Penn State Hazleton confers degrees to 66 graduates

May 9—SUGARLOAF TWP. — Looming rain clouds didn't dampen the spirits of 66 graduates of the Class of 2021 at Penn State Hazleton Campus Saturday morning, as family, friends and faculty gathered for the 51st commencement.

The first in-person graduation in more than a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone came together, wearing masks and socially distanced, under a large tent on the campus' Sports and Recreation Field.

The Penn State Nittany Lion mascot bounded around before the graduation, posing for photographs with guests and dancing to music fitting of the day's celebration.

Chancellor Gary M. Lawler commended the graduates for their determination and resiliency through the many challenges of the last year, while they continue to push forward.

This commencement will be the most memorable during his 14-year tenure on the campus, he said.

As they focus on the accomplishments of these "tremendous Penn State graduates," Lawler noted the campus is poised for growth with 13 baccalaureate degrees on campus with more than $1 million in scholarships awarded.

A capital campaign raised $5.9 million of a $6 million goal with a year to go, and the campus is seeing investments in the Lofstron Library and Kostos Building, as well as the goal of access and affordability, he said.

"You have worked hard and been resilient in the face of adversity," Lawler said. "You make us Penn State proud."

Student Government Association President James Walsh, in his address to graduates, told them to continue to learn and grow.

"Keep learning and keep growing until the day you die and never settle for a job, career or relationship you are not truly happy with," he said.

Penn State alumna Krista Schneider, who serves as executive director of the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress, delivered the commencement address.

As head of DHAP, Schneider helped infuse more than $6 million into revitalization projects in Downtown Hazleton. Her fundraising efforts led to construction of a new city arts center, community park and welcome center. She also helped establish the Butler Twp. Community Park, a space where gardeners can rent and maintain their own plots while learning about organic farming and sustainable agriculture.

Schneider told the graduates that a college degree will open many doors for them, but many choices lie ahead and it's up to them the direction and stops they make on the journey ahead.

Help others, learn something new, work together, give back, find joy in things you do and stay humble as they continue to do great things, she said.

"Take the opportunity to celebrate small milestones and successes on the way to your destination," Schneider said. "If you don't you'll miss opportunities to ... explore something new and make a meaningful difference along the way."

Contact the writer: kmonitz@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3589