Ingram inspires next generation of ag leaders during commencement address

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences class of 2026 was encouraged to look beyond their own accomplishments and consider the lasting impact they will have on others, as Jim Ingram returned to his alma mater to deliver a commencement address grounded in resilience, mentorship and service.

Nearly 500 graduates gathered for the spring 2026 commencement May 10 at the Pegula Ice Arena on the University Park campus, where Ingram — whose Penn State journey began more than four decades ago in forestry — reflected on how defining moments of adversity, including the loss of his brother and the disruption of a global pandemic, became catalysts for growth, purpose and leadership.

As president and chief operating officer of Bartlett Tree Experts, Ingram oversees 149 operations across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Mexico. A State College native, he has led the company for more than 40 years, applying expertise rooted in his Penn State forestry and agricultural sciences education.

He reflected on his 1979 graduation from Penn State Mont Alto, recalling a formative moment when his father presented him with a small index card inscribed with words of wisdom.

“The card read, ‘Jim, Five Duties line each mortal path, that leads to life’s far border — To Live, To Learn, To Serve, To Earn, To Set One’s House in Order. Congrats on a good start, young man. Love, Mom and Dad,’” Ingram said. “Today, I know those words helped my five brothers and sisters and me navigate many aspects of life.”

Ingram acknowledged the challenges graduates faced during their academic journey, particularly the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I see a class that began their Penn State journey coming out of a global pandemic while in high school,” he said. “You faced life-changing challenges, and in some cases, you lost people you knew, and possibly, cherished family members. You faced the unknown, and still, you persevered. You forged resilience and grit that carried you forward to this moment, stronger than ever, earning your degree.”

He shared that his own path was shaped by early adversity and formative experiences before college. Reflecting on his time at State College Area High School in 1974, Ingram recalled participating in a “Civic Day” program in which students shadowed professionals.

Unable to secure a placement with a county service forester, he instead spent the day with a Pennsylvania game warden — an experience he valued. However, it was not aligned with his primary interest in forestry.

Recognizing his passion, his older brother, Pete, intervened, arranging a separate opportunity for him to spend time with the forester on the family’s 80-acre property. Ingram described the experience as pivotal in confirming his decision to pursue forestry at Penn State.

He also reflected on the profound loss his family experienced that same year with his brother’s passing. He said his older brother took the time to listen, understand his goals and support his aspirations.

“Pete’s ability to listen, to learn and to lead helped guide me down a path that solidified my interest in forestry and agriculture here at Penn State,” he said.

Ingram said those early experiences shaped his approach to leadership and relationships, and he encouraged graduates to draw lessons from his journey.

“Always listen to coworkers’ aspirations and ideas, learn about their strengths, and then help them to achieve their goals,” he said. “The ability to listen and to learn from others has allowed me to grow along my career path as a graduate, like you, into a person who honors those I serve.”

He said he hoped his story would help graduates navigate challenges more effectively, build meaningful relationships and transform adversity into opportunity.

Also addressing the graduates was Troy Ott, Peter and Ann Tombros Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences, who celebrated the graduates’ accomplishments and highlighted both the urgency and opportunity facing the next generation of agricultural professionals.

He noted that the world is confronting a rising global population alongside declining populations in some areas, increasing instances of both droughts and floods, and threats from invasive species and evolution of resistance, all while society demands greater efficiency and innovation in food and agricultural systems.

“Graduates, you are uniquely positioned to address these challenges head-on,” Ott said. “You possess the knowledge, skills and determination to make a difference — not just in your fields of study but in communities around the globe. Your ability to think critically, adapt swiftly and act responsibly will be essential as you navigate the complexities ahead.”

The College Marshal was Michael Vignone, who earned a bachelor’s degree in plant sciences with a horticulture option and a minor in agribusiness management.

Department Marshals were Dylan Coulter, Agricultural and Biological Engineering; Chelsea Good, Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education; Hannah Mansfield, Animal Science; Karis Blagden, Ecosystem Science and Management; Quinn Burnett, Food Science; Charlie Colvin, Plant Science; and Allison Marin, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences.

As a complement to the commencement ceremony, the college’s Office for Undergraduate Education hosted several celebrations to honor the graduates, including a reception for them and their families in the Animal, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences building.

The first of the colleges established at Penn State, the College of Agricultural Sciences is recognized as one of the nation’s premier institutions for agricultural research and education programs.

As one of the largest agricultural colleges in the country, it creates, analyzes and shares knowledge to enhance food and agricultural systems, natural resources and environmental stewardship, and economic and social well-being, thereby improving the lives of people in Pennsylvania, the nation and the world.

The college comprises nine academic departments, 66 extension offices and operates numerous research and extension centers. As part of one of the world’s foremost research universities and Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant university, the college’s mission is to teach, research and engage in outreach. The college has one of Penn State's largest scholarship programs, awarding more than $4 million annually.