YORK, Pa. — When Tucker Haas takes the stage as commencement speaker for Penn State York’s spring 2026 commencement ceremony on Friday, May 8, he will bring with him a message shaped by resilience, loss, perseverance and purpose.
The ceremony begins at 6 p.m. at the Pullo Family Performing Arts Center on campus. Commencement will also be livestreamed via the Penn State York YouTube channel.
“We are proud to welcome Tucker Haas as Penn State York’s commencement speaker,” said Marilyn J. Wells, regional chancellor of Penn State Brandywine, Penn State Mont Alto and Penn State York. “As a recent Penn State graduate and York County native, Tucker brings a message of perseverance and hope that will resonate deeply with our graduates as they begin the next chapter of their lives.”
A York County native and 2023 Penn State graduate with a degree in commercial recreation management, Haas has spent much of his life overcoming extraordinary challenges while using his experiences to inspire others.
At just 2 years old, Haas was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, beginning a years-long battle that included 77 radiation treatments, multiple surgeries and extensive chemotherapy. Throughout his treatment journey, organizations such as Four Diamonds and Penn State THON became an important source of support for Haas and his family.
Despite the physical and emotional toll of treatment, Haas achieved remission in February 2007.
Growing up after cancer shaped Haas’ outlook on life and inspired his passion for helping others facing similar challenges, he said. During his time at Penn State, he became deeply involved with THON and the Penn State community, experiences that later influenced the creation of The Tucker Haas Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young cancer survivors and their families.
“I was really struggling to figure out what to do with my time after graduation because I spent so much of my life involved with THON and giving back,” Haas said. “I wanted to help people who were going through the same things I did when I was younger.”
Since launching the foundation in 2023, Haas has focused on fundraising, hosting community events and building support systems for families navigating life during and after cancer treatment. Today, he also serves as a motivational speaker, sharing his story to audiences across the country.
Haas said being selected as commencement speaker was especially meaningful because of his connection to both Penn State and the York community.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to share my story because not long ago, I was sitting where these graduates are today,” Haas said.
He added that he hopes his message resonates not only with graduates, but also with their families and supporters.
“I’ve been through a lot in my life, but I think I have a message that can resonate not just with the students and graduates, but with all the family members there,” Haas said. “I want to inspire people to chase what they want to accomplish in life and keep moving forward, even when life gets difficult.”