In-person commencement ceremony to celebrate class of 2021

Nittany Lion statue with mortar board
Credit: Penn State

HAZLETON, Pa. – Penn State Hazleton will hold an in-person commencement ceremony celebrating the class of 2021 on Saturday, May 8 at 11 a.m., Chancellor Gary Lawler announced.

The ceremony will be held on campus and will follow state and federal public health guidelines for COVID-19, including requirements for all students, guests and employees to wear masks and maintain physical distancing. Additional details are being finalized and will be shared as they become available.

“In-person commencement ceremonies are momentous occasions for our students, their families, and our University community, and we are excited to be celebrating in person this spring,” Lawler said.

Graduating students and their families are reminded that while the University looks forward to celebrating in person, changes in virus conditions or to public health guidelines may necessitate a shift to a fully virtual ceremony.

"The health and safety of our students, guests and campus communities remains of paramount importance,” Lawler said. “We all need to remain flexible and continue to follow public health guidelines.”

Graduating students who wish to be tested for COVID-19 before attending the ceremony can do so through the University’s on-demand testing process. For details, contact the Office of Student Services and Engagement at 570-450-3160.

Graduates, friends and family members who prefer to participate online or are unable to attend the in-person commencement ceremony can join a University-wide celebration on Sunday, May 9 at 6 p.m. by visiting https://virtual.commencement.psu.edu.

Students should continue to check their Penn State email in the coming days for more information from our campus and from [email protected].

Read Penn State President Eric Barron’s University-wide announcement