsten Bookmiller. “This class opened new insights for me within the international community and helped me to solidify the area of law I would like to focus on when I go to law school,” Sarah explains.

Sarah’s favorite spot on campus is the History Study Lounge. There, she gets to enjoy time with her friends or peacefully complete coursework in the comfort of a dedicated study space.

In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading, writing, and visiting historic locations. Her favorite area is accredited as the Historic Triangle (comprising Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg) in Virginia. Sarah also volunteers at local historical societies and foundations to further connect with her passion for history.

After graduation, Sarah will further her education by pursuing her Master’s degree in History. Following that, she will attend law school with a focus on International Law.

Sarah's favorite quote comes from Dolly Parton: "The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain."

When it comes time in a young person’s life to choose a college, any number of deciding factors might influence their decision. For 2005 graduate Lindsay Kelleher, there were two: first, the college needed to have her intended program of study, which was business. Second, it needed to be far enough away from her hometown in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, that her parents were close by but not too close by. Millersville University ticked off both of those boxes nicely for Kelleher, so in 2001, she headed to Millersville to start her college journey.

Those next four years turned out to be what Kelleher would describe as “some of the best times of my life.” She lived in the former Lenhardt Hall, high up on the sixth floor with some of her soon-to-be closest friends, playing intramural soccer, studying for classes and letting loose on the weekends.

“I met my best friend, Thera (Paetzold) DeSantis, on the very first day that we moved into the dorms. We were both in the bathroom at the same time; she was brushing her teeth. I said, ‘You must be doing something fun tonight if you’re brushing your teeth at 4 p.m.’ She laughed and invited me to attend the Millersville men’s soccer game with her and her friends.” The two became fast friends and remain so to this day. “I had the best time at Millersville,” she shares. “I graduated on time, in four years, without changing my major – but the best part is that I always have my best friends from MU.”

The daughter of two IT project managers, Kelleher wonders if going into the field of project management was inevitable in some ways. Fresh out of college, she accepted a job as a business analyst for a commercial real estate and mortgage banking company and worked her way into project management.

Today, she has her Project Management Professional® certification, the gold-star standard in the field, and an impressive résumé with a career that features several moves to major cities like Boston and Chicago, and a switch to becoming a consultant. She moved back to Philadelphia in 2025 and this June, she began work as the new program director for the fast-food company Wendy’s, where she’s leading the initiative to install a new point of sale system across their franchises.

In layman’s terms, Kelleher describes project management as, “Leading an effort from start to finish. My job is to connect the dots, keep teams aligned, and help everyone work toward a common goal. The skills are more transferable than people realize. If you’re planning an event, running a household, or even coordinating a party, you’re already using many of the same skills a project manager uses every day.”

Outside of her professional work, Kelleher is also a content creator. On Instagram and TikTok, her accounts focus on her love of all things Philadelphia – including recently becoming an Eagles season ticket holder. She also gives advice about the corporate world for young professionals. This was how she unintentionally launched her social media side gig.

“I’m active on LinkedIn and I kept seeing project management advice online that simply wasn’t accurate. What surprised me was how many students and early-career professionals were taking it at face value. So, I recorded a TikTok video offering a different perspective based on my own experience.” That video took off and led to many opportunities for her in the industry, like speaking at conferences, doing brand deals and becoming a leader in the project management online community.

The role of project manager can be a challenging one, according to Kelleher. “In roles like mine, you’re often balancing competing priorities, tight deadlines and executive visibility. Sometimes project managers get a reputation for asking tough questions or scheduling too many meetings, but the goal is always to help teams succeed. A big part of the job is building trust, solving problems and helping people work through challenges together.”

Kelleher was scouted for her new role at Wendy’s via LinkedIn. “It was one of those opportunities that felt like a perfect fit. The role aligns with the work I enjoy most, the skills I’ve built throughout my career and the experience I’ve gained implementing point-of-sale systems. I thought working with brands like Nike, Converse, Abercrombie & Fitch and Crate & Barrel was exciting, and now I get to help lead a major transformation at Wendy’s next.”

Since Kelleher is in the business of dishing out advice, here’s what she says to Millersville students: “First, it’s all about communication. Second, it’s all about relationships. In my 20 years of doing this, every problem boils down to one of these. Relationships and networking – sometimes, you only get a job if you know someone. Don’t burn any bridges. Those skills will serve you well in any industry.”

