The graduating class of 2025 join together in the gymnasium on the Penn State Schuylkill campus awaiting the ceremony to begin.
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — On Saturday, May 10, Penn State Schuylkill held its 80th commencement ceremony in the campus gymnasium, celebrating the achievements of the graduating class in front of family, friends, faculty and staff.
The ceremony began with welcoming remarks from Interim Chancellor Cory Scherer, who congratulated the graduates on their academic accomplishments. Delivering the advisory board message was Robert S. Carl Jr., president of the Penn State Schuylkill Advisory Board and president and chief executive officer of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce. Carl encouraged the graduates to embrace the challenges ahead and carry forward the values instilled during their time at Penn State Schuylkill.
"Each graduate should not only be proud of what you have achieved, but you also should feel excitement for the wonderful experiences that lie ahead," said Carl. "The Penn State degree you have worked so hard to earn will help open many doors of opportunity that will allow you to flourish in your careers, continue your studies, and contribute to your communities."
The keynote address was delivered by Larry D. Terry II, vice president for Penn State Outreach. Drawing from his leadership experience and background in community engagement, Terry offered words of inspiration and challenged the graduates to make meaningful contributions in their personal and professional lives.
"If I could make one request, or one call to action for your many tomorrows, it is this: continue building communities. Keep co-creating. Keep using your voice, and keep showing up for each other," said Terry. "I promise you that your efforts will not go unnoticed, and you can make a difference in our world. You can make a lasting impact and meaningful change in our collective and ongoing pursuit of forming a more perfect union."
Representing the Class of 2025, biology major Kaely Elizabeth Walshaw delivered the student address. Walshaw spoke about the unique journey of her class and shared reflections on perseverance, friendship, and the support of the campus community.
"Our class has proudly represented the Penn State Schuylkill community and in return Penn State Schuylkill has helped shape us into brilliant minds of the future," said Walshaw. "We have grown into innovative scholars and each of us is capable of making an impact on the world."
Scherer officiated the awarding of undergraduate and graduate degrees to 156 students — one of the largest graduating classes in Penn State Schuylkill’s history. The Spring 2025 commencement marked a significant milestone, celebrating the dedication, growth, and contributions of each graduate to both the campus and the surrounding community. As students crossed the stage to receive their degrees, they were met with enthusiastic applause from faculty, peers, and proud supporters, making the occasion a truly memorable tribute to their hard work and achievements.
B. Marcel Smith, a 2014 Penn State graduate and co-chair of the Penn State Schuylkill Alumni Society Leadership Committee, delivered an alumni message. Smith welcomed the newest alumni into the Penn State network and encouraged them to remain connected and engaged.
"Please always remember that even though you are no longer a student, Penn State and the Penn State Alumni Association will always be here for you. Our alumni community is your community," said Smith.
Scherer closed the ceremony by thanking everyone who contributed to the event's success and offered the graduates one final round of applause.
"This is your moment, and you should be incredibly proud of it. Relish in it, be selfish about it, it is a big deal, and you should enjoy the moment," said Scherer. "Congratulations once again and I wish you continued success in the future."
As the ceremony concluded, graduates turned their tassels with pride, symbolizing both an ending and a beginning — ready to take the next step with a Penn State degree in hand.
