Celebrate our Class of 2020
2020 has had its share of challenges, but this semester's graduates reflect on their unique Penn State stories as the class prepares for commencement on Dec. 19.
SHARON, Pa. - “I’m sure I’m speaking for all of us when I say, ‘Is this year over yet?’” Morgan Force said with a smile. “This year has presented so many new challenges for each one of us. But, class of fall 2020, we did it!”
This semester, more than 5,000 Penn Staters will celebrate commencement across the world through a virtual format. There’s no doubt that Force’s sentiments are shared among the graduating class.
Penn State’s class of 2020 will be honored at a virtual commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. Following the ceremony, the Shenango campus will host a virtual reception at 3 p.m. for graduates, families and friends.
This semester, two student commencement speakers were selected for their remarkable impact on campus and the community. Jaime Anderson and Force’s commencement messages can be viewed on the campus’s commencement page on Dec. 19.
Anderson and Force, both adult learners, express the challenges of returning to college while juggling work and family commitments. However, there is a silver lining in view for this year’s class. Both speakers celebrate their peers’ accomplishments of earning a degree during this unprecedented time.
“I would not be where I am if it were not for what I've gone through,” said Anderson. “I am here to tell you as living proof that even if you feel that you are at rock bottom, keep your chin up. Things can, and do, get better.”
“It hasn't been easy, but that's what makes this moment even that much sweeter. We made it.”
The Class of 2020 share reflections on what - and who - helped them create a Penn State story uniquely their own.
I never knew what I was capable of until I was put to the test, and once I was, I accomplished more than I ever thought I could have. I have learned so much about my drive and ambition.
Hope Grinnell, Human Development and Family Studies
Credit: Hope Grinnell
I want to thank my mom from the bottom of my heart. When she finally convinced me to go to college, she put an empty picture from next to my sister’s graduation picture and said, “In four years, I want to be able to put a picture of you in that empty frame.” Since that day, those words have made me strive to graduate.
Isaac Grinnell, Business
Credit: Isaac Grinnell
My favorite memory was the All-U football game at University Park. I got to walk the Penn State Shenango banner on the field with my best friend Isaac. It truly gave me the “WE ARE” feeling.
Megan Learn, Occupational Therapy Assistant
Credit: Megan Learn
My family and friends have been my greatest and biggest support system through this all. I truly don't know what I would do without them. They have helped me get through the highest and the lows throughout my journey at Penn State and I couldn't have done it without them. They show me unconditional love and support providing me someone to lean on a place to go when I need them the most. I'm most excited to apply what I've learned and worked so hard for while at Penn State to the physical therapy field. I'm looking forward to showing care and compassion to those out there who need PT, and being there to help them along their journey to recovery.
Alaina Colella, Physical Therapist Assistant
Credit: Alaina Colella
Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way to achieve my goal of becoming a PTA and I am blessed with the lifelong friends I have made. I will forever remember my time at the Shenango campus... We Are Penn State!
Ashley Haylett, Physical Therapist Assistant
Credit: Ashley Haylett
My parents helped me accomplish earning a degree because they allowed me to move back home and focus on studying rather than working. My boyfriend has also been a huge supporter. He pushes me to study and to always try my best. Another person that has helped me accomplish my goals at Penn State was my Papa. He would always talk to me about school and how studying was going. He always knew how to make when I was overwhelmed with studying. Although he may not be here to celebrate with me in person, I know he is celebrating with me from heaven.
Breanna Hull, Physical Therapist Assistant
Credit: Breanna Hull
Dr. McDade inspired me to do my best with learning anatomy and understanding how everything functions together. Dr. Dean really pushed me to understand not just memorize. Dr. Jewel has been the best person to go to when you are struggling. She understands what you’re going through and helps the best way she can.
Josiah Koskovics, Physical Therapist Assistant
Credit: Josiah Koskovics
Dr. Dean has been an ongoing role model of mine since the beginning of this program; she has always been so willing to help me grow as a student and PTA. Dr. Jewell has been so helpful with clinical placements and making sure we are getting the best experience possible. Finally, Andy Puleo has been a great employer and friend. He’s always been very helpful with anything on campus. Working in the fitness center was a great opportunity and he provided me with a good laugh when needed the most.
Araceli McMillan, Physical Therapist Assistant
Credit: Araceli McMillan
Meeting lifelong friends and all of the laughs we had in between classes and working in the fitness center have been my favorite memories. I met my bestie for life!
Jai'Lyn Mosley, Physical Therapist Assistant
Credit: Jai'Lyn Mosley
I would like to say that everyone I have come across on campus has been the supportive and help through my time at Penn State. It is very comforting knowing that all the staff is there to help, support, guide and just being there for the students in general even if it’s just to joke around for a few moments. Dr. Jewell has been very impactful during my time at Penn State. She has always been there to help me with any and all questions I have with my studies and has always been there just to listen and be supportive through any and all discussions. She has been there to give me guidance and advice on many occasions and for that I am truly grateful.
Jessica Rodriguez , Physical Therapist Assistant
Pictured: PTA grads on last day of class before spring break 2020
Credit: Jessica Rodriguez
Once college starts, it will be over in a blink of an eye. Next thing you know, you are getting ready to walk at graduation or in my case, getting ready to log onto your virtual graduation ceremony. Do everything you possibly can before it is over. Go to one of the football games or one of the trips, make new friends, and most importantly, step out of you comfort zone. You wouldn't believe how much college has to offer until you actually put forth the effort and get involved. You will do so many things and create memories that you will have with you for the rest of your life.
Melissa Tremmel, Physical Therapist Assistant
Credit: Melissa Tremmel
The people I've gotten close with during college have all had challenges. The class of 2020's ability to stay focused and support one another has been amazing.
Morgan Force, Human Development and Family Studies
Credit: Morgan Force
Looking back to my first day of college, I would have told myself to keep going because there will be challenges to overcome, but you can overcome them!!!!
DJ Clarke, Human Development and Family Studies
Credit: DJ Clarke
I am most excited to apply what I have been taught at Penn State in the OT field. I'm excited to share my knowledge and love for OT. I cannot wait to work with patients in different settings and I am really looking forward to helping those individuals during their recovery time by doing what I love the most.
Kaitlynne Boughner, Occupational Therapy Assistant
Credit: Kaitlynne Boughner
I would not be where I am if it were not for what I've gone through. I am here to tell you as living proof, that even if you feel that you are at rock bottom, keep your chin up. Things can, and do, get better. It hasn't been easy, but that's what makes this moment even that much sweeter. We made it.
Jaime Anderson, Business
Credit: Jaime Anderson
The moment I submitted my last final and realized I had obtained my life long dream of earning a degree from Penn State! There is no better feeling than obtaining your goals and realizing you did it while overcoming the obstacles of every day life!
Heather Penwell, Nursing, RN to B.S.N.
Credit: Heather Penwell
Penn State’s fall 2020 commencement ceremony
Penn State will honor fall 2020 graduates with a virtual ceremony at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19. The virtual ceremony will include formal remarks, degree conferral and induction into the Penn State Alumni Association. The virtual ceremony will be available for viewing at fall2020.commencement.psu.edu.
Following the completion of the virtual ceremony, graduates may explore additional commencement pages created for each of the colleges and campuses.
The content on Penn State Shenango’s page is tailored for our community, including video messages from Campus Director Jo Anne Carrick, Career Services Coordinator Taylor Cole and student commencement speakers Anderson and Force. Each graduate will be recognized on this page with a shareable digital slide.
Penn State Shenango’s commencement reception
Penn State Shenango will host a virtual reception for graduates and their families at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, following the University-wide ceremony.
Campus Director Jo Anne Carrick and program faculty will honor each graduate, and Darren Steele, vice president of the Penn State Shenango Alumni Society, will welcome the class of 2020 to the Penn State Alumni Association.
Connection information has been shared with graduates. Please contact Jammie Clark if you are interested in attending.
The virtual ceremony and reception are the first celebration for the fall 2020 graduates, as they and their friends and family will be invited back to campus at a time when it is safe to host large in-person gatherings.
