VISION OF A BEHREND GRADUATE Penn State Behrend has a history and future of developing thinkers, creators, and innovators who build opportunities out of challenges, competence out of curiosity, and proficiency out of potential. We produce graduates who are prepared for success in their professions, passionate about their work, and committed to lifelong learning; who are open to new experiences and diverse perspectives; and who possess interdisciplinary knowledge and a global and ethical outlook—all critical to thriving in an ever-changing world. We empower our students through highly engaged instruction, research, and out-of-class opportunities, combined with a distinctive Open Laboratory model of learning and discovery that connects students to business, industry, alumni, and community partners— giving them real-world experiences while benefitting these partners. With purpose, we develop graduates who are widely recognized for the contributions they make to their professions, to their communities, and to the world around them.
PENN STATE ALMA MATER
Commencement SPRING SEMESTER 2026
By Fred Lewis Pattee
For the glory of old State, For her founders, strong and great, For the future that we wait, Raise the song, raise the song. Sing our love and loyalty, Sing our hopes that, bright and free, Rest, O Mother dear, with thee. All with thee, all with thee. When we stood at childhood’s gate, Shapeless in the hands of fate, Thou didst mold us, dear old State, Dear old State, dear old State. May no act of ours bring shame, To one heart that loves thy name, May our lives but swell thy fame, Dear old State, dear old State!
PENN STATE ERIE, THE BEHREND COLLEGE FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2026