Batteson to Represent Eberly College of Science as Student Marshal

21 July 2006—Bruce Batteson, of East Granby, Connecticut, will be honored as the Eberly College of Science student marshal during summer commencement ceremonies on Saturday, 12 August 2006, at the Penn State University Park campus. He has selected Richard Robinett, professor of physics, to be his faculty escort for the commencement exercises. He also will represent the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) as student marshal.

Batteson, a 1997 graduate of Simsbury High School in Simsbury, Connecticut, will be completing a bachelor of science degree in physics. He has earned a 3.99 grade-point average and has been on the Dean’s list at Penn State every semester. His academic achievements have been recognized with the President Sparks Award and the President's Freshman Award in 2004, and with the Evan Pugh Scholar Award in 2006.

Batteson worked in the laboratory of Nitin Samarth, professor of physics, during the past semester. He worked with graduate student Meng Zhu to develop drawings and specifications for a cryostat that will be used for making electrical measurements at temperatures near absolute zero. He and Zhu coordinated with the machine shop to fabricate this new piece of equipment for use in future research.

In addition to his academic activities, Batteson has been a volunteer with the Special Olympics from 2004 to 2006. He also has been a member of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). He will be commissioned on Friday, 11 August, as an ensign in the US Navy. After graduation, he will report to Panama City, Florida, to attend dive school, and later will continue his military training in explosive-ordnance disposal as part of his training as a Special Operations Officer.

Batteson says, “College is one of many challenges in life that require dedication, enthusiasm, and plain, old-fashioned hard work. When facing such challenges, we all need someone to lean on, someone to draw strength from. For me, that person is my wife, Alicia.” His wife will be receiving a degree in Biobehavioral Health at the same commencement ceremony.

Batteson will be accompanied at commencement by his wife, Alicia Batteson, and his parents, Albert and Kathryn Batteson of East Granby, Connecticut. He also will be accompanied by his sister, Lynette Wittmer, and his brothers, Timothy and Dean Batteson.

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