SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Penn State Schuylkill students, faculty, staff and alumni recently came together to create a collaborative art piece, "Thumbs of a Thriving Community," now displayed in the Student Community Center. The piece, designed to represent the campus’s unity and diversity, features hundreds of thumbprints added by members of the Schuylkill community.
The project was proposed by Lisa Robinson, business lecturer, as an opportunity to foster student engagement. With the support of Interim Chancellor Cory Scherer, Robinson collaborated with Megan Murray, financial aid and registrar services specialist, Gianna Agnello-Porambo, director of admissions, and Kacey Harper, third-year corporate communication student, to bring the idea to life. The artwork’s foundation — a tree — was drawn by Agnello-Porambo, who also provided all materials for the project.
“The base of the tree is in pencil to symbolize the black-and-white history of Penn State and our campus’ deep roots,” Agnello-Porambo explained. “The blue shading represents the Penn State spirit that lives on, while the colorful thumbprints bring the tree to life, showcasing the diversity, kindness, and individuality of our students, faculty and staff.”
The title, "Thumbs of a Thriving Community," was created by Murray and Harper, who also contributed to the tree’s design, adding blue accents to reinforce the Penn State theme.
As the Schuylkill community faces an evolving future, the artwork serves as a lasting symbol of connection, resilience and hope. “We hope this piece will remind current and future students that Schuylkill is a wonderfully beautiful place,” Agnello-Porambo said.