UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State pride took center stage as Penn State World Campus students were honored in a special Homecoming ceremony on Friday, Oct. 10, to celebrate their spirit and stories as part of the University tradition.
The ceremony recognized members of the 2025 World Campus homecoming court, which comprises undergraduate and graduate students as well as two alumni, a faculty member and a staff member. The ceremony, which was organized by Penn State World Campus Student Affairs, was held on campus and streamed online for those who could not attend in person.
The members of the 2025 court are:
- Lisa Berfield, who is pursuing a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership
- Alexandra Christiansen, who is pursuing a bachelor's in marketing
- John Furfari, who is pursuing a bachelor's in integrated social sciences
- Lauren Hudgins, who is pursuing a bachelor's in business
- Tanja Jefferson, who is pursuing a bachelor's in multidisciplinary studies
- Rachael McManus, who is pursuing a bachelor's in psychology
- Alyssa Murray, who is pursuing a bachelor's in law and society
- Shelby Lynn Samick, who is pursuing a bachelor's in history
- Amanda Gresh, who is pursuing an MBA
- Candice Ahrendt, who is pursuing a master's in education
- James Glessner, a 2013 graduate
- Rebecca Foust, a 2023 graduate
- Shannon Kennan, a teaching professor from the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications
- Jodie Overstrom, an enrollment initiatives coordinator for World Campus
Berfield and Jefferson were announced as recipients of the "For the Glory" award, which recognizes court members for going above and beyond in their passion for academics, student involvement, leadership, service and embodiment of Penn State values.
The annual Penn State Homecoming celebration is one of the major University events that World Campus students participate in each year. The World Campus Homecoming committee organized a week of both virtual and in-person activities for students to get involved in the celebration.
Check out the photos from the ceremony in the gallery below.