Cygnus Society Members
2025-2026 Members
Name: Jessica Caribbo
Hometown: Conshohocken, PA
College: Science and Technology
Major: Earth Science and Emergency Management
Why did you choose MU? I chose MU because I felt an instant connection to the campus. When I toured initially, I remember feeling I belonged here and could picture myself as a student. When I toured other campuses, I didn't have that feeling anywhere else. I just knew then that MU was the place for me.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? After graduation, I plan to either attend a master's program in emergency management or find a job that connects both my fields of study.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: Vice President for the Student Government Association (SGA), President of the Honors College Student Association (HCSA), Member of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), and Peer mentor for the Honors College.
Name: Jovanne Cortez
Hometown: Allentown, PA
College: Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Major: Music Education
Why did you choose MU? I fell in love with the campus. I think the camaraderie behind Millersville and its student body is a wonderful thing. It’s nice being able to go to classes and see so many familiar faces and just say hi. On top of that, I adore the faculty at the Tell School of Music. I feel as though I’m getting a one-on-one experience in my classes, rather than just receiving a lecture. The hands-on experience and care the faculty provide is really what solidified that Millersville was for me.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? After a few years of teaching, I want to continue pursuing higher education by going to graduate school and receive a Masters of Music in Vocal Pedagogy, Foreign Language Diction, and Performance. Then I hope to teach in a high school classroom and teach private studio lessons. After a few years, I want to return to school and receive a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: National Association for Music Education, American Choral Directors Association, Millersville University Chorale, Study Abroad in Europe, Performing Abroad in China, Alpha Alpha Alpha, First-Gen Honors Society
Name: Julia Fischer
Hometown: Langhorne, PA
College: Science and Technology
Major: Mathmatics, BSE
Why did you choose MU? During my search for the right school, Millersville University stood out to me, particularly for its Mathematics, BSE major, which combines mathematics and education into one unique major. Upon visiting the campus, I immediately felt a sense of belonging and community. I was particularly impressed by the mathematics department, where the camaraderie between students and faculty fosters a close-knit community feeling.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? After graduation, I plan to become a middle or high school math teacher. I aspire to work alongside a group of like-minded teachers, working to inspire and empower the next generation.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: Co-President of Mathematics Educators at Millersville University (MEMU), and Math Club Officer.
Name: Mileena Garonzik
Hometown: York, PA
College: Arts, Humanities and Social Science
Major: Anthropology and Philosophy
Minor: History
Why did you choose MU? Originally, I was a student at Temple University for a year and a half. I decided to transfer to Millersville University to be close to home in a more rural environment. I love the historical significance of Lancaster and being close to my family and friends. After my first semester at Millersville, I knew it was the best fit for me because I no longer felt like a number in a big lecture hall. I got to know my professors and they got to know me.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? I plan to stay local in the Lancaster area to focus on historic preservation and cultural resource management. Specifically, I would like to work with historic buildings and sites to ensure compliance with laws as well as mitigate the impacts of development. I believe it is important to understand and preserve the past to respect its significance and for future generations to enjoy.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: At Millersville I have had the honor to participate in Philosophy club, the Mentor Collective, and Dr. Trussell’s archaeological research team. All of which have aided me in my academic studies and personal success. Outside of Millersville, I am proud to have worked at an important local historical site, Rock Ford, for 3 years where I educate the community on late 18th century life in Lancaster County. Additionally, I have worked at Whole Foods Market as a Cultural Champion Ambassador and team trainer where I share the importance of ethical food practices and take on leadership responsibilities.
