There were cheers, tears and most importantly triumph as hundreds of supporters attended the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology spring Class of 2026 graduation ceremony at the Drexelbrook on April 9.
This marked the first graduation event held at Drexelbrook. There is a $7.4 million facilities expansion project currently underway at the college’s Upper Providence campus, leading to the venue change.
Addressing the graduates and their loved ones, President Matt Meyers marked the moment of celebration, achievement, perseverance, “and, let’s be honest, the power of a lot of caffeine.”
Key programs at PIT include diagnostic medical sonography, practical nursing, and cannabis horticulture. The college offers flexible classes on campus, online courses and hybrid learning options.
“May your future be bold, bright, and just the beginning of everything you dream,” Meyers said.
The Spring Class of 2026 celebrated two valedictorians.
Co-valedictorian Christina Mattioli of Ridley Township graduated from the college’s diagnostic medical sonography program.
Mattioli was born in Philadelphia to parents, Michelle and Chris. Her mom, an X-ray tech, sparked her interest in health care and radiology, said Denise Boyle, director of diagnostic medical sonography at PIT.
“She spent several summers working at Rothman Institute, gaining her first experience in health care,” Boyle noted.
The Mattioli family of Ridley Township celebrates a milestone moment on graduation day at the Drexelbrook in Upper Darby. (COURTESY OF JESS DIXON))
“While in school, one of Christina’s biggest challenges was balancing her schoolwork and clinicals while working two jobs,” Boyle continued, saying Mattioli thanked her fiancé and family for the support.
Mattioli now works full-time as a sonographer at Jefferson Abington Hospital.
While on stage and addressing fellow graduates, Mattioli opened her co-valedictorian speech by citing Ralph Waldo Emerson: “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.”
“If that’s true, then everything we’ve been through here at PIT wasn’t just about getting to this moment. It was about discovering what we’re capable of. There were plenty of days here when we struggled,” Mattioli said. “We didn’t understand, we weren’t sure we could do it, and we weren’t sure of ourselves. However, each exam, clinical, lab, and friendship made us strong, confident and capable.”
She encouraged everyone to be ready to leap into new beginnings and to always keep learning.
Co-valedictorian Michael Fritz of St. Paul, Minn., graduated with a cannabis studies horticulture degree. He was unable to attend the ceremony at the Drexelbrook.
“Michael plans to pursue a career in cannabis cultivation while also starting a personal garden of his own,” said Lou Gianotti, director of cannabis studies at PIT.
New Jersey resident Nicolette Panichelli of Blackwood was named the salutatorian.
Panichelli was born at Pennsylvania Hospital and raised in South Philadelphia, where growing up in a close-knit community helped shape her strong work ethic and deep appreciation for family, Boyle said.
The PIT graduates shine during this milestone moment as they jumpstart their careers in the field of health care across the Greater Philadelphia Region. (COURTESY OF JESS DIXON)
“One of Nicolette’s greatest inspirations was her Aunt Dina, a hardworking and strong woman who always prioritized her family,” Boyle noted. “Listening to her aunt share experiences about ultrasound examinations sparked Nicolette’s interest in diagnostic medical sonography and inspired her to pursue the field.”
During the 15-month program, Boyle said Panichelli learned the importance of time management, consistency and perseverance.
Doyle said Panichelli’s fiancé, Frankie, supported her through school by helping her study via flashcard quizzes at night.
Prior to graduating, Panichelli secured a job at Penn Medicine in Cherry Hill.
“She was able to complete her remaining clinical hours there, which made it a smooth transition for her when she started working independently as a sonographer,” Boyle added.
Praise Watson of Upper Darby dances with joy after receiving her nursing degree from PIT. (COURTESY OF JEN SAMUEL)
Meyers presented Taylor Bentley with the President’s Award, which is given to a graduate for meritorious service to PIT and academic excellence.
“Taylor achieved high grades but also embodied something just as meaningful: genuine curiosity. Throughout the diagnostic medical sonography program, she aimed to get the right answers but also asked thoughtful questions,” Meyers said. “This combination of excellence and curiosity will open many doors for her and allow her to make an impact in the health care arena.”
Susan Garrison presented the Founder’s Award to Nylo-Jeanette White, who was born in Philadelphia.
“My greatest inspiration has always been my mother (Doretta Muhammad), a military veteran whose strength and resilience made her my real-life G.I. Jane,” White said.
She has nine children, noting they “motivate her each day to pursue personal and professional growth.” And it was with this support from family and community that empowered her to study diagnostic medical sonography to create new opportunities for her future.
White currently works per diem as an ultrasound radiographer at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Cedar Avenue.
“Looking ahead, Nylo-Jeanette plans to continue her education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree while further developing her career in the medical field,” Garrison said. Her father, Walter Garrison, founded PIT in the 1950s.
Technology Nursing Professor Geralyn Swindell celebrates graduation day with Christina Miller of Brookhaven, left, and Jamiyah Fletcher of Upper Darby. (COURTESY OF JESS DIXON)
In December, the college broke ground on its $7.4 million renovation and modernization project to create new spaces of learning and connection.
During the commencement ceremony, Vice President of Student Engagement Kamira Evans recognized the Spring Class of 2026’s program award winners.
The recognized graduates include:
• Victoria Antenucci of Springfield Township who won the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Award
• Eugene Saydee of Thornbury who won the Healthcare Management Program Award
• Nati Wisseh of Darby for health science studies
• Christina Cecelia Miller of Brookhaven for practical nursing studies
• Delaware resident Stephanie Forbes of Bear who won the Practical Nursing Clinical Award
• Shanté Reneé Marshall of Yeadon, who won the Hazel Johnson-Brown Nursing Award
• Delaware resident Elizabeth Cole of Wilmington for cannabis studies
• Emigdio Molina of Reading for cannabis studies
• Keinalyse Medina-Morales of Reading who won the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Clinical Award.
More than half of students at PIT are parents and 93% of students receive financial assistance.
“This college is a lifeline for a remarkable community of students,” said Marquise Isaac-Rivers, director of Student Affairs at the college.
Approximately 60% of PIT students are first-generation college students, overcoming systemic social and economic barriers to pursue their dreams through the power of education.
Enrollment is now open for the summer term at PIT. (COURTESY OF JEN SAMUEL)
— Courtesy of Jen Samuel on behalf of PIT