Student Success

Erick Astacio surrounded by laboratory equipment

Senior Spotlight: Erick Astacio

Growing up, going to college was always a dream for Erick Astacio. While it seemed like the dream was out of reach at times, he found a way to succeed. In a few days, he will realize that dream when he crosses the stage to earn his baccalaureate degree in biochemistry and molecular biology with a minor in chemistry, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, during the Penn State Berks spring commencement ceremony at the Santander Arena in Reading. 
Daniel George wears a grey hoodie and khaki pants

Senior Spotlight: Daniel George

Daniel George accomplished everything he set out to do at Penn State Berks in terms of academics, leadership and service. He will cross the stage to accept his baccalaureate degree in mechanical engineering, with a minor in mathematics applications, at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 4, during the college’s commencement ceremony at the Santander Arena in Reading.  
Alina Rodriguez wears maroon shirt

Senior Spotlight: Student Marshal Alina Rodriguez

Alina Rodriguez, a Penn State Berks information technology major with a focus on AI and data analytics and a 4.0 GPA, was selected as this year’s student marshal. She will deliver a speech titled “What’s the Point?” at the college’s commencement ceremony at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 4, at the Santander Arena. 
Rogelio Flores headshot

Senior Spotlight: Rogelio Flores

When you meet Rogelio Flores, it’s hard to believe that he once considered dropping out of high school. The Reading High School graduate will cross the stage to earn his baccalaureate degree in electro-mechanical engineering technology, with a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, during the Penn State Berks spring commencement ceremony at the Santander Arena in Reading.
Sam Hagenbush wearing graduation cap sitting in front of fountain

Senior Spotlight: Samantha Hagenbush

Samantha Hagenbush has built quite the resume during her time at Penn State Berks. She’s been a mental health advocate, a three-sport student-athlete, and a consistent leader of campus clubs and organizations. On Saturday, May 4, she’ll don a new hat — college graduate — when she earns her baccalaureate degree in kinesiology with a minor in psychological sciences. 
Student squats with lifting bar

Penn State Berks celebrates National Biomechanics Day

The workshops, conducted by Penn State Berks faculty and students, as well as clinicians from local hospitals, are for high school students with an interest in science and engineering and their applications to human movement. The event also included interactive laboratory activities, and school and career information.
12 students pose standing for photo in front of Invent Penn State signage

Summer Founders Program awards six student startups each with $15,000

Six Penn State student startups have been selected into the 2024 Invent Penn State Summer Founders Program. The Summer Founders Program provides teams with at least one Penn State student founder a $15,000 grant to work on their startup, social good, or nonprofit idea over the summer at Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank.