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 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.
Read Bethany's Penn State story >
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 to gain valuable experience as she moves towards her dream of becoming a child and family social worker.
Read Ni'Kiyah's Penn State story >
A born leader, Seth Hubler aims for career in public service
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.
Read Seth's Penn State story >
Change-maker Dominique Hughes is ready to impact her career
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. Hughes will graduate 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.
Read Dominique's Penn State story >
Sophia Bates discovers aptitude for health communications
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.
Read Sophia's Penn State story >
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 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.
Read Antonio's Penn State Story >
Aspiring business owner Josh Gantz starts his next chapter
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.
Read Josh's Penn State story >
Caitlyn Goggin secures role with U.S. Department of Justice
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.
Read Caitlyn's Penn State story >
Driven athlete Jake Leininger eyes career in law enforcement
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 with the hopes of becoming a Pennsylvania State Police Officer or, eventually, a U.S. Marshal.
Read Jake's Penn State story >
Desiree Riegel aims to help shape the next generation
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 not only stems 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.