Today’s is Katelynne Richards!

Katelynne is a junior from Mount Joy, PA, majoring in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Integrative STEM (ISTEM). Katelynne chose to attend Millersville University because of the highly recommended educational program, especially since many students are out in the field as early as their first semester. “I also enjoy the small campus and wanted to be close to home,” she adds. “The welcoming campus community makes me feel supported and connected to the people I interact with every day.”

In addition to her studies, Katelynne is a third-year member of the Early Childhood Organization (ECHO). “We do a ton of fun teacher crafts for our future classrooms and host two major events for the community each semester,” she says.

​Katelynne is also a member of the yoga club on campus. Additionally, she recently joined Paw on Deck and attends weekly Zumba classes every Thursday. “Being involved on campus has helped me meet many new people who have become some of my closest friends,” she says. “It has also helped me grow socially and step outside of my comfort zone.”

​Katelynne has been a CREW member since October 2024. Her role consists of answering phone calls from current and prospective students. She helps those individuals by guiding them to the right place and providing them with the correct information, giving them the best assistance with their request. Aside from the phones, Katelynne assists with event days, doing a variety of tasks. “Since joining the CREW, I have had nothing but positive experiences. I have grown both professionally and developmentally by learning a variety of new skills,” Katelynn shares.

So far, Katelynne’s favorite course has been Creative Experiences for the Young Child with Dr. Sarah Jackson. She found this class interesting as it allowed students to let their creativity flow, think outside the box, and learn how to incorporate creativity into the classroom. She also enjoyed the casual environment of the class, separating it from a typical course.

Katelynne’s favorite spot on campus is the pond. “I love walking by there every day on my walk to Stayer,” she explains. “I find it a nice, calming place to sit down to do homework, take advantage of the nice weather, or just enjoy the sights of nature.”

​In her free time, Katelynne enjoys spending time with family and friends. ​She mentions how she and her roommate love going on weekend runs to T.J. Maxx or Target. They also often relax in their dorm for movie and craft nights. To start her week, Katelynne takes time to work out at the gym. During the week, she continues her work at the Faith Factory Learning Center on Fridays, where she aids in different classrooms.

​After graduation, Katelynne intends to find employment at a local school district. Her goal is to work in a first or second-grade classroom. She would also like to find time to travel and explore the world.

Katelynne’s favorite quote comes from Dr. Seuss: “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”

Five Long-Evans lab rats retired and found their forever homes, thanks to Millersville University’s psychology department.

The five-month-old unspayed female rats were subjects in a behavioral study on basic positive reinforcement in a psychology class. “They were group-housed in a large, enriched cage for about 12 hours a day throughout the semester, so they were all friendly with one another and are highly active,” notes Dr. Kelly Banna, associate professor in the psychology department.

The new adopters came prepared to care for the animals for up to three years and provide them with adequate care, which included adopting the animals in pairs or as a trio. “Rats are VERY social creatures,” explains Banna.

11 students in the advanced lab class that trained the rats served as lab assistants, a change from previous years. “This allowed me to make the class much more “hands-on” than in typical years,” she says. “Rather than basing grades on exams or papers, the students learned by doing, getting to apply the principles they learned in previous, prerequisite classes to actual work in the lab. We also expanded our enrichment efforts this year by getting a new, huge, fancy cage so that the rats could be comfortably group-housed about 50% of the time.”

Learn more about our psychology department here: https://bit.ly/3S2Jfb6

Today’s (except today is actually a Tuesday) is Shana Hammaker!

Shana is a recent graduate from Carlisle, PA, with a major in emergency management and a minor in meteorology. Shana chose to attend Millersville University because of its inviting atmosphere. “I also love how everything is within close walking distance and how beautiful the campus is during the fall and spring,” she says. “Although I first came to Millersville to pursue meteorology, I eventually switched my major and stayed because I found my true passion here through the university’s emergency management program, which has many great internships and networking opportunities. I am so grateful I chose Millersville.”

In addition to her studies, Shana serves as the secretary of the International Association of Emergency Managers and is a member of the American Meteorological Society and Expressions Dance.

