SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Penn State Schuylkill celebrated the achievements of its Honors Program students during an April 19 ceremony in the John E. Morgan Auditorium. This annual event recognizes the exemplary effort and dedication required of Penn State Schuylkill Honors Program students. Chancellor Patrick Jones provided opening remarks that challenged the students to not only pursue excellence in their studies and research endeavors but to maintain integrity in all they do.
The Honors Program offers opportunities for students to enrich their education through honors coursework and advising, research with faculty, and extracurricular activities — including visits to museums and historical sites, attendance at various live performances, travel opportunities, and more.
Incoming first-year students with a 3.5 GPA or higher may apply to the program, and eligibility is incumbent upon maintaining the minimum honors course load, a 3.3 GPA, and meeting all other program requirements, including upholding the Honors Code based on the Penn State Values. Honors courses and independent honors options are part of individualized academic plans developed collaboratively with students, academic advisers, and Honors Program coordinators.
As of March 2022, the program has new faculty leadership. Sarah Princiotta, assistant professor of biology, was named coordinator for the Honors Program, and Jessica Saalfield, assistant professor of psychology, is the program’s new assistant coordinator.
“Dr. Saalfield and I are excited to start a new chapter of the Penn State Schuylkill Honors Program as coordinators and for the opportunity to work with these dedicated and high-achieving students,” said Princiotta. “We also want to acknowledge Dr. Valerie Schrader, associate professor of communication arts and sciences, who has shaped the program into what it is today. We are incredibly grateful for her immense contributions to the Penn State Schuylkill Honors Program and its students.”