Laura Waldhier

Juneteenth National Independence Day will be celebrated with public events on Friday and Saturday, June 19-20, in downtown State College. This year's theme is "Roots, Rhythm, and Resilience: Celebrating Our Legacy."

Penn State Beaver is helping strengthen animal health and agricultural resilience across western Pennsylvania through the Keystone Animal Diagnostic Center, which gives farmers and veterinarians closer access to critical and timely testing.

For Chancellor Tina Q. Richardson, education has the power to transform lives, families and communities. Drawing on her own experiences and her passion for work-based learning, Richardson reflects on Penn State Lehigh Valley's role in connecting students with opportunity through strong partnerships with employers, entrepreneurs and community leaders. Her message is clear: When academics and industry work together, students, businesses and communities all benefit.

Penn State Berks is helping create pathways to higher education and career success for Latino students in the Greater Reading community through partnerships, early intervention programs and ongoing student support.

For Regional Chancellor Carey McDougall, Penn State Beaver's role in the Beaver Valley extends far beyond the classroom. Through partnerships with local government, employers, schools and community organizations, the campus serves as a trusted resource, helping connect community needs with the expertise, talent and opportunities available through Penn State.

Penn State Greater Allegheny is helping to strengthen the regional workforce through a reimagined internship program that prepares students for careers while building deeper partnerships with local employers.

For Regional Chancellor Marilyn Wells, Penn State Brandywine and the communities it serves help shape one another. Wells reflects on how educational opportunity, community partnership and Penn State's land-grant mission come together to create opportunity across southeast Pennsylvania.

For Chancellor Colin Neill, higher education must continue evolving to meet the changing needs of society. Neill reflects on Penn State Great Valley's distinctive graduate education mission and how the campus partners with employers, nonprofit organizations and local government to prepare working professionals, strengthen organizations and serve the greater Philadelphia area.

RegisterBlast, a new tool to assist accommodated students registered with Student Disability Resources and faculty who are instructing them, is being rolled out for the fall 2026 semester at University Park, Berks, Behrend and Altoona campuses, and will continue at the Harrisburg campus after its successful pilot of the new technology in the spring 2026 semester.

For Chancellor and Dean David Callejo Pérez, Penn State Harrisburg's history and future are closely connected to evolution of Pennsylvania's capital region. Callejo Pérez reflects on the campus' role as an anchor institution and thought partner, attracting and developing talent while contributing research, expertise and economic impact to help the region grow and thrive.