Students in the beekeeping club stand around an active hive on the Penn State Schuylkill campus.
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — A year after its revitalization, the Penn State Schuylkill Beekeeping Club is buzzing with activity — and achievement.
Under the enthusiastic leadership of adviser Mary Ann Smith, a faculty member in chemistry and biology, and co-presidents James Bell, a fourth-year biology major, and Zachary Fisher, a third-year cybersecurity major, the club has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Originally founded in 2021, the club once maintained up to four hives on campus. But after the original adviser departed, its future was uncertain — until Smith stepped in, completing beekeeping training herself to support the students.
“I couldn’t see the club go down without a fight, especially if students were still interested,” Smith said. “So I had to do something — and I’m so glad I did.”
From the lone surviving hive they inherited last spring, the club successfully split and nurtured a second thriving colony. The growth of the hives parallels the club’s expanding membership and activity.
In their first full year, students learned how to process and bottle honey — managing to collect and sell about 40 pounds. The club even entered its amber honey in the Pennsylvania Farm Show in January. Though they didn’t place, the experience was a valuable step forward.
Beyond the bees, the club has broadened its appeal through creative product offerings. Inspired by their involvement in the Commonwealth Campus Sustainability Forum, students crafted more than 90 honey-based candles and soaps for conference attendees. The handmade items were a hit and sparked a new tradition.
“We didn’t want it to just be about handling bees,” Smith said. “Soaps and candles were a natural choice to involve more students and reach the broader community.”
Student leaders have found unexpected academic and personal growth through the club. Co-president Zachary Fisher said, “At first, beekeeping was just a casual curiosity. But over time, it grew into a real passion. It taught me patience, focus, and respect for even the smallest parts of nature. It became more than just a hobby.”
With 14 active members visiting hives last fall, interest in the club has swelled — impressive for a group working with a creature best known for its sting. The Beekeeping Club has also become a fixture at campus events, including Earth Day and sustainability fairs, where members educate the public on pollinators’ critical role in agriculture and ecosystems.
One of the club’s proudest moments came in November, when members traveled to University Park to present at the Global Sustainable Action Conference hosted by Penn State Global. Their table, “Honey Around the World,” featured tastings from six continents — including samples from Penn State Schuylkill’s own hives.
“It was fun having people compare our honey to University Park’s,” Bell said. “It made the event interactive and showcased what we’ve been working on.”
The club continues its upward trend with plans for a beekeeping seminar series open to the local community. Topics will include bee biology, hive care, and treatment strategies, along with spring and summer hive visits for those curious to experience beekeeping firsthand.
With a blend of science, sustainability, and student leadership, the Penn State Schuylkill Beekeeping Club is proving that a small hive of activity can make a big impact.
