Cygnus Society Members
2026-2027 Members
Name: Sidney Bernhardt
Hometown: Medford, NJ
College: Education and Human Services, Honors College
Major: Secondary Education
Why did you choose MU? I chose Millersville because of its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. I was looking for an out-of-state experience to try something new, and Millersville had a beautiful campus, a great teacher education program, and welcoming staff and students who, from all the colleges I toured, seemed to care the most about me.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? I am studying to become a high school history teacher. I am passionate about history and civics because I believe that studying the past is key to understanding the present, planning for the future, engaging in critical thinking, and learning to respect others who are different from ourselves. Because I enjoy helping people, I am excited to rbing these ideas into the classroom and guide future generations in achieving these goals.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: I am a member of both the Honors College and the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, as well as the founding president of the Crochet Club and vice president of the Film Club. I also serve as a peer tutor at the Writing Center, a support coach for Integrated Studies, an Orientation Leader, and a fellow for the Center for Civic Responsibility and Leadership. Our research on civic attitudes among students was presented at Made in Millersville in 2025 and 2026.
Name: Molly Binkley
Hometown: York, PA
College: Education and Human Services, Honors College
Major: Psychology
Why did you choose MU? Millersville felt like home the minute I toured campus. My great aunt graduated from MU in 1986, and my parents graduated from MU in 1991 and 1992, respectively. I was initially drawn to the campus because of its distance from home—far enough away to be independent, but close enough to visit. I also fell in love with the university’s personal, close-knit atmosphere. Millersville is different from the other colleges I toured; here, I can truly feel that people care and are committed to supporting me in reaching my highest potential.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? I plan to attend graduate school for clinical psychology, with an emphasis on children and adolescents.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: I serve as the fundraising coordinator for the Honors College Student Association and as an Honors College mentor. I am the president of the DMAX Club, a member and event planner for MU’s chapter of Psi Chi (the Psychology Honors Society), a peer educator at CHEP, a psychology department tutor, and a supervisor at Evergreen Café.
Name: Helena Bleacher
Hometown: York, PA
College: Science and Technology
Major: Biology, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology concentration
Why did you choose MU? MU offers a very strong biology program. During orientation, I toured the labs and saw the advanced research equipment in the science building, and I immediately knew this was where I wanted to begin my journey as a scientist. I also appreciated the biological preserve on campus, which is as peaceful and beautiful as it sounds.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? After completing my B.S., I intend to pursue a doctorate in molecular medicine to contribute to the research and development of personalized cancer therapies. I also plan to travel and experience as much of the world as I can.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: I am involved in both academic and research-based roles. I serve as a laboratory preparator for cell and development biology and zoology labs, and as a peer mentor for First-Year Experience (FYEX) classes. I am completing an independent research project investigating how folic acid can reduce developmental defects in a chick model of fetal alcohol syndrome. As of Spring 2026, I am transitioning to a second project where I will investigate the developmental origins of the cells that give rise to the turtle shell.
Name: Andrew Curry
Hometown: Warrenton, VA
College: Lombardo College of Business
Major: Sports Administration & Business Administration
Why did you choose MU? From the moment I discovered Millersville, I was confident that the academic programs and the university were the right fit for me. I was impressed by the inclusiveness of the campus community, the natural beauty of the environment, my connections with several football coaches, and the wide range of athletic opportunities offered—NCAA, club, and intramural sports. I received the opportunity to participate in Marauder football as a ‘grey shirt,’ but when the spring semester arrived I realized that my focus shifted as my interests broadened through the many opportunities on campus.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? I plan to use my degrees in sport administration and business administration to enter the field of collegiate athletics, ideally in the greater Philadelphia area. I hope to work as either a graduate assistant or a full-time employee while pursuing a master’s degree in sports management. My long-term goal is to become a collegiate athletic director at a Division I institution.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: I play on the men’s club soccer team and previously served as its vice president. I am the president of the Ville Sports Officials Association. I also serve as a recreation manager with Campus Recreation and am a member of the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA).
Name: Cassidy McNew
Hometown: Hanover, PA
College: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Major: Secondary Education
Why did you choose MU? Staying close to home was a big factor for me, and Millersville has always felt like my home away from home. Knowing that my mom was able to obtain two degrees from MU made my decision to attend that much easier. I have always wanted to be a teacher, and attending the school that made me excited to learn—both as a student and as a future teacher—were qualities I was looking for in my future institution.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? After graduation, I would like to teach at the high school level and hope to have the opportunity to assist with or lead a speech and debate team. In the future, I plan to attend graduate school to earn a master’s degree in music history and a doctorate in historical musicology. My eventual goal is to become a professor of music history.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: In addition to completing a year of service as Miss Pretzel City 2026, I am the founding vice president and charter president of the Nu Iota chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota. I have served as vice president of the All-Greek Council, secretary of Phi Alpha Theta, and historian and secretary of VilleHarmonics. I am the former president of Chromatic (2024–2025) and currently serve as historian/social media coordinator of the MUMMB (2025 season). I am a member of Omicron Delta Kappa: National Leadership Honors Society, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. I have also participated in several ensembles, including Concert Band, Jazz Lab Band, Chorale, University Choir, and Cantilena Women’s Choir. I was awarded the 2025 Thomas J. Baker SGA Person of the Year Award and the 2025 Emerging Student Leader of the Year Award.
