Desiree Riegel is passionate about shaping the minds of the future. A May 2023 psychology graduate at Penn State Schuylkill, Riegel balanced motherhood, a full course load, and work throughout her undergraduate studies. Her drive to succeed stems not only from herself, but from her five-year-old son — who inspired her to work even harder. With a bright future ahead, Riegel began a full-time position at Bumblebee Academy Early Learning Center, a preschool in Schuylkill Haven, prior to graduation.
Multifaceted student-athlete Jake Leininger excelled academically and in athletics throughout his time at Penn State Schuylkill. A decorated shortstop and pitcher on the baseball team, Leininger was an equally accomplished student, graduating summa cum laude this month with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and ready to start his career in the field with the hopes of becoming a Pennsylvania State Police Officer or, eventually, a U.S. Marshal.
Caitlyn Goggin earned her bachelor’s degree in biology this spring and plans to stay in the region to work for the U.S. Department of Justice. Originally from Alexandria, Virginia, Goggin was a well-rounded student on campus: an athlete, peer tutor, mentor to fellow softball teammates, and accomplished member of the Theta Chi Theta chapter of Beta Beta Beta, the national biological honor society.
After graduating with his bachelor’s degree in business with the accounting option this month, Josh Gantz is looking forward to creating his future. An aspiring business owner, Gantz will start a full-time role in accounting and finance at Evans Network of Companies in Schuylkill Haven, while simultaneously creating a plan for his own business.
Penn State campuses across Pennsylvania were sites of celebration and recognition May 5-7 as the University awarded more than 14,000 degrees during spring commencement ceremonies held statewide. Revisit the excitement of commencement with this gallery of photos from Penn State's Commonwealth Campuses.
Sophia Bates graduates this month with a bachelor’s degree in corporate communication and minors in biology and communication arts and sciences. An accomplished student, Bates has made the most of her experience at Penn State Schuylkill. As an undergraduate researcher who’s earned several accolades and co-authored papers in peer-reviewed communication journals, Bates is ready to take on her next chapter — a two-year graduate program in communication and advocacy with a concentration in health communication at James Madison University.
Antonio Rivas came to Penn State Schuylkill with a goal in mind—to advance his career within the military. Rivas will earn his bachelor’s degree in project and supply chain management in May, and hopes to be accepted into Officer Candidate School so he can move toward his dream of being a commissioned officer.
Dominique Hughes, a first-generation college student and Schuylkill County native, set out to create the college experience she was searching for upon her arrival at Penn State Schuylkill. Graduating this May with a bachelor’s degree in corporate communication and a minor in communication arts and sciences, Hughes accepted a position with Customer Value Partners based in Fairfax, Va., where she’ll work alongside the Veterans Health Administration for an annual event that highlights veterans’ stories.
A new research program for students will be launched this coming fall: The Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses Undergraduate Student Research Fund aims to support student-led projects in different fields. Participants will acquire hands-on experience in research, scholarship, and artistic efforts. They will be responsible for creating their own research problems, study proposals, methodologies, and presenting their findings.
Schuylkill County native Seth Hubler is set to graduate at Penn State Schuylkill in May with a bachelor’s degree in business. A natural-born leader, Hubler has already started a full-time position as a constituent relations specialist in the Pennsylvania State Senate, and he’s set to begin a master’s program in leadership this summer.