Name: Bo Meakim
Hometown: Hatboro, PA
College: Education and Human Services
Major: Sports Administration
Why did you choose MU? I chose Millersville because it offered a perfect balance of academics, athletics, and leadership opportunities. As a Sports Administration major with a concentration in Sports Business, I was drawn to the strength of the program and the hands-on experience it provides. On top of that, it was the chance to compete at the collegiate level in golf, which had always been a dream of mine. Millersville allowed me to take on leadership roles like serving as Captain, SAAC President, as well as being a part of a close-knit campus community. Millersville gave me the platform to grow not just as a student-athlete, but as a future leader both personally and professionally.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? After graduating from Millersville University with a degree in Sports Administration, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in Sport Management at a Division 1, power 5 school. Long-term, I aspire to move into a leadership role within collegiate athletics, potentially as an Athletic Director. I'm passionate about the student-athlete experience and want to be part of creating an environment where athletes can thrive both on and off the field.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: Some of my most notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights include serving as President of Millersville’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where I’ve had the opportunity to lead initiatives that support student-athlete welfare and enhance campus engagement. I’m also honored to be the PSAC East SAAC Chair, representing student-athletes across our conference and helping shape policy at the conference level.
Athletically, I’m a third-year member and now captain of the Men’s Golf Team, where I’ve grown as both a competitor and leader. These experiences have taught me valuable lessons in teamwork, time management, and service.
Name: Mary Moraca
Hometown: Mullica Hill, NJ
College: Science and Technology
Major: Sports Medicine
Why did you choose MU? I chose MU because of its strong academic programs, especially in the health sciences, and the welcoming, tight-knit campus community. It offered the perfect balance between academics and athletics, allowing me to pursue both my educational goals and my love for lacrosse.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? My goal after graduation is to apply to an accelerated Bachelor's in Nursing program, as I’m passionate about entering the healthcare field and making a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Through the accelerated program, I hope to build a strong foundation in patient care and continue on the path toward becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: Member of the Women's Lacrosse team, Hidden Opponent Campus Captain, member of Fellowship Christian Athletes
Name: Cesar Rangel Muñoz
Hometown: Newport, PA
College: Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Major: Music Perofrmance and Music Education
Why did you choose MU? I chose Millersville University because of the number of opportunities I saw in the institution to grow as a student into a professional. I saw this and knew it would be a great fit for me. Another reason I chose MU was the great sense of community I felt when I visited. I always felt welcome and like I belonged.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? After graduation, I aim to teach music, especially Modern Band and Music Technology courses. I love the movement to get more students involved in music they want to play and create. I would also love to start a music school focused on Latin Music studies.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: Vice President of the Sigma Xi chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Member of Chorale, National Association for Music Education, American Choral Directors Association, and Marauder Music. Recruitment Ambassador for Millersville University’s Tell School of Music, Music Tutor, and Peer Mentor.
Name: Carmen Francesca Rosatia Portillo
Hometown: York, PA
College: Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Major: English Education
Why did you choose MU? Initially I attended Loyola University Maryland, then York College, then took some time off from school to figure out what I wanted to do in life. Once I came to the decision that I wanted to be an English teacher, I knew there was no better place than Millersville. Millersville is close enough to commute to and one of the best teaching colleges in Pennsylvania. I started taking summer courses and immediately knew this was where I needed to be. My fall semester just solidified those feelings even further when I got to experience college in full swing again after 3 years off.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? After graduation from Millersville, I plan to attend graduate school for Education with a concentration in Learning Disabilities or I hope to get a Fulbright to do educational research abroad. I would like to eventually obtain my PhD and teach at a university. My goal in teaching at the higher level is to hopefully teach future teachers how to teach in more inclusive styles to better suit students with learning disabilities.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: I was a part of the Latino Student Leadership Institute. I am a member of SPSEA, the English and World Languages student advisory council and plan to work with the Color of Teaching Mentoring Program in the fall. I was most recently published in our school's Engage for Change Journal, 3rd issue, March 2025, my article is titled “How Dyslexia Affects Students in the Classroom: Literature Review.” I plan to write for them again in the next spring issue. In addition, I was recently awarded the Deisley English Educator Award.
