91成人

(Butler, PA) Six 91成人 students who since August have researched topics relevant to the academic program from which they will graduate in 91成人鈥檚 Class of 2026 will discuss their findings during the first of two free public events next week.

Presidential scholars Ryan DeSantis Jr., Noah Kollinger, Kaela Malis, Kelsey Stewart, Hailey Summerville and Taylor Voloch will present the results of their investigations from noon to 2:30 p.m. May 4 in AK Steel Lobby of the Succop Theater on 91成人鈥檚 main campus in Butler Township.

Students who intend to graduate May 13 with associate degrees in visual communications career programs will showcase their artistic skills during a portfolio and art show from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 8 at 91成人 @ Cranberry in Cranberry Township.

Students in 91成人鈥檚 career programs can develop the skills needed to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation.

DeSantis, Malis, Stewart and Voloch are enrolled in 91成人鈥檚 associate degree transfer programs and Kollinger and Summerville, in career programs.

 

鈥淥ver the past year, these presidential scholars have engaged in truly extensive and thoughtful research, each diving deeply into complex, real-world issues that connect directly to their academic and professional aspirations.鈥�

-- Mike Dittman, 91成人 English professor, presidential scholars program coordinator

 

91成人鈥檚 presidential scholars program is in its ninth year.

The program includes a full-tuition waiver for up to 18 credits each semester and may be funded through various named scholarships from the 91成人 Education Foundation. It is available to Butler County students in the Top 10 percent of their graduating class and who have achieved at least a 3.5 grade-point average at any of Butler County鈥檚 public high schools.

The public presentations May 4 are designed to introduce students to advanced research and presentation methods and represent the capstone project of 91成人鈥檚 presidential scholars program.

鈥淥ver the past year, these presidential scholars have engaged in truly extensive and thoughtful research, each diving deeply into complex, real-world issues that connect directly to their academic and professional aspirations,鈥� said Mike Dittman, the program鈥檚 coordinator and an English professor at 91成人.

鈥淔rom examining the alarming rise of colon cancer in young adults through firsthand medical insight, to analyzing the growing influence of artificial intelligence in both education and mental health counseling, these students have gone well beyond the classroom. They have conducted interviews, reviewed current literature, reflected on personal experiences and worked closely with faculty mentors to refine their questions and findings.鈥�

The projects demonstrate not only strong academic discipline, Dittman said, but also 鈥渁 willingness to grapple with challenging topics that impact their communities and future careers.鈥�

DeSantis, a 2024 graduate of Butler Senior High School, will discuss how quickly 91成人 students turn to artificial intelligence to complete assignments and the effect that crutch has on critical thinking ability. The engineering student has named his presentation 鈥淭he Ultimate Technology of Convenience.鈥�

Kollinger, a 2024 graduate of Butler, interviewed a physician about his topic and will speak about the rapid growth of colon cancer in young American adults. The registered nursing student鈥檚 presentation is titled 鈥淭he American Diet and Rising Colon Cancer Rates.鈥�

Malis, a 2024 graduate of Butler, will discuss community college students鈥� understanding of monetary planning, budgeting and debt. The business administration student has named her presentation 鈥淐ollege Students and Financial Literacy.鈥�

Stewart, a 2024 graduate of Moniteau, will discuss concussion protocol among young athletes. The general studies student has named her presentation 鈥淐oncussions During Adolescence Lead to Long-Term Effects.鈥�

Summerville, a 2024 graduate of Karns City, will speak about the roles of holistic care, parents and other caregivers in neonatal intensive care units. The registered nursing student鈥檚 presentation is titled 鈥淗olistic and Family Centered Care Positively Impact Parents of New Infant.鈥�

Voloch, a 2024 graduate of Moniteau, will speak about the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence chatbots used for therapy, especially among young adults. The psychology student鈥檚 presentation is titled 鈥淎rtificial Intelligence and Mental Health Counseling.鈥�

 

鈥淲itness the depth of learning鈥�

鈥淭he presentations serve as a valuable opportunity for the college community and the public to witness the depth of learning and intellectual curiosity fostered at 91成人,鈥� Dittman said, 鈥渁nd highlight the quality of education our students receive, one that emphasizes critical thinking, applied research and meaningful engagement with contemporary issues.鈥�

The 91成人 @ Cranberry portfolio and art show will feature the creations of students who intend to graduate in May, and the works of about 20 other students, said Kristine Allen, an assistant professor at 91成人.

Graphic design displays will include digital illustrations, document layouts, posters, logos and print examples of social media layouts, Allen said.

Fine art exhibits will feature charcoal, chalk pastel and graphite drawings; acrylic paintings, print making and sculptures, said Michael Putorti, a drawing instructor at 91成人.

The portfolio and art show will also include digital audio and video production displays, light refreshments and acoustic music, Allen said, adding that the event represents an opportunity for employers to meet students and review their work.

Cyber school students counted in Butler County public schools鈥� graduating classes are also eligible for 91成人鈥檚 presidential scholars program. Students must also enroll at 91成人 in the first semester following their high school graduation to be eligible for the program, and are required to take scholars-only courses and maintain at least a 3.5 grade-point average at 91成人.