New Graduates Honored at Fall Commencement

Penn State Behrend awarded 172 bachelor’s, master’s and associate degrees during its fall commencement ceremony on Dec. 18. The program was held in the Junker Center on campus.

Daniel S. Mead, former president and CEO of Verizon Wireless, delivered the commencement address. Interim Chancellor Ralph Ford and Council of Fellows Chairman Scott McCain also offered remarks.

“The breakneck tempo that has become your routine won’t slow much in the next few weeks, months or years,” Ford told the graduates. “You’ll be moving just as fast and pulled in as many directions as you are now. The difference will be that you will have greater agency over how and where your time and energy are spent. Not your parents, not your professors – you are finally fully in charge.”

New graduate Mary Havers, a psychology major from Erie, gave welcome remarks on behalf of the Class of 2015. Sarah Veslany, a dual major in communication and political science, gave the farewell. She is from Meadville.

Erie businessman and philanthropist Joseph Prischak was honored during the program for his longtime support of Penn State Behrend and its plastics engineering technology program – one of only four accredited plastics degree programs in the United States. He received the Penn State Honorary Alumni award, which recognizes individuals who are not graduates of the University but have made significant contributions to Penn State’s welfare, reputation and prestige.