Mark Steinke, formerly of Mars graduated with a doctorate in microsystems engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology.He is one of the first two students to graduate from the program, established in December 2002.While at the institute, Steinke researched advanced liquid cooling methods for microprocessors.A 2000 and 2002 graduate of RIT, he holds bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering.He has accepted a position with IBM in Research Triangle Park, N.C., as a thermal engineer working on next- generation microprocessor cooling for mid-size servers and personal and laptop computers.

Brian Ledden graduated with a doctorate degree in osteopathic medicine from Nova Southeastern University.The son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Ledden of Butler, he is a graduate of Shady Side Academy and Pomona College, where he received degrees in pre-medicine and politics.A naval lieutenant, Ledden is currently a resident at San Diego Naval Hospital in San Diego, Calif.

<B>Joshua Schmidt</B> graduated from the A.J. Palumbo School of Business at Duquesne University recently.While at the university, he was named to the dean's list and received the 2005 Dominion Distinguished Scholar Award.He served as secretary and vice president for the Beta Gamma Sigma business honorary.The son of Jim and Janice Schmidt of Sarver, he completed internships with PNC Financial Services Group and Alcoa.Schmidt has accepted a position with Alcoa.<B>Michael Pinto</B> graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in business and marketing from Belmont Abbey College.While at the college, he was named to the dean's list.A 2001 graduate of Butler High School, he is the son of Frank Jr. and Barbara Pinto of Butler.He has accepted a position with Hayden Harper Financial in Charlotte, N.C.

<B>Cecelia Weber</B> graduated summa cum laude with degrees in business management and information system management from Carlow University.She lives in Harmony with her husband, Bob Weber, and her three daughters.<B>Dawn Nicotra</B> of Mars received a master of science degree in genetic counseling from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health.<B>Marriyam Moten</B> of Cranberry Township received a master of public health degree from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health.<B>Megan Coyer</B> of Slippery Rock graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in neuroscience from Lafayette College.While at the college, she received the Goldwater Scholarship and the William C. Rappolt '67 and Walter Oechsle '57 Neuroscience Prize.

<B>Laura Christy</B> graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in secondary education from California (Pa.) University.While at the university, she served as a mentor and a member of the History Club. She also participated in the United States Achievement Academy Collegiate Award Program.The daughter of Larry and Helen Christy of Butler, she is a 2001 graduate of Butler High School.<B>Owen Brown</B> graduated with a bachelor of science degree in information sciences and technology from Penn State University.The son of Brian Brown of North Washington and Cindy Brown of West Sunbury, he is a 2001 graduate of Moniteau High School.He has accepted a position with Blackboard in Washington, D.C.<B>Ashley Oesterling</B> graduated with a degree in legal studies from Gannon University.While at the university, she received the Academic Award for Excellence in Legal Studies and was named to the dean's list.The daughter of John and Linda Oesterling of Butler, she is a 2001 graduate of Butler High School.

<B>Lisa Zacherl Newell</B> graduated with a doctorate degree in developmental psychology from the University of Pittsburgh.While at the university, she was the recipient of an Andrew Mellon Fellowship.The daughter of Jim and Chris Zacherl of Renfrew and David and Kathy Haunty of Butler, she is a 1996 graduate of Knoch High School and a 2000 graduate of Slippery Rock University.Newell has accepted a position as a post-doctoral fellow at Florida International University.She lives in Miami with her husband, Timothy Newell, and her daughter.<B>Brian Slamecka</B> of Butler, <B>Lauren Martin</B> of Cabot and <B>Megan Kohler</B> of Cranberry Township recently received master of education degrees at Westminster College.The following students received degrees recently from Thiel College:Cranberry Township: <B>Nancy Heinbockel, Danielle Schaefers, Robert Timblin</B> and <B>Nicole Venuto</B>Karns City: <B>Jason McCollough</B> and <B>Mark McElravy</B>Petrolia: <B>Brianna Miller</B>Cabot: <B>Jennifer Morrison</B> and <B>Philip Troutman</B>Slippery Rock: <B>Jeffrey Rudnik</B>.