SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — The Penn State Schuylkill community gathered for a heartfelt dedication ceremony to honor the memory of Kelly Ann Gemmell, a beloved colleague who died in June 2024. The bench, placed across from the Business Building on the Penn State Schuylkill campus, now serves as a lasting tribute to her kindness and dedication.
"Kelly’s impact on our campus was profound, and this bench will stand as a reminder of her warmth and generosity," said Cory Scherer, interim chancellor of Penn State Schuylkill.
Gemmell, who managed the Barnes & Noble bookstores at Penn State Schuylkill and Penn State Hazleton, was known for her unwavering support of students and faculty. Her family, including her sister Maureen, general manager at Barnes & Noble Penn State East Commonwealth Bookstores, her daughter and her mother, joined colleagues and friends at the ceremony to celebrate her life and contributions.
Attendees shared memories of Gemmell, reflecting on her dedication and the positive influence she had on those around her. The inscription on the bench reads “Choose Kindness,” a sentiment that embodies Gemmell’s spirit and serves as a lasting reminder of the compassion she showed to everyone she met.
“Kelly was a cherished colleague who managed our campus bookstore and displayed kindness in everything she did. This bench, one of her favorite spots on campus, serves as a gentle reminder of her and provides a meaningful place for us to gather and honor her memory," said Jonathan Kukta, senior director for regional campus relations.