“Joining IAEM has allowed me to explore different opportunities in my future career by connecting with professors, EM majors, and other majors that are interested in EM,” Shana says. “Being the secretary has allowed me to understand how to communicate with people about our organization, learn the responsibilities in a leadership position, and work/collaborate with the officers and members as a team.”

As an AMS member, Shana connects with the weather community on campus. Through this organization, Shana learned more about how she can communicate with the public, emergency management departments, and meteorologists about how they can respond to a natural disaster.

“Joining Expressions Dance fulfills my passion for dance and meeting others who love the sport as well,” she says. “Dancing has helped me become more social on campus! All these clubs have not only benefited my future career, but they helped me grow personally, and I was able to meet my best and closest friends.”

Shana’s favorite course so far has been PHIL 401: Philosophy and Neuroscience. Although the course was a required GenEd, Shana found the course valuable as it expanded her insights beyond emergency management.

Shana’s favorite spot on campus is the McNairy Library. “I love how you can stay in the lobby past closing, have a place to switch up my workspace, and be able to reserve private individual and/or group spaces,” she explains. “I have so many memories in the library, ranging from studying for tough exams to being in the lobby area past midnight. I even started my ‘Good Luck, Thumbs Up’ tradition, where I take a picture of myself doing a thumbs up after a studying session for good luck on my work. The library also has many resources that are extremely beneficial for any major.”

In her free time, Shana enjoys napping, watching TikTok, thrifting, and spending time with her friends and family.

After graduation, Shana intends to further her education at Millersville and pursue a master’s degree in emergency management. She hopes to become a Graduate Assistant through the program. After completing her graduate degree, Shana will search for opportunities in the response and recovery field, assisting communities through natural disasters.

Shana’s favorite quote comes from the character Monkey D. Luffy from the anime, One Piece: “As long as I'm alive, I have infinite chances.”

Wow! It was so good to see so many of you at our 'Ville at the Milll event at Sickman's Mill. We've got so many more fun events coming up this summer for Millersville University Alumni & Friends Page! Check them out here: https://bit.ly/4o8CkJE

Today’s is Kayla Rooney!

Kayla is a recent graduate from Warminster, PA, majoring in Meteorology with a minor in emergency management. Kayla chose to attend Millersville University because of the “opportunities for undergraduate students, the small class sizes, and the great things I heard about the meteorology department,” she says. “I also wanted to stay close to home because I enjoy spending time with family and being there for my siblings when they have their own events.”

In addition to her studies, Kayla serves as the historian for the American Meteorological Society Student Chapter (MU-AMS). “This club has helped me find a community of people with the same interests as me, and we would have fun activity nights, from trivia nights to storm-tracking nights,” she shares. “We also have the opportunity to attend the AMS National Conference each year, which helps me network with others in the field and learn more about what I can do with meteorology.”

Kayla is also a lead forecaster for the Campus Weather Service, a lead for the Weather Balloon team, and is part of a student research project titled Project BLASTED. These activities give Kayla “hands-on experience with applications within my major that I cannot learn in the classroom,” she says. “I have met my current roommates and my closest friends through joining these organizations, and they have helped me become a better person. We all help each other within the major.”

Kayla’s favorite course so far has been ESSC449: Radar Meteorology, which she is currently taking with Dr. Sepideh Yalda. “In this class, I learn how to interpret different types of radars and the images they produce,” she says. “We also take a trip up to the NWS in State College to tour their radar and campus, along with AccuWeather. This is fundamental to my degree, as I use radars daily, so learning to use them will help me tremendously throughout my career.”

Kayla’s favorite spot on campus is the Weather Center, located on the fourth floor of Caputo. The Weather Center offers meteorology students a home base to spend time and learn about weather. Kayla finds herself up there “every day, all day.” While there, she is either completing assignments, spending time with her friends, watching the weather on their high-tech equipment, or learning in ways that go beyond the classroom setting.

In her free time, Kayla enjoys crocheting, hosting movie and game nights with friends, singing, and playing video games.

After graduation, Kayla plans to find a job within the NWS or the private sector to become an operational meteorologist.

Kayla’s favorite quote comes from Winnie the Pooh: "You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

Who remembers our candle lighting ceremony?
🕯️ We're on the hunt for photos of the event from years past! Post them in the comments or send them to via our DMs if you wan to share them.