Eight Penn State Schuylkill students and one University Park student presented original research at the Eastern Communication Association convention in Pittsburgh. In total, the students presented seven papers, three posters and three panel presentations. One Schuylkill corporate communication major, Anastasia Rakowsky, had a Top Paper with the Undergraduate Scholars Conference and received an award for her work at the conference.
Ethan Raho, a fourth-year project and supply chain management major at Penn State Schuylkill, built his college experience around professional growth, independence and connection. As he prepares to graduate, Raho encourages students to make the most of their time by getting involved and building their professional experience.
Penn State Schuylkill’s Alumni Society recognized distinguished graduates during its annual Alumni Awards Reception and Ceremony held April 14, celebrating alumni achievements, leadership and impact.
During finals week, Penn State University Libraries offers the De-stress Fest, which takes place at all five branch libraries across the University Park campus and at five campuses across the commonwealth, offering free snacks, games, activities, art therapy and other stress-management options that vary at each location.
During Penn State Schuylkill’s March Faculty Research Series event, Jessica Saalfield, assistant professor of psychology, presented her research on “The Role of Geography in Substance Use and Misuse,” examining how location influences patterns of alcohol and substance use across different populations.
Mike Rhoades, Peter and Ann Tombros Endowed Men’s Basketball Head Coach, will deliver the commencement address at Penn State Schuylkill’s Saturday ceremony at 10 a.m. on May 9, in the campus gymnasium.
Gabriel Kamarousky, a healthcare executive with more than two decades of experience, will deliver the commencement address at Penn State Schuylkill’s Friday ceremony at 7 p.m. on May 8, in the campus gymnasium.
John Perkins, a fourth-year nursing student at Penn State Schuylkill, is graduating with a strong passion for helping others and a wide range of campus experiences. Actively involved in numerous student organizations, he developed valuable skills in leadership, time management and community building. Inspired by his own experience with Crohn’s disease, Perkins pursued nursing and gained hands-on clinical experience across multiple specialties, including intensive care. As he looks ahead to his career, he encourages students to take advantage of opportunities and “just go for it.”
Penn State Schuylkill students participated in the 53rd annual FBLA Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference, competing in a variety of business-related events. The chapter, led by state president AJ Serrano, engaged in workshops, networking opportunities and competitions. Several students earned top honors, including first-place finishes in Business Communication and Impromptu Speaking. Qualifying students will have the opportunity to compete at the National Leadership Conference in Las Vegas this June.
Penn State Schuylkill recently sponsored the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce’s first Business Executive Forum of 2026 on March 18, marking the 10th year the campus has hosted the event and brought together more than 100 business and community leaders, along with local and state legislators and several University leaders, for a discussion on leadership and the future of work.
