MAY 2023 ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
Penn State Schuylkill celebrates 78th commencement ceremony
On Saturday, May 6, Penn State Schuylkill held its 78th commencement ceremony, celebrating its fall 2022 and spring and summer 2023 graduates and welcoming them into the world's greatest alumni community!

Rob Fenza, trustee of the Pennsylvania State University and chair of the Board of Trustees Committee on Finance, Business and Capital Planning, served as commencement keynote speaker. Robert S. Carl, Jr., first vice president of the Penn State Schuylkill Advisory Board, also shared remarks. Seth Hubler, a 2023 business major, delivered the student address.

If you were unable to join us for this special event, you can view a recording of the ceremony online. View our commencement photo galleries on Facebook here and here.
Schuylkill Speaks! Graduating Student Profiles feature new alumni
Schuylkill Speaks! graduating student profiles shine the spotlight on our newest Penn State Schuylkill alumni. These exceptional students include athletes, scholars, givers of time, and campus leaders. All of these students have distinguished themselves during their time on campus, and they embody the proud tradition of Penn State graduates making a difference in the world, locally and globally. We expect amazing things from this cohort, and we wish them great success as they continue on to their next endeavors!
For Ni'Kiyah Williams, blazing her own trail prompts success
After graduating with her associate degree in human development and family studies this May, Ni'Kiyah Williams plans to continue her education at Penn State's World Campus to earn her bachelor's degree in human development and family studies. Concurrently, Williams will be working in the health care field as she moves towards her dream of becoming a child and family social worker.

Veteran Antonio Rivas is dedicated to advancing in his field
Antonio Rivas came to Penn State Schuylkill with a goal in mind – to advance his career within the military. Rivas earned a bachelor's degree in project and supply chain management this month, and hopes to be accepted into Officer Candidate School so he can move toward his dream of being a commissioned officer.

For Bethany Haag, helping others leads to research passion
After graduating summa cum laude this May with a degree in psychology, Bethany Haag will continue addictions research she started as an undergraduate at Penn State Schuylkill when she starts a five-year doctoral program in biobehavioral health in fall of 2023 at Penn State's University Park campus. There, her research will focus on neural and behavioral mechanisms in relapse rates among individuals with alcohol use disorders.

News & Events
Alumni Mixer honoring classes of '83, '93, '03 and '13 to be held in August

All alumni are welcome at the upcoming mixer that will be held on Saturday, August 5, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Crimson House in Pottsville. Join fellow alumni for a night of fun with Penn State giveaways, live music, appetizers and catching up! During this event there will be "graduation stations" featuring photos from the classes of 1983, 1993, 2003 and 2013. If you have any photos you'd like included, please reach out to Abbie Kaiser. Registration is required to attend. Please register by Friday, July 28.

Enjoy We Are Weekend hosted by the Penn State Alumni Association at University Park

We Are Weekend takes place from Friday, June 16, to Saturday, June 17.

We Are Weekend gives Penn Staters of all ages an opportunity to customize their weekend schedule and spend time with family, friends, and classmates. This family-friendly event takes place in June at the University Park Campus, and provides the opportunity for alumni and friends to connect with what they love about Penn State. Event highlights include:
  • Several events to celebrate the 50-year class celebration for the class of 1973
  • Virtual and in-person tours
  • Educational lectures
  • Fun, family-friendly events include an ice cream social and outdoor concert featuring local duo Anchor and Arrow at the Hintz Family Alumni Center.

Blue and White Society celebrates the closing of the academic year with party

Students in the Blue and White Society celebrated the closing of another academic year with an end of the year party! Students gathered together in the Fryer Conference Center on campus to enjoy decorating cookies, as well as recognizing graduating students Bethany Haag and Dominique Hughes.
Calling for summer 2023 Lionlink Projects

Lionlink Projects matches students and recent graduates with experiential learning opportunities offered by you, a Penn State alumnus. Alumni gain support for their business, organization, or chapter while recent graduates and students acquire real-world experience. Most importantly, participating Penn Staters form mutually beneficially professional connections by working together.

Suitable projects may include:
  • Creating a social media campaign
  • Designing a website
  • Creating a logo
  • Analyzing data
  • Supporting a fundraising event
  • Conducting research
  • Researching and writing grants
  • Performing SEO analysis
  • Drafting or forecasting budgets
  • Conducting market analysis
  • Creating or mapping data

Check out upcoming professional development courses being held at Penn State Schuylkill
Penn State Schuylkill offers professional development programs that provide working adults with an opportunity to advance their careers, seek new careers, prepare for licensure and re-licensure, improve professional skills or increase their knowledge. We can help you get ahead and stay ahead with educational activities that are designed to bring you greater personal or professional satisfaction and growth. Alumni may receive a discounted rate on courses.

Welcome to the Alumni Corner: check out this month's Alumni Insights featuring alumnus Steve Shalamanda

We caught up with alumnus Steve Shalamanda to chat about his journey throughout his undergraduate studies and beyond. Steve graduated from Penn State Schuylkill in 2020 with a bachelor's degree and is currently earning his doctor of optometry degree at Salus University, with an anticipated graduation in 2024.

Q: Why did you choose Penn State Schuylkill?

Shalamanda: I've always wanted to go to Penn State, and it made sense to start close to home. I intended to participate in the 2+2 program, but eventually I met people and formed strong relationships here, and decided to stay all four years.

Q: How has your Penn State education played a role in your career?

Shalamanda: I felt very prepared when I started at the graduate level. I feel like earning my bachelor's degree provided me with the knowledge to take my next steps and the confidence to begin my graduate career.

Q: Do you have any advice for anyone interested in pursuing a career as an optometrist?

Shalamanda: Make sure you maximize your resources on campus and make meaningful connections with local practitioners. It will help set you up for success in your future following graduate school!
Alumni Relations provides opportunities for alumni to support the campus through advocacy, philanthropy, and student career preparation by providing expertise, mentoring, and internships. Current students become involved in these activities through the Blue & White Society to help them grow into engaged alumni.
For more information about Penn State Schuylkill alumni activities, contact Abigayle Kaiser, alumni relations and stewardship officer, at agk5151@psu.edu.
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. U.Ed. SLO 23-33