Books with the Dean: Optimal: How to Sustain Personal and Organizational Excellence Every Day
Location: Zoom
Registration: Register for this and other sessions here!
Join the Schreyer Honors College for a winter leadershp read as part of our Books with the Dean series.
Join Dean Patrick Mather, current Scholars, and alumni of the Schreyer Honors College and Presidential Leadership Academy for an online book discussion.
Optimal: How to Sustain Personal and Organizational Excellence Every Day by Daniel Goleman & Cary Cherniss,
Explores how emotional intelligence helps individuals and organizations perform at their best, offering strategies to manage stress, build resilience, and foster meaningful engagement.
Books with the Dean is organized in conjunction with the Scholar Alumni Society. .
Event Name: Schreyer Books with the Dean. Organization: UP - College - SCHREYER, UP - Academy - PRESIDENTIAL LDRSHIP ACAD, UP - College - SCHREYER - Academics, UP - College - SCHREYER - Dev & Alumni.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM.
Distance with the Dean
Location: William A. Schreyer Courtyard (Atherton Hall),
All Scholars are invited to join Dean Mather and fellow Schreyer Scholars in a morning run around campus. Meet Dean Mather in the courtyard at 8:00 a.m. to start the day with some movement and chatting with new and old friends. After the run, there will be donuts and other refreshments for everyone!!!
If you plan to participate, please RSVP at the following link by Friday, January 16 at 9:00 a.m.:
Distance with the Dean - Saturday 1/17 – Fill out form,
Dean Mather hopes to see everyone on Saturday or at future runs. Watch the newsletter for upcoming dates.
Event Name: Distance with the Dean. Organization: UP - College - SCHREYER.
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM.
A Conversation with Ayesha Rascoe