Tiffany Bohner, a child psychology major with double minors in communications, reflects on her journey at Penn State Schuylkill, where she embraced every opportunity to grow academically and personally. As a student-athlete, club leader and researcher, she credits faculty mentors for shaping her success, particularly through her award-winning research on book bans and her internship at the Schuylkill County Courthouse. Bohner cherishes the close-knit campus community and friendships she formed, emphasizing that Penn State Schuylkill provided her with invaluable experiences that will stay with her for a lifetime.
The Penn State Schuylkill community dedicated a memorial bench across from the Business Building to honor Kelly Ann Gemmell, a beloved colleague known for her kindness and dedication. Family, friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate her life, recognizing her profound impact as the manager of the Barnes & Noble bookstores at Penn State Schuylkill and Penn State Hazleton. Inscribed with “Choose Kindness,” the bench serves as a lasting tribute to her warmth, generosity, and unwavering support for students and faculty.
Inspired by her love for animals and personal experiences, Isabela Caruso, a fourth-year biology student at Penn State Schuylkill, aims to become an advocate for animal care and eventually open her own veterinary practice. As she prepares for the next chapter, she encourages students to embrace challenges and step outside their comfort zones to pursue their dreams.
Thomas W. Wylonis, a scientist, educator and entrepreneur, has made a significant impact on Penn State Schuylkill through his philanthropy and mentorship. A Frackville native and Penn State alumnus, Wylonis has committed to endowing the Wylonis STEM Internship Fund, which will support STEM students in gaining hands-on experience with local companies and nonprofits.
Penn State students in "MGMT 345: Cultural Intelligence in Leadership and Management" toured Hydro’s Cressona facility as part of their coursework and will soon travel to Denmark and Sweden to compare global business practices. The course, led by Gina Whalen, prepares students with cultural competence training and hands-on learning experiences.
Teaching and Learning with Technology, part of Penn State University Libraries, has announced that the virtual Symposium Lite will return the week after the in-person TLT Symposium from 1-4 p.m. on March 27.
As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 20 Penn Staters who have gone above and beyond what’s asked of them in their work at the University.
The Art Space at Penn State Schuylkill will feature Robert McCormick’s exhibition, "Reclamation: From Coal Dust to Hope," from March 1 to 29, with gallery hours noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. McCormick, known for his Modern Primitive style, captures the history and transformation of Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Region through painting and mixed media. An artist reception and gallery talk will take place on March 6, and a book reading will be held on March 18.
A team of Penn State faculty, led by Joseph Squillace, has received a $1.78 million DOJ grant to develop Virtual Reality (VR) technology aimed at preventing school violence and cyberbullying through education and training. The three-year project, in collaboration with local school districts and law enforcement agencies, focuses on advancing equity in violence prevention for historically underserved communities. By creating real-world VR scenarios addressing issues like racism, xenophobia, and sexual assault, the initiative provides students and educators with a safe, controlled environment to develop effective prevention strategies.
Penn State Schuylkill partnered with Tyler Wilde, a Boy Scout from Troop 611 in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, to host a Miller-Keystone Blood Center drive on Jan. 30 as part of his Eagle Scout project. Wilde set a goal of securing 28 blood donors but exceeded expectations by collecting 33 donations, providing potentially lifesaving aid to the community. This initiative reflects Penn State Schuylkill’s commitment to community engagement, supporting individuals like Wilde who strive to make a meaningful impact.
