SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Wearing Nittany Lion costumes, Melissa Deppisch and several family members led the audience in a rousing “We are Penn State” cheer shortly before commencement began Saturday in The Lion’s Den gymnasium at Schuylkill Campus.
Deppisch’s enthusiasm — she drove more than seven hours from Vermont to be there when her son, Pascal, graduated — was reflective of the spirit displayed at the school’s 80th commencement.
Interim Chancellor Dr. Cory Scherer officiated at the awarding of undergraduate and graduate degrees to 156 students, one of the largest graduating classes in the school’s history.
When the gym reached capacity, some visitors watched commencement in the school’s auditorium. Additional parking was utilized at nearby First United Church of Christ.
The assembly rose in honor as the graduates, led by Prof. Harold Aurand carrying the symbolic mace, filed into the gym to a recording of “Pomp and Circumstance” by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Some graduates, particularly young women, decorated their mortarboards with flowers, ribbon and glitter.
Scherer charged the graduates with continuing a tradition begun in Medieval times, “to pursue further learning, undertake additional research and use their knowledge for the betterment of mankind.”
Commencement came as a cloud of uncertainty hangs over Penn State’s 12 satellite campuses, including Schuylkill.
Earlier this year, PSU president Neeli Bendapudi announced that some of the campuses would close after the 2026-2027 school year. An announcement is expected after the PSU board of trustees meets this month.
Robert S. Carl Jr., Schuylkill Campus advisory board president, assured the assembly that everything possible is being done to keep Schuylkill Campus open.
“I am here to tell you that this community has rallied around every student on this campus,” said Carl, president and CEO of Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce. “We have fought the fight, and made a compelling argument to Penn State and Dr. Bendapudi.”
Dr. Larry D. Terry II, keynote speaker, called attention to the communities on and off campus.
He cited two students — Arabi Ofelia Chavira of Oklahoma and Karly Ann Ulmer of Lancaster — who represent the true spirit of the campus.
As roommates, they learned to rely on one another, get help from advisers and friends, and push the concept of community a little bit further.
“These are just two amazing examples of the student experience at Penn State Schuylkill,” said Terry, PSU vice president of outreach. “I love your sense of pride.”
Departing from his speech, Terry urged students to give their families a round of applause. In response, families shouted congratulations to their students.
“Thank you friends and families for what you’ve done to help each of these students here today, they wouldn’t be here without you,” he said. “And though I said earlier it is their day, it is yours too.”
Kaely Elizabeth Walshaw, a biology major who graduated Magna Cum Laude, gave the student address.
She had intended to transfer to the main campus, but changed her mind and completed her degree at Schuylkill.
“The truth is I fell in love with Penn State Schuylkill and our community,” said Walshaw, who is pursuing a career in medicine. “I fell in love with the affordable education, research opportunities, leadership experiences, athletic possibilities and close-knit relationships Penn State Schuylkill has to offer.”
B. Marcel Smith, Alumni Society Leadership Committee co-chair, gave the alumni address.
One of Penn State’s first satellite campuses, Schuylkill began in Pottsville in 1934 and moved to Schuylkill Haven in 1967. It offers 10 baccalaureate degrees in healthcare, business and technology, and the first two years of undergraduate study in 275 majors that can be completed on the University Park campus.