Name: Brian O'Neill
Hometown: Stroudsburg, PA
College: Science and Technology
Major: Occupational Safety and Environmental Health
Why did you choose MU? My high school woodshop teacher, Richard Patrushka ’90, shared with me that he thought I had the character and personality to become an educator like him, and that MU also had a good safety program. I decided to commit to OSEH, and I have no regrets. I love helping people, talking with them, and thinking ahead—this career pathway provides so many opportunities in several industries. I am blessed to be on this path.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? After graduation, I plan to work in safety management, likely for a construction company or manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania as a member of the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Department. It is also important to me to give back and become actively involved in my community, whether through the institutions that have shaped me into the person I am today, or by potentially becoming volunteer firefighter.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: I am the president of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) student chapter at MU, treasurer of the Letters of Love club, a resident assistant at South Village, and I lead a weekly spin class for Campus Recreation.
Name: Hailey Peirce
Hometown: Jonestown, PA
College: Science and Technology
Major: Marine Biology
Why did you choose MU? I chose Millersville University for its distinguished marine biology program and professors who work both in the classroom and in the field. Once I arrived at Millersville, I knew I had made the right choice when I joined the Center for Civic Responsibility and Leadership, which opened countless doors for my involvement on campus.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? I plan to attend graduate school to further my understanding of the intersection between science and policy. In my career, I hope to work in conservation research and policy to help preserve the natural world in the face of climate change.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: I am a fellow of the Center for Civic Responsibility and Leadership. I am currently working on my thesis project, which assesses the recruitment and survival of ribbed mussels in restored salt marshes. I am also assisting with Millersville University’s 2027–28 self-study process as a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education Student Advisory Board. Additionally, I serve as the president of the Entomology Club and the treasurer of the Ocean Science Club. Lastly, I am a commissioner with Governor Shapiro’s Commission on Next Generation Engagement, where I focus on the impact of nature on youth mental health.
Name: Keegan Pepper
Hometown: Stewartstown, PA
College: Science and Technology
Major: Geology
Why did you choose MU? I chose Millersville for its geology program and the exceptional professors who teach here. I also grew to love the community after getting involved in the gym and many other campus programs. It is an honor to attend MU.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? After graduating from MU and graduate school, I will pursue a career in the oil, gas, or mining fields.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: I am the vice president of the Geology Club and a Vigil Honor member of Nentico Lodge in the Order of the Arrow. I am currently developing an Honors College thesis focused on the boundaries of the Baltimore Mafic Complex along the Maryland–Pennsylvania line.
Name: Wyatt Potter
Hometown: Lancaster, PA
College: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Major: English
Why did you choose MU? I chose Millersville University because of my established personal connections to the community and my dedication to improving and maintaining public education systems in the U.S. Millersville is the home of many academics who I respect and aspire to follow.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? After graduate school, I would love to teach literature, cultural theory, or historiographical research. My interests of study include American poetry from the San Francisco Renaissance, African American literature since the 20th century, and the politics of Russia and China. I will continue to make music and write poetry on the side.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: I am a team member and DJ at WIXQ radio station, a three-time presenter at Made in Millersville, and am currently working on an honors thesis analyzing the literary works of James Baldwin using the lenses of French psychoanalysis and philosophy.
Name: Emily Shank
Hometown: Lancaster, PA
College: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Major: Music Education and Flute Performance
Why did you choose MU? First and foremost, I knew that Millersville University offered a strong education program, and I was looking to pursue a career teaching music. I also chose to enroll here so I could continue learning from my flute professor, from whom I have learned so much, and further grow as a musician.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? I hope to find a position teaching music at any school or grade level; however, I aspire to become a high school band director. I will continue to teach private flute lessons and hope to continue performing whenever possible.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: I am involved with our chapter of the National Association for Music Education, teach private flute lessons at the Davis Flute Studio, and volunteer for two high school marching bands.
Name: Hope Wentling
Hometown: Annville, PA
College: Education and Human Services, Honors College
Major: Early Childhood Education
Why did you choose MU? I chose Millersville University because of its strong education program, welcoming students and faculty, and wide range of educational opportunities. When I first toured Millersville, I had an amazing first impression from hearing students and professors share how much they love MU. They also spoke with me about the opportunities available, including completing the Integrative STEM Education Methods (iSEM) minor and student teaching abroad through that program.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? I plan to work as an elementary teacher, and I would like to continue on to graduate school to explore the many different opportunities available in the field of education.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: I completed a practicum in Sweden, where I taught a STEM unit at an International English School. I also completed and defended my honors thesis, Marginalization of social studies and science education: Elementary teacher perceptions. In addition, I am involved with the MU Navigators, where I help lead small groups as a student leader and serve as president of the organization.
Name: Eric Yazemboski
Hometown: Wernersville, PA
College: Science and Technology
Major: Mathematics BSE
Why did you choose MU? I came to Millersville University by way of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where I was a computer engineering student. After some introspection, I realized that my true passion lies in mathematics education. I decided to transfer to MU because I appreciated its welcoming environment, which quickly felt like home to me, as well as the smaller class sizes and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with my professors. I felt a strong sense of belonging in the mathematics department after my first week on campus.
What are your career aspirations and future plans? I plan to pursue a career as a middle or high school mathematics teacher and hope to become certified to teach computer science as well. I look forward to advising students who are interested in mathematics competitions and programming contests. I aspire to use my passion for mathematics and computer science as a force for good, positively impacting the lives of my future students and the broader global community. In the future, I hope to return to school to pursue a Ph.D. and conduct research in mathematics education.
Notable co-curricular and extra-curricular highlights: I am president of Mathematics Educators at Millersville University (MEMU), vice president of MU's Chapter of Student Pennsylvania State Education Association (SPSEA), treasurer of Mentoring Educators for Tomorrow (MET), participating in STEM Education Lab, developing and testing new science curriculum, and being named a Robert F. Noyce Teaching Scholar.