Name: Sydney Rauchut
Hometown: Lebanon, PA
College: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Major: Music Education (K-12) and Music Industry - Management
Why did you choose MU? After graduating from Cedar Crest High School, I began my post-secondary studies at Pennsylvania State University - University Park campus as a Music Education major. However, I quickly realized that the university was not the right place for me to further my studies. After taking a gap semester at HACC to obtain credits for general education courses, I transferred to Millersville University, which was the school that truly captured my heart in the first place. Since arriving on campus in Fall 2022, I have never been prouder to call the 'Ville my home as a Music Education and Music Industry dual-major.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? I aspire to build a career that bridges music education and the music industry. With dual degrees in Music Education and Music Industry, I'm passionate about creating opportunities that connect learning with real-world experiences in music. I’m especially interested in marketing, education, and advocacy for underrepresented voices in the industry.
In the future, I hope to pursue graduate studies in either ethnomusicology or music business to deepen my understanding of music’s cultural and commercial impact. My ultimate goal is to support artists and students through creative, educational, and strategic work that makes the music industry more inclusive and accessible.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: Throughout my time here at Millersville, I have been involved in Millersville's NAfME (National Association for Music Education) chapter, Omicron Delta Kappa, Millersville's Single Reed Society, the Millersville University Wind Ensemble, Cantilena Women's Choir, MU Jazz Ensemble, a tutor for the Tell School of Music, a freshman music education peer mentor, and the '24-'25 PCMEA (Pennsylvania Collegiate Music Educators Association) Region V Coordinator.
Name: Devin Sparwasser
Hometown: Quakertown, PA
College: Education and Human Services
Major: Psychology
Minor: Criminology
Why did you choose MU? I have been familiar with the Millersville University campus since I was very young; my parents actually met here while they were college students. Aside from the comfortable and intimate nature of the campus itself, I was also drawn to Millersville because this university offers the programs that I need to achieve my goals as I enter into a career at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. I feel confident and capable as a Millersville student, and I feel that I have already accomplished so much during my time here.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? After I graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, I will attend graduate school for Clinical Psychology, still at Millersville. I want to eliminate restrictions as much as possible in terms of my career, and I would like to work with populations of various ages in clinical settings, from young children to the elderly. Helping others heal from their past and present experiences brings me more fulfillment than anything else; this will become my drive in my future career as a licensed professional counselor.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: At Millersville University, I am a member of both the Cantilena Women’s and University Choirs through the Tell School of Music, I am an Integrated Studies support coach, I have worked as a tutor at the Writing Center, I served as a mentor to 5 first-year students through the Mentor Collective Program, I am Green Dot certified, and I am also a member of the Psi Chi International Psychology Honors Society.
Name: Kayla Tracey
Hometown: Red Lion, PA
College: Education and Human Services
Major: Biology with a concentration in Animal Behavior
Minor: Chemistry
Why did you choose MU? I chose MU because of the beautiful campus and because of the Biology Department. There were so many opportunities here to prepare me to eventually attend vet school and dedicated biology professors ready to help me achieve my goals.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? After graduation I plan to attend vet school and become a companion and wildlife/exotics veterinarian.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: President of the Biology Club, Director of Student Advocacy for the Student Government Association, member of the Honors College Student Association, member of the All-Campus Musical Organization, member of the Marching Band, member of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, student worker for the biology department, and a Peer Advisor for the Honors College.
Name: Brogan Williams
Hometown: Danville, PA
College: Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Major: Early Childhood Education
Why did you choose MU? I heard about the quality of education and opportunities at MU. Starting my freshman year, I enjoyed being able to observe in a classroom environment. MU also offers a unique minor that is not offered at many other colleges.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? After graduating, I plan to continue traveling and work abroad as a teacher. While teaching, I plan to continue my education in Language and Literacy Education, concentrating on English as a second language.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: I am the Membership Chair for the Color of Teaching Mentoring Program and a member of Kappa Delta Pi and the Technology and Engineering Education Collegiate Association (TEECA). I have studied abroad in Sweden and will study abroad in Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, and South Korea in the Summer of 2025.