Seton Hill University is proud to announce that nationally recognized University of Pittsburgh head women’s basketball coach Agnus Berenato will provide the commencement address at May 9 commencement ceremony. During Berenato’s short six years with Pitt, the Panthers have enjoyed its most successful era in its women’s basketball history. Berenato has worked hard to help her athletes develop into mature adults who serve as strong role models and represent themselves, their families, and the University well. Berenato will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Seton Hill University.

Also receiving honorary Doctor of Science degrees during Seton Hill’s May 9 commencement ceremony will be John Ferretti, D.O., F.A.C.O.I, president and CEO of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and Silvia M. Ferretti, D.O., provost, vice president, and dean of Academic Affairs at LECOM.

Agnus Berenato is the head women’s basketball coach at the University of Pittsburgh. Berenato led the Pitt women to their first win over an opponent ranked in the Top Ten, first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2007, and first NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2008. Because of these achievements, Berenato is a two time Dapper Dan Sportswoman of the Year recipient (2006, 2008). Berenato’s accomplishments, however, extend beyond the basketball court. From her first day on the job at Pitt, Berenato insisted that everyone-her athletes, her coaches, and herself-be deeply involved in the community and participate in service projects. Her motto has been simple, “If someone asks and we can do it, we will do it.” A 1980 graduate of Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, Md., Berenato earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and was a three-year starter on the basketball team. She served for eight years on the College’s Board of Trustees and is a Trustee Emeritus.

John Ferretti, D.O., F.A.C.O.I., is the president and CEO of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), located in Erie, Pa. Through Dr. Ferretti's leadership, LECOM has grown to become one of the nation's largest and most progressive medical schools. As the nation continues to need more physicians and pharmacists, LECOM is meeting that demand with additional locations at Seton Hill and in Bradenton, Fla. In addition to his responsibilities as the president of LECOM, Dr. Ferretti is active in the administration of Millcreek Health System, which includes LECOM, Millcreek Community Hospital, Millcreek Geriatric Education and Care Center, the LECOM Medical Fitness and Wellness Center and Medical Associates of Erie and continues seeing patients as an internal medicine physician. Dr. Ferretti has received the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association Distinguished Physician Award recognizing his career in Internal Medicine and founding of LECOM, the American College of Osteopathic Medicine Educator of the Year honor, and recognition among Gannon University's Distinguished Pennsylvanians. The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) inducted Dr. Ferretti into the AOA Mentors Hall of Fame. This distinction is reserved for those physicians who teach osteopathic medical students, interns, and residents and guide them in their careers.

Silvia M. Ferretti, D.O., is the provost, senior vice president and dean of Academic Affairs at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). When LECOM opened in 1993, Dr. Ferretti became the first female dean of an osteopathic medical college. Dr. Ferretti is a clinical professor of internal medicine/physical medicine and rehabilitation at LECOM and continues seeing patients in her private practice. Prior to joining LECOM, Dr. Ferretti was the chief of rehabilitation at Great Lakes Rehabilitation Hospital in Erie, Pa. She continues her medical practice in physical medicine and rehabilitation today. In addition to receiving two Ebony Excellence awards from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania for outstanding community service and academic/educational excellence, Dr. Ferretti is the recipient of the Distinguished Pennsylvanian Award from Gannon University in recognition of her dedication to the community. Dr. Ferretti also received a proclamation from former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge for dedication to personal, community, and professional excellence. The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) inducted Dr. Ferretti into the AOA Mentors Hall of Fame. This distinction is reserved for those physicians who teach osteopathic medical students, interns, and residents and guide them in their careers.