Penn State Abington summer/fall 2016 commencement
Penn State Abington awarded almost 400 degrees at its summer/fall commencement ceremony on Friday at the historic Keswick Theater in nearby Glenside. Philadelphia native Thom Collins, president and chief executive officer of The Barnes Foundation, delivered the keynote address.
Abington Chancellor Damian J. Fernandez urged the students to reflect on the importance of education beyond a career and higher income.
"Education empowers you to find your voice to engage with others, contribute to society. ... Education opens doors to understanding differences and commonalities and approach the unknown with an inquisitive mind and generosity of spirit," Fernandez, who marked his first commencement as chancellor, said.
Abington graduation and their families returned to campus for a reception and photos in front of the iconic Sutherland Building.
Valerie Santangelo, a science major and three-year captain of the cross-country team, earned the Pennsylvania Legislative Citation. State Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-153). Santangelo, who traveled to Spain recently for a course, was hailed for her dedication to academics, athletics, and the community.
Commencement speaker Thom Collins, president and chief executive officer of The Barnes Foundation, urged graduates as they find the right kind of work and do it the right way.
Graduates included 125 registered nurses who earned their bachelor's degrees.
Graduates, families, and friends gathered at the historic Keswick Theater for the ceremony.
Read more about Abington's new graduates and see more images on Facebook.
Penn State Abington, formerly the Ogontz campus, offers baccalaureate degrees in 18 majors at its suburban location just north of Philadelphia. Nearly half of our 4,000 students complete all four years at Abington, with opportunities in undergraduate research, the Schreyer honors program, NCAA Division III athletics, and more. The Lions Gate residence hall will open in August 2017.
