UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved a resolution commemorating Aug. 15, 2026, as “One Millionth Degree Day” in Pennsylvania, recognizing Penn State’s historic contributions to the commonwealth as the University continues to celebrate conferring its one millionth degree this summer.
Rep. Paul Takac, the resolution’s prime sponsor, was joined by co-sponsors Reps. Kerry Benninghoff and Scott Conklin, as well as 25 additional House members from across the commonwealth, including Penn State alumni and legislators representing eight Commonwealth Campuses. The resolution was adopted by the House with nearly unanimous support on Oct. 20.
“One hundred seventy-one years ago, the Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania was founded, and six years later, in 1861, graduated its first class of 11 students. Those graduates carried with them a commitment to share and use their knowledge and education to benefit the people and communities of Pennsylvania. And this year on Aug. 15, that same school — now known worldwide as Penn State — conferred its one-millionth degree. That is a milestone worth celebrating and is a record of longevity, achievement and impact that very few institutions anywhere in the world can claim,” said Takac in remarks made on the House floor during the resolution’s introduction.
Penn State is the first university in Pennsylvania, the first land-grant institution, and one of only a few universities across the country to reach this milestone.
“RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the role of The Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania's land-grant university, in expanding educational opportunity and contributing to the economic vitality and quality of life of communities throughout this Commonwealth through its mission of teaching, research and service,” the resolution reads.
With more than 430,000 alumni living and working across the state, and with 1 in 10 Pennsylvania jobs supported by Penn State and its alumni, the University’s impact is felt throughout the commonwealth.
Read the full text of the House resolution.
More recognition from government partners
The Pennsylvania House resolution follows a series of speeches, citations and recognitions by government officials at the state, federal and local level.
U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, a Penn State alumnus, spoke on the U.S. House floor to publicly recognize the milestone and entered his remarks into the official House record.