Smeal Update: April 16, 2021

Congratulations for another semester of diligence, excellence

We know it hasn’t been easy, nor has it been what we are all accustomed to, but another successful semester is nearly complete. Congratulations to all students, staff, and faculty for your ability to adapt to change while maintaining Smeal’s standards of excellence. Thank you to everyone for stepping up and making the most of a challenging situation.

BOV member John Arnold to deliver Smeal commencement address

John M. Arnold will deliver Smeal’s 2021 undergraduate commencement address at 9 a.m. May 8 in Beaver Stadium. Arnold is the chairman and chief executive officer of PPC Lubricants. He has been a Smeal Board of Visitors member since 2001. He was honored in 2019 with the Penn State Distinguished Alumni Award, in 2008 with the Smeal Distinguished Achievement Award, and in 2004 with the Penn State Alumni Fellow Award.

If you cannot be on campus in fall 2021, Raise Your Hand in Starfish

Visa, travel, or health-related restrictions may prevent some students from being on campus in fall 2021. Undergraduate and graduate students attending any campus but Penn State World Campus with these unavoidable circumstances are being asked to Raise Your Hand in Starfish.  

New first-year and transfer undergraduate students will have opportunities to talk to their advisers during New Student Orientation and do not have to take action at this time. New and transfer graduate students can Raise Your Hand now.

To learn more, read this Penn State News story. 

A reminder to maintain physical distance, masking habits

The recent rise of COVID-19 cases across the county, state and nation has only served to reinforce the continued seriousness of the pandemic.

With the end of the semester in sight, more temperate weather in the forecast, and the recent lifting of restrictions on bars and restaurants, we know it is tempting to resume some traditional rituals that involve larger groups. We strongly urge you to resist the temptation and maintain the good physical distancing and masking habits you have practiced over the past year.

In addition, earlier this week all Pennsylvania adults became eligible to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine. Penn State is strongly encouraging all students, faculty and staff to sign up to get the first vaccine available to them as soon as a dose is available. Learn more about the regional vaccination site at the Bryce Jordan Center. Appointments are required and can be made online by following this link or by calling 1-844-545-3450.