When Nathan Tam graduates on Saturday, May 9, he will have earned both a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from Penn State Berks and a master’s degree in applied statistics from Penn State World Campus. He is also completing minors in both mathematics and chemistry.
Elizabeth Heffron has had many roles in her young life, including U.S. Marine, wife and mother. On Saturday, May 9, she will add college graduate to the list when she earns her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychological science.
When Mark Longenberger graduates on Saturday, May 9, he will have earned both a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Penn State Berks and a master’s degree in applied statistics from Penn State World Campus. He also minored in both mathematics and business.
Cassady Wallace has dedicated herself to helping others, both through her studies and service. She will be graduating with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from Penn State Berks on May 9. Wallace, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, said she knew that she wanted a major that would lead to a career of service. She attributes that desire to her mother, who works as a radiation therapist at Penn State Health’s Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where she treats individuals with cancer.
Lauren Conrad has been named student marshal for the Penn State Berks spring 2026 commencement ceremony. She is earning a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology with a minor in chemistry. Conrad, of Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, said she became interested in biochemistry during her first year at Brandywine Heights High School. The seeds of that interest took root when she completed the Medical Health Professions Program, a program that provides high school seniors with real-world experience and a head start on a future in healthcare.
Members of the Penn State Berks information technology faculty collaborated with teachers and students at Wyomissing Area High School to create projects for the Presidential AI Challenge, which seeks to inspire young people and educators to create artificial intelligence (AI)-based innovative solutions to community challenges while fostering AI interest and competency,
Penn State Berks will host a workshop titled “Designing critical thinking assessments in the Age of AI: Prompt and context engineering workshop” on Tuesday, May 12. The workshop is designed for K-12 educators. Participants who complete the full event will receive five hours of ACT 48 credit. The event is free, and breakfast and lunch will be provided. Registration is required by 5 p.m. on April 30.
Diane and Mike Katzaman have come forward with a $3 million estate commitment designed to lower financial barriers for Penn State students and provide the support they need to thrive.
A new class of more than 250 Penn State Berks students will receive their baccalaureate and associate degrees at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at the Santander Arena in downtown Reading, when Berks hosts its spring 2026 commencement ceremony. Suniti Moudgil, chief technology officer at Carpenter and member of the Penn State Berks Advisory Board, will deliver the keynote address.
Throughout 2025, Berks LaunchBox continued accelerating startup growth in the Berks County community. In the last year, Berks LaunchBox assisted 277 entrepreneurs, taught new skills to 713 community members in its Makerspace, offered entrepreneurship classes to 540 community members, supported entrepreneurs and organizations in building 31 prototypes, and impacted 364 students.
