Campus Life

In photos: Setting the stage for Penn State's commencement ceremonies

Penn State commencement coordinators work tirelessly to honor thousands of graduates

Kathy Pletcher, a commencement coordinator for the College of Agricultural Sciences, examines the cords students wear over their robes during the graduation ceremony. The cords are one part of a collection of regalia that needs to be looked over and organized. Credit: Michael Houtz, College of Agricultural Sciences / Penn State. Creative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Each semester, staff across Penn State's colleges pull off what seems like an impossible task: Host the perfect ceremony to cap off every student's journey toward a degree. But commencement ceremonies are an undertaking that can't happen overnight. It takes the dedicated work of commencement coordinators and college staff to plan, prepare for and execute the biggest annual event at University Park.

Each of the Penn State colleges have multiple commencement coordinators, who balance the work of planning and preparing for the ceremony on top of other obligations like academic advising or communications. The event is only possible through their work, along with the assistance and support of numerous other staff, faculty and administrators in their colleges.

This photo gallery spotlights coordinators as they prepare for and carry out their responsibilities in order to create a day to remember for new graduates.

Last Updated May 19, 2025