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Hawkins to speak at Clarion University - Venango Campus commencement

Sonja Hawkins

Oil City Mayor Sonja L. Hawkins will deliver the keynote address at the Clarion University–Venango Campus Commencement on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at 7:30 p.m., in the Robert W. Rhoades Center gymnasium at the campus.

A strong advocate of education at all levels, Ms. Hawkins has made meaningful communication and partnerships with educational providers in order to promote and support cultural and economic growth in the community a high priority of her administration.

A native of Tionesta and a graduate of West Forest High School, Ms. Hawkins earned both baccalaureate and master’s degrees from Clarion University and certification in public school administration from the University of Alaska.

She began her professional career as an elementary teacher in the Forest Area School District before moving to Alaska, where she was employed as a teacher and educational specialist in school districts in Dillingham, Kotzebue, and Kodiak.

Ms. Hawkins then moved to Anchorage, where she taught in the Anchorage School District before becoming principal of Susitna Elementary School, which was named one of the top schools in America by Redbook Magazine during her tenure in 1994. While in Alaska, Ms. Hawkins also owned and operated “Choices,” which provided liaison services between the mental health and the educational communities throughout the state.

Ms. Hawkins has been recognized by the Office of the Governor of Alaska, the Alaska State Parent Teachers Association, the Superintendent of Schools for Northwest Arctic School District, and various other educational entities.

Upon her return to Pennsylvania, she served as a member of the Clarion University education faculty from 1997 until 2004.

During her professional career, Ms. Hawkins was active in Phi Delta Kappa, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, International Reading Association, American Association of University Women, National Educational Association, and the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculty.

Ms. Hawkins then turned her talents and dedication to her community, where she demonstrates her commitment to the revitalization of the area by the depth of her civic involvement. She especially enjoys seeing others become involved within the community and watching their excitement and enthusiasm.

Prior to becoming mayor in January of this year, Ms. Hawkins served as a councilwoman for the City of Oil City, and is currently a member of the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, Take Pride in Oil City, Venango County Regional Planning Commission, Venango County Balanced and Restorative Justice Committee, Venango Vision Leadership Board of Directors, Arts Revitalization Committee, Venango Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Oil City Whitewater Recreational Park Committee. She holds membership in the Belles Lettres Club, Oil City Arts Council, and other civic clubs within Oil City. She also uses her skills as a gardener to help beautify the city, having served as the past president of the Venango County Master Gardeners, assisting with training for vermicomposting in area schools, and, as a member and past president of the Oil City Garden Club, planting flowers in the Gateway Garden and other prominent spots throughout the city.

Ms. Hawkins and her husband are the parents of a son, Richard, and have two grandsons.

Clarion University−Venango Campus, located in Oil City, is the oldest regional campus in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. The campus provides high-quality educational programs and personalized services to help students succeed. Students can begin any of Clarion University’s 90+ bachelor’s degrees at the Venango Campus, earn an associate degree, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in select areas, obtain a one-year certificate or participate in a variety of professional development and personal enrichment courses. The campus is home to Clarion University’s School of Nursing and Allied Health and its Department of Applied Technology. Clarion University−Venango Campus is committed to serving the needs of the community.

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