SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Penn State Schuylkill celebrated its 81st commencement with two ceremonies held May 8 and 9, honoring more than 130 graduates across a variety of academic programs.
The May 8 ceremony recognized graduates from the nursing and radiological sciences programs, while the May 9 ceremony celebrated students from all other majors. Both ceremonies opened with welcome remarks from Interim Chancellor Cory Scherer and a congratulatory message from Robert Carl, president of the Penn State Schuylkill Advisory Board.
Friday’s commencement featured keynote speaker Gabriel Kamarousky, president of Geisinger St. Luke’s, who encouraged graduates entering the healthcare field to recognize the importance of their work and the impact they will have on others.
“You are entering a profession where your skills are urgently needed, where your presence will directly impact access to care, patient safety and outcomes,” Kamarousky said. “You are not filling a job — you are answering a call at a moment when our communities need you most. You’ve learned to think critically. You’ve learned to move quickly, but carefully. You’ve also learned that no one works alone. Healthcare is a team sport, and today you officially join that team.”
Student speaker Sadie Sitlinger, who earned an associate degree in radiological sciences, reflected on the lessons learned throughout her Penn State experience and the opportunities that lie ahead for graduates.
“Regardless of what your personal successes or goals may be, they will be unattainable without work ethic, dedication, focus and most importantly character, which are all traits that I have learned during my Penn State experience,” Sitlinger said. “The beauty of our fields are that the opportunities before us are endless — the sky is truly the limit for what we can achieve as nurses and radiology professionals.”
Saturday’s ceremony featured keynote speaker Mike Rhoades, Penn State University men’s basketball head coach, who emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and personal growth.
“The fact that you are receiving your diplomas this morning proves that you have intelligence, that you know how to work, and that you are ambitious,” Rhoades said. “These qualities will carry you far. But it will only take you so far during your working lifetime. You will need to be redirected or retrained at least three to four times maybe more during your lifetime. So the important point to realize is that learning is a lifestyle. You are off to a great start with a Penn State degree. Be lifelong learners. Keep growing and keep moving forward knowing it is just what Penn Staters do.”
Rhoades concluded his remarks by congratulating graduates and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
“You have done it,” he said. “You are a Penn State graduate and the world is out there for you to go chase more dreams. Go do it and enjoy the ride.”
Victoria Grimm, who graduated with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice and a minor in sociology, served as the student speaker for Saturday’s ceremony. She encouraged her classmates to embrace the future with confidence and determination.
“Let’s carry the lessons of this journey with us. Let’s stay curious. Let’s stay open. Let’s stay brave,” Grimm said. “We are ready for what comes next — not because we know exactly what the future holds, but because we know we can meet it with the same determination that brought us here today.”
During both ceremonies, degrees were formally conferred by members of the Penn State Board of Trustees. Trustee Emeritus Keith Masser participated in Friday’s ceremony, while Trustee Emeritus Edward Brown III participated in Saturday’s ceremony.
The Penn State Schuylkill Alumni Society also welcomed graduates into the alumni community. Christina Talley, chair of the Alumni Society Leadership Committee, addressed graduates during Friday’s ceremony, and Steven Shalamanda represented the Alumni Society during Saturday’s event.
Both ceremonies concluded with final remarks from Scherer, who thanked faculty, staff, families and supporters for helping make the celebrations possible.
“This is your moment and you should be incredibly proud of it,” Scherer said. “Relish in it, be selfish about it, it is a big deal and you should enjoy the moment. Congratulations once again and I wish you continued success in the future.”