We have heard it everywhere since March: “These are unprecedented times.” But we also know that the Penn State Wilkes-Barre campus community has risen to meet challenges since our founding more than one hundred years ago.

When we look back, we see the paths laid by those who have gone before us, establishing the heart and soul of Penn State Wilkes-Barre. During these past nine months, we have been called to adapt and respond like never before. Following in the steps of our predecessors, our staff, faculty, alumni, community, friends and neighbors have banded together in support of our mission to deliver a Penn State education in the Back Mountain and beyond through remote instruction and support services. We are grateful for every one of our campus community members and what they have contributed to the success of our students.

Every day, we are inspired by our students’ stories and the strength and determination they have shown as they continue a college experience like no other. It was their ability to adapt — wearing masks and social distancing — while considering the health of others that allowed us to go back to campus and connect in person this fall.

We are inspired by what our students have brought to our campus and the Penn State community, and we are so fortunate to walk alongside them on their journeys as Penn Staters.

— Penn State Wilkes-Barre Cabinet Team