Whether you like it or not, seniors, it’s that time of year again.
With the end of the semester comes fall commencement, where more than 5,000 seniors will face the dreaded G-word (read: graduation). Although graduates and their families can’t celebrate together in person just yet, Penn State will host a virtual ceremony to recognize their accomplishments.
Before Saturday’s festivities get underway, read up on everything you’ll need to know.
Penn State’s virtual fall commencement will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 19. The ceremony will feature both undergraduate and graduate students from all Penn State campuses across the commonwealth.
Although Penn State is known for its extensive network of alumni, many students never utilize this resource during their time on campus.
When she was a career counselor in the Smeal College of Business, Lisa Milne said many students cited the alumni network as the main reason they came to Penn State. But when she asked these students how they were âtapping into it,â many didnât have an answer.
To combat this deficit, the Penn State Alumni Association revamped its longstanding LionLink program in 2018.
LionLink allows students to connect with alumni for mentorship, networking and career development opportunities.
By building a personal profile around their professional interests, students can be matched with one of the approximately 13,000 active alumni users in their respective career field, according to Milne, assistant director for alumni career services.
Image: Patrick Mansell
December 11, 2020
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. At 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, Penn State will hold its fall 2020 commencement ceremony via livestream.
The virtual ceremony will recognize the academic achievements of those who are completing degree requirements this fall, including undergraduates at University Park and the Commonwealth Campuses, as well as all graduate students.
Formal remarks, conferral of degrees and induction into the Penn State Alumni Association are all traditional elements of the commencement ceremony that will be included in the virtual ceremony. After the livestreamed ceremony, graduates will have the opportunity to explore individual student recognition with shareable, digital slides, on webpages for each college and campus.