Local residents were among the more than 550 graduates who were awarded master’s and doctoral degrees at The University of Scranton’s graduate commencement ceremony held May 18 at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Township. Graduates must have completed their academic requirements in August and December of 2024 or January and May of 2025.

The local graduates were:

Albrightsville: Andrea Alexandra Navarro Montoya earned a Master of Business Administration degree in accounting.

Kresgeville: Alexia J. Gillette earned a Master of Health Administration degree in health administration.

Lehighton: Gregory C. Venuto earned a Master of Science degree in biochemistry.

Palmerton: Slayton Altenburg earned a Master of Business Administration degree in finance and operations, and information management.

Walnutport: Kevin R. Weaver earned a Master of Business Administration degree in health care management.

Weatherly: Julia A. Hinkle earned a Master of Science degree in applied behavior analysis.

Navarro Montoya addressed the crowd on behalf of the Class of 2025. Navarro Montoya spoke about leaving Peru seven years ago in hopes of finding and building a better future.

“At the beginning of my time here, there were moments when I questioned if I belonged — if I truly ‘fit in,’ ” Navarro Montoya said. “But that changed when I met some amazing people who I now proudly call my best friends, incredible professors who became mentors and staff who became like family.

“Scranton has been more than just a university — it has been a home, a place where I have grown, learned and found a community that has supported me every step of the way.”