Trending
BELLEFONTE -- The Centre County Board of Commissioners celebrated a major milestone being reached by one of its longest running partners this week.
The board unanimously passed a resolution on Tuesday morning, celebrating Penn State University's millionth degree, which will be handed out at its summer commencement on Saturday, Aug. 15.
PSU Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Fotis Sotiropoulus and Director of Local Government and Community Relations Julian Morales attended the commissioners' weekly meeting to speak about the major milestone, which Chair Mark Higgins noted was a "momentous occasion."
Sotiropoulus thanked the board for the acknowledgement of this milestone.
"It really is an enormous honor to be the first university in Pennsylvania, and one of a handful of universities in the country, to celebrate this milestone that we'll be celebrating in a few days," he said.
He emphasized the importance of remembering Penn State and Centre County have been connected in a meaningful way for the university's entire 170 years in the county.
He added it is more than just about the number.
"It's actually (about) how many lives have been changed. How much human potential has been released through Penn State education and what these individuals have done for Centre County, the Commonwealth and the world," he said.
Sotiropoulus said PSU will certainly not stop at its millionth degree.
"Penn State's legacy is not only our history, it is what we're going to be doing in the future. Here's to the two millionth degree. We like to set bold goals," he said.
Morales echoed much of Sotiropoulus's comments.
"A big thank you to the county and the commissioners for hosting us this morning and issuing this proclamation," he said. "We're extremely proud of Penn State and our relationship throughout Centre County and the Commonwealth."
The commissioners also offered their thanks and congratulations to the upcoming milestone.
"The county appreciates its 170 year-long partnership with Penn State. Obviously, we've been here now going on 256 years, but Penn State has been integral to Centre County for their time here," Higgins said. "You're obviously our largest employer and there are so many accomplishments at Penn State."
Commissioner Amber Concepcion noted there are six Penn State degrees within her family, with her son heading into his final year at the university.
"There's just a long history of Penn State here and lots of proud Penn Staters in my family," she said.
Concepcion noted the degree one can earn at Penn State isn't the only thing that an alumni gets after leaving campus.
"Really when I think about my experiences on campus, it's not just about what we've done as Penn State alumni in our careers. It's the relationships we developed on campus with fellow students, faculty," she said.
Commissioner Steve Dershem reflected on the impact the university has made on Centre County and the state.
"Although none of us will be here for the second million, I will tell you it is truly an honor to be here for the one million," he said. "Everything that Penn State represents to our community and represents to us is nothing but positive."
"The lives you've impacted, the lives you've changed, the history you've made... it really is outstanding what Penn State has accomplished," he continued. "We are so appreciative of having you in the community, having you part of the Centre County family. It really is beyond words."