Academics

Berks graduates largest class in campus history

Khalid N. Mumin, superintendent of the Reading School District, gave a rousing keynote address that included his secrets for success. Credit: Kathryn Quinn / Penn State. Creative Commons

READING, Pa. — A new class of Penn State Berks students — the campus' largest graduating class to date — earned their baccalaureate and associate degrees during spring 2016 commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 7.

The increasing number of graduates has made it necessary to hold two separate ceremonies for the spring commencement for the second consecutive year. The first ceremony was held for students graduating from the EBC (Engineering, Business, and Computing) Division at 10 a.m., and the second commencement ceremony for students graduating from the HASS (Humanities and Social Sciences) Division and the Science Division was held at 2 p.m.

Both ceremonies took place in the Beaver Community Center due to inclement weather, which did not dampen the enthusiasm of family and friends as the celebrated:

  • 276 new graduates;
  • the first group to graduate with bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice;
  • eight Schreyer Honors College medal recipients.​

Katarina Zambanini, a communication arts and sciences major, received her diploma and a hug from her father, Robert Zambanini, senior lecturer in computer science, mechanical engineering, and mathematics at Penn State Berks.   Credit: Kathryn Quinn / Penn State. Creative Commons

Graduates heard a motivational keynote address from Khalid N. Mumin, superintendent of the Reading School District. Mumin gave the graduates the "ingredients to his special sauce" as he calls it. He advised them to follow the "APIE" principle for any situation they face in life: assess, plan, implement and evaluate. He told the graduates to repeat these steps “over and over and over again” and make adjustments as needed, whether the situation is professional or personal.

Denise Castro, student marshal for the afternoon ceremony, leads the graduates through the reception line of faculty, staff, administrators, and platform party members celebrating their achievement.  Credit: Kathryn Quinn / Penn State. Creative Commons

See more photos from Berks’ spring 2016 commencement on Facebook.

Last Updated May 12, 2016

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