Editor's note: This story is part of a series profiling exceptional members of Penn State Schuylkill’s graduating class. For more stories like Sylla's, visit Schuylkill Speaks!
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — As graduation approaches, Maxwell Smith is preparing to leave Penn State Schuylkill with more than a degree. The corporate communication major from Delaware County is taking with him leadership experience, professional confidence and a strong sense of community built during his time on campus.
Smith has been actively involved in campus life, serving as president of Lambda Pi Eta, the communication honors society at Penn State Schuylkill. In addition to his leadership role, he also worked as a student employee in the campus library, a position he said became a meaningful part of his college experience.
“I’ve loved being a student worker in the library,” Smith said. “It gave me another place on campus where I felt connected and supported.”
While Smith was not a student-athlete, athletics still played a significant role in his final year. This semester, he completed an internship as a sports media specialist and sportscaster for the campus baseball, softball and flag football teams.
“Even though I’m not personally on a team, I interact closely with them every day,” Smith said. “The internship has helped me build connections and practice speaking in front of a crowd during high pressure moments.”
Smith said those real-world experiences have been instrumental in shaping his future, allowing him to sharpen his communication abilities while preparing for a career in media and communications.
His path to Penn State Schuylkill, he said, was instinctive.
“I just knew when I arrived on campus that this was my school,” Smith said. “I had toured a couple of other campuses and wasn’t crazy about any of them. The second I got out of the car here, I looked at my dad and said, ‘I’ll be going here.’”
Originally enrolled as a radiology student, Smith discovered his passion for communication after taking several introductory courses. A faculty member encouraged him to reconsider his academic direction, advice he said proved transformative.
“My professor pulled me aside and said I seemed to enjoy communication classes and be good at them,” Smith said. “She suggested I think about making it my major or minor, and that changed everything.”
Smith credits the corporate communication program not only for academic growth but also for the relationships and opportunities it provided, including leading Lambda Pi Eta and participating in student government as a club leader.
Throughout his time on campus, Smith said faculty and staff played a vital role in his success. He specifically noted Professor Janelle Gruber for helping guide him toward corporate communication and supporting him from the beginning.
“There are so many friendly and helpful faces here,” Smith said. “From faculty to staff, people like Jordan from maintenance or Jason in the library, everyone made this place feel welcoming.”
Beyond academics, Smith said Penn State Schuylkill taught him independence and how to prepare for adult life.
“I learned how to live away from my family, manage roommates and create a schedule that actually works,” he said. “That was huge for me.”
When asked about his favorite memory, Smith said it is impossible to choose just one. Many of his most meaningful moments came from friendships formed early on, including becoming best friends with his first-year roommate.
Looking ahead, Smith said he will miss the people most.
“I love my friends here, and I love the staff and faculty,” he said. “There’s always a friendly face around every corner. I’m really going to miss that.”
As he prepares to graduate, Smith offered advice to incoming students.
“Make a plan for yourself,” he said. “Figure out a schedule that works for you and break your work into manageable pieces. It’s easy to think you have everything under control, but planning makes all the difference.”