PASSHE universities proudly celebrated the achievements of their newest alumni this spring. Read about the standout graduates, major milestones, and inspiring journeys from across the system.

SUCCESS HIGHLIGHTS


Twin sisters at Cheyney University graduated at the top of their class, with Tia Criss named valedictorian and her sister, Jasmin Criss, salutatorian. Tia maintained a 4.0 GPA, while Jasmin earned a 3.9 GPA. Both graduated on May 9 during the university’s commencement with bachelor’s degrees in business administration.

Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg celebrated the graduating Class of 2026 during four spring commencement ceremonies, all held in the Nelson Field House. The speakers at the graduate ceremonies included Dr. Heather Feldhaus, associate provost and dean of graduate education; Dr. Michelle Kiec, provost and vice president for academic affairs; John Wetzel, chair of the CU Council of Trustees; and Dr. Rachel Melnick '01, a member of the Bloomsburg Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Three classrooms, two school districts, and one shared journey began as a friendship among three education majors at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven. This bond grew into a purposeful partnership as they pursued a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, aiming to become the educators their students need.

Commonwealth University-Mansfield celebrated the Class of 2026 during two commencement ceremonies on May 16 in Straughn Auditorium. Speakers included CU president Dr. Jeffery Osgood, interim vice provost Gretchen Sechrist, CU Council of Trustees chair John Wetzel, City Council president Dr. Kenyatta Johnson, Student Government Association president Justin Knarr, and alumni board member Debbie Jennings '17.

Eli Morrison graduated from East Stroudsburg University on May 9, marking the end of a five-year journey toward a nursing career he hadn't initially planned. This summer, he will start as an ICU nurse for Geisinger Health System, driven by a desire to help people in their most challenging times.

On Saturday, May 9, 2026, more than a thousand May and August IUP graduates were honored at three commencement ceremonies at the Kovalchick Complex. See scenes of these students marking the start of the next phase of their lives.

Kutztown University celebrated the 2026 spring commencement on Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16, 2026, with all ceremonies held at the O'Pake Fieldhouse.

Meet some of Millersville University’s May 2026 graduates! These new Millersville University alumni share their experiences as students at MU, their favorite memories, and their plans for the future.

Two PennWest University seniors, Ethan Taylor and Carlos Monge, are launching their cybersecurity careers while working on a project that has earned them published research credit and potential business opportunities. They contributed to the study “Doing More with Less: Employing AI for Automation and Business Productivity,” led by Dr. Barbara A. Manko, an assistant professor in the Department of Computing and Engineering Technology. 

Fraternal twin sisters Kayla and Sara Aaron have shared nearly every chapter of their lives, but at PennWest Clarion, their academic paths began to diverge – each pursuing a degree aligned with her goals. The sisters graduated on May 9, with Sara earning a bachelor’s degree in biology on the pre-veterinary track and Kayla earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing. They say their similarities are few: the blue hue of their eyes, their stubbornness, and the decision to attend Clarion, just 20 minutes from their hometown of Lucinda. 

Just days before her May 9 graduation from PennWest Edinboro, Devin Keidel used her training to save a choking student during her student teaching at West End Elementary in Meadville, Pennsylvania. A certified lifeguard with CPR and first-aid training, she performed the Heimlich maneuver after recognizing signs of distress. In recognition of her actions, Keidel received a letter of commendation from PennWest Edinboro.

On Saturday, May 9, Shippensburg University celebrated 14 graduating ROTC cadets at the annual Army ROTC Commissioning ceremony in the Luhrs Performing Arts Center. Major General John A. Munera, USA (Ret.), an alumnus of the university, served as the keynote speaker before the cadets' commissioning, oath of office, and first salutes. PA Senator Greg Rothman also addressed those in attendance.

A Slippery Rock University student is well on his way to building his own business as a resilient competitor. Gavin Beck, a senior finance major from Meadville (Meadville HS), is responsible for starting up three separate successful business ventures through Prestige Shine Detailing, William & Charles Capital, and Beck’s Lake Rentals, all based around Meadville.

Historically, many West Chester University employees have earned their degrees while employed here, including Jasmine Worrell, who will earn her undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary studies on Saturday, May 9. Worrell’s achievement comes with a bonus: At the same time and at the same ceremony, her daughter, Zayla Dutton, will earn dual degrees in biochemistry and chemistry.