Photo submitted by Mikael Atnafu, an undergraduate student studying biochemistry and molecular biology in the Eberly College of Science, of the Old Main bell tower on July 24, 2025.
Photo submitted by Nicholas Bianchi, an undergraduate student studying aerospace engineering in the College of Engineering. The submitted caption reads: "I took this picture outside my current residence hall at University Park, Pinchot Hall, on July 17, 2025."
Photo submitted by Laura Galvão Coelho, a graduate student pursuing a master's degree in art history in the College of Arts and Architecture. The submitted caption reads: "A shot of flowers in front of the Palmer Museum of Art, taken June 10, 2025."
Photo submitted by Oscar Cartagena, digital content creator at Penn State Harrisburg. The submitted caption reads: "'A Curious Encounter at Vartan Plaza.' I was out on assignment trying to capture the wild animals of Penn State Harrisburg when I spotted a squirrel high up in the trees near Vartan Plaza on June 12, 2025. As I got closer, the squirrel started acting a little suspicious but also strangely interested in me. We both inched toward each other, almost like a game of trust. It felt like the campus critter was waiting for its moment to shine. The photo shows it striking a pose like a true model — fluffy tail on point, eyes locked on the lens and an expression that says, 'Did you get my good side?'"
Photo submitted by Amanda Trievel, digital strategy lead for strategic communications and community engagement at Penn State Abington. The submitted caption reads: "Turtles basking in the sun on the longest summer day of the year, June 20, 2025, at the Abington campus."
Photo submitted by Beth Tuschhoff, a graduate student pursuing a doctorate in quantitative ecology in the Eberly College of Science, of flowers at the Arboretum in early June. The submitted caption reads: "Looking to the sky."
Photo submitted by Sara P. Brennan, communications director for the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center in the College of Health and Human Development. The submitted caption reads: "I took this photo on July 23, 2025, at the Arboretum at Penn State. This majestic Red Elm (Ulmus rubra) has become a Penn State landmark in its own right. The sunlight streaming through the tree branches evokes the feeling of happy summer evenings spent outdoors."
The winning picture in the 2025 Penn State Today summer photo contest was submitted by Shrinishtaa Srinivas, an undergraduate student studying film and communications at Penn State Harrisburg. This photo, taken by Srinivas for their COMM 215 basic photography course in late summer 2024, shows canna lily flowers in front of the Vartan Plaza fountain at the Harrisburg campus.
