When Genesis Muñoz Arias was a student at Reading High School, she was introduced to Penn State Berks through the Upward Bound program, which provides support to participants in preparation for college. Now that she is graduating from Penn State Berks, she is putting her degree to work to help Reading residents.
The Penn State Berks Campus Activities Board received multiple awards at the National Association for Campus Activities Mid Atlantic Virtual Awards Recognition ceremony on Nov. 18.
Brooke Chiappetta was born into a Penn State family, so when she was applying to colleges, Penn State was at the top of her list. On Dec. 15, she will join the ‘lion’s pride’ when she walks across the stage as student marshal –– graduating magna cum laude –– to receive her diploma from Penn State Berks.
Many returning adult learners credit their children as their motivation, and Bianca Marie Ruiz is no exception. A first-generation college student, mother of three, and now a graduate of the occupational therapy program at Penn State Berks, Ruiz and her fellow graduates will celebrate their achievements during the fall commencement ceremony on Dec.15 at the Santander Arena.
It’s not unusual for graduates to experience a career change in their lifetimes, but it’s not so common to hear about a career “refocusing.” Britton Reider’s return to Penn State to pursue a bachelor’s degree in electro-mechanical engineering technology at the Berks campus helped to push his career to the next level.
Erin Horack, a first-year biotechnology major at Penn State Berks, recently won two first place awards for her research studying the spotted lanternfly. She was named a 2021 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar and she also took first place honors at the National FFA Agriscience competition for her research.
Penn State Berks graduates from the classes of 2020 and 2021 will be recognized during the college’s fall 2021 commencement ceremony, to be held 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, at the Santander Arena. Graduates from the class of 2021 will receive their baccalaureate and associate degrees while graduates from the Class of 2020 will be honored for their achievement. In total, 287 students will be recognized.
The annual Penn State Berks pop-up, fine-dining restaurant event is currently taking reservations for its annual dinner, 5–9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5, in the first floor lobby of the Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building.
In celebration of LGBTQ+ Month and National Coming Out Day, Penn State Berks held a student art competition. Students were invited to submit their original artwork inspired by an LGBTQ+ cultural or historical figure.
Penn State alumnus Cody Yackanicz, 2017, is a member of an exclusive club: He is one of only about 2,600 people to complete thru-hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail, according to the Pacific Crest Trail Association.