Kressa Dowling graduated magna cum laude from DeSales University on May 18. She received a bachelor of arts degree in elementary and special education.

The daughter of John and Patricia Dowling, she is a graduate of Marian Catholic High School. While attending DeSales she attained dean's list every semester.She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi International Education Honor Society and Delta Delta Honor Society.She was the recipient of the 2013 Reverend James Finnegan Community Service Award for outstanding community service both on and off campus and was event director for the Northern Bowling Sectional of Special Olympics.She served as a tutor for the

H.O.P.E. after-school program. She recently returned from a service trip to Upington, South Africa.