UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State will hold fall commencement ceremonies across the commonwealth on Friday, Dec. 17, and Saturday, Dec. 18.
This fall the University expects to award approximately 5,052 diplomas to students University-wide who are completing 201 associate, 3,508 baccalaureate, 1,062 master's, 81 law, 199 doctoral and one medical degrees. All figures listed are estimates as of Dec. 15; totals do not include Penn College.
In accordance with University measures, masks are required to be worn indoors by all graduates and guests, regardless of vaccination status, in attendance at the commencement ceremonies.
At University Park, mask reminder signage will be prevalent throughout the venue. Graduates will be able to remove masks for a photo opportunity after crossing the stage platform, however, will be reminded to put masks back on before returning to their seats. In addition, there will be reminder signage on the doors of the Bryce Jordan Center and extra masks will be available for those who do not have one. Announcements at the gates prior to entry also will be made and hand sanitizer stations will be provided at every restroom, gate, and portal entrance.
Anyone who is not feeling well should refrain from entering any graduation venue at any campus.
University Park Livestream available
In the event that people are unable to attend commencement at University Park but would like to join in celebrating their graduate’s achievement, all in-person ceremonies will be viewable via livestream. For more information, visit the Commencement webpage.
Schedule
Following is a compilation of information for Penn State locations that are holding commencement ceremonies this fall.
Penn State University Park
Visit the University Park Commencement website, for additional information. Parking information for University Park ceremonies is available here.
Ceremonies: Saturday, Dec. 18
9:00 a.m. — Baccalaureate and Associate Degree Ceremony, The Bryce Jordan Center
— College of Agricultural Sciences
— Smeal College of Business
— College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
— College of Engineering
— College of Information Sciences and Technology
12:30 p.m. — Baccalaureate and Associate Degree Ceremony, The Bryce Jordan Center
— College of Arts and Architecture
— Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications
— College of Education
— College of Health and Human Development
— College of the Liberal Arts
— Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
— Eberly College of Science
4:30 p.m. — Masters and Doctoral Degree Ceremony, The Bryce Jordan Center
— The Graduate School
Penn State Abington
— Ceremony: 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 17, Athletic Building
— Speaker: Ameen Akbar, class of 1999 in business, founder of consulting business the iAkbar Group
— Visit Penn State Abington commencement for more information.
Penn State Altoona
— Ceremony: 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, the Arena of the Adler Athletic Complex
— Speaker: C. David Kimmel, retired director of University Relations and associate director of alumni relations and stewardship at Penn State Altoona
— Visit Penn State Altoona commencement for livestreaming and commencement information.
Penn State Beaver
— Ceremony: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17 in the Penn State Beaver SUB Auditorium
— Speaker: Lew Villotti, president of the Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development, the lead economic development organization for Beaver County
— Visit Penn State Beaver’s website for additional information.
Penn State Berks
— Ceremony: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, at the Santander Arena
— Speaker: Chris Pruitt, president and CEO of East Penn Manufacturing Co. Inc.
— Visit Penn State Berks commencement for more information.
— Read the full commencement story here: Penn State Berks honors classes of 2021 and 2020 on Dec. 15
Penn State Brandywine
— Ceremony: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 18, campus gymnasium
— Student speakers: Kristen Harootunian and Casey Siter. Harootunian is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in communications. She is currently a development and alumni intern at Caron Treatment Centers. Siter is graduating with a bachelor of science degree in psychology with a minor in human development and family studies. She has been part of the Active Minds club at Brandywine.
— Visit Penn State Brandywine commencement for more information.
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
— Ceremony: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, at Junker Center
— Speaker: Dipo Onipede, associate professor of mechanical engineering and associate director of academics in Penn State Behrend’s School of Engineering
— Visit Penn State Erie, The Behrend College commencement for more details. A livestreaming link will be available the day of the ceremony.
Penn State Greater Allegheny
— Ceremony: 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, the Wunderley Gymnasium
— Visit Penn State Greater Allegheny Commencement for more information.
Penn State Harrisburg
— Ceremony: 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 18, Giant Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania
— Speaker: Michael Sullivan, a retired senior executive with Pepco Holdings (now part of Exelon) in Washington, D.C.
— Visit Penn State Harrisburg commencement for more details. A livestream link will be available the day of the ceremony.
— Read the full commencement story here: Penn State Harrisburg to hold fall 2021 commencement, Dec. 18
Penn State New Kensington
— Ceremony: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, Forum Theatre
— Speaker: Brian Jacob, president and owner of WESTARM Home Health and WESTARM Therapy Services in Lower Burrell
— The ceremony will also be livestreamed; visit Penn State New Kensington campus commencement for links and more information.
— Read the full commencement story here: New Kensington prepares for fall 2021 commencement
Penn State Shenango
— Ceremony: 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, Campus Auditorium
— Speaker: Honorable Mary A. Odem, Magisterial District Judge
— Visit Penn State Shenango Commencement for more information.
Penn State York
— Ceremony: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, in the Pullo Family Performing Arts Center
— Speaker: Ophelia M. Chambliss, artist, activist, educator, designer, lecturer and muralist
— Visit Penn State York Commencement for more information.
— Read the full commencement story here: Penn State York to celebrate commencement Dec. 17
Pennsylvania College of Technology
— Ceremony: 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, Community Arts Center
— Speaker: Tiana M. Rawls-White, of Northumberland, who will be awarded a bachelor’s degree in applied management. Rawls-White is founder and president of the Black Student Union at Penn College.
— Visit Penn College Commencement for more information.
— Read the full commencement story here: Penn College Fall 2021 Commencement set for Dec. 18