Two exceptional students from Cleveland State University have been recognized as valedictorians for their respective colleges. Sarah McCartney from Lorain and Sydney Wisnor from Elyria stand out for their academic achievements and contributions to the community.
Sarah McCartney is graduating with two bachelor’s degrees: one in psychology and the other in sociology, along with minors in neuroscience and religious studies. McCartney has consistently excelled, making the President’s List every semester and being part of the Mandel Honors College. Her passion for mental health has led her to engage in various activities. She’s served as a volunteer crisis counselor and contributed to research on mental health care access. A highlight of her journey was presenting at the 2025 Midwestern Psychological Conference, where she earned a Psi Chi Regional Research Award for her honors thesis.
Sydney Wisnor, on the other hand, is completing her bachelor’s degree in health sciences with a minor in neuroscience, maintaining an impressive 4.0 GPA. Wisnor’s commitment to service shines through her 300 hours of volunteer work, mainly with GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland. She has taken on leadership roles, including serving as president of the Pre-Occupational Therapy Association. This fall, she will pursue her doctorate in occupational therapy, aiming to support children facing medical challenges.
Both students embody the spirit of Cleveland State. They highlight the importance of education beyond textbooks, focusing on real-world impact. McCartney states, “Education is a lifelong responsibility,” while Wisnor reflects on the transformative relationships and knowledge she gained during her time at CSU.
Their achievements resonate in a broader context. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the number of students graduating with degrees in health-related fields has grown significantly in recent years, underlining a rising interest in healthcare careers.
For more about these inspiring graduates and others, visit Cleveland State’s Commencement stories page.
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Cleveland State University students, Lorain County, valedictorians, Sarah McCartney, of Lorain, valedictorian of the spring 2026 graduating class from Cleveland State's College of Arts and Sciences, Sydney Wisnor, of Elyria, valedictorian of the spring 2026 graduating class from Cleveland State's College of Health
