As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 19 Penn Staters who have gone above and beyond what’s asked of them in their work at the University.
During Penn State's spring break, 10 Penn State Berks students, joined by students from Penn State Harrisburg and Penn State Scranton, participated in the University's annual Alternative Spring Break trip, a service trip that allows them to travel to different areas each year. This year, students traveled to the Seattle area, where they worked with members of the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe on conservation efforts and with Sound Salmon Solutions on efforts to help restore and protect waterways.
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.
