Neumann departed from tradition by naming co-valedictorians for the Class of 2026: Chase Cochran and Gianna Gulisano.
“Co‑valedictorians were selected this year because both students achieved essentially identical academic records, and both demonstrated equally exceptional levels of intellectual achievement and leadership,” explained Provost Eric Welllington.
“In this case, the reviewing committee named co‑valedictorians as both were worthy, and we acknowledged that extraordinary achievement is not limited to a single individual,” he added.
Cochran is the first Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics major to earn the valedictory medal at Neumann. He has served as a Presidential Ambassador; a member of the Student Academic Leadership Team, which provides tutoring and academic support to undergraduates; a Student Government Association Senator, representing athletes and business students; and a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.
A native of Colorado Springs, Colorado, he has played varsity men’s ice hockey for four years, earning All-Academic Team honors on several occasions.
Co-valedictorian Gianna Gulisano is a Health Sciences major with a focus on Pre-Occupational Therapy. Her extensive volunteer experience has assisted the Serve with Strength organization, where she developed and led a nutrition and mindfulness workshop to enhance athlete performance; Mantua VFW Post 7679, organizing and supporting veterans’ events; and Mantua United Methodist Church, where she guided children’s daily activities in Vacation Bible School.
On campus, the West Deptford, NJ, native worked in the Student Success Center and the Writing Center as a peer tutor, advising students on effective writing strategies while fostering independent thought and critical thinking.
The 2026 salutatorian is Dominic Petruzzelli, a Mathematics major with certification in Secondary Education. He has been a Presidential Ambassador, vice president of the Student Government Association, and vice chair of the NCAA Division III National Student Athlete Advisory Committee. A captain of the men’s soccer team, he is a two-time Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Defensive Player of the Year and the 2024-25 AEC Man of the Year.
He has served as a math tutor and sensory director for the campus Eagles Autism Foundation College Program. In March, Petruzzelli received the Alumni Association’s Outstanding Senior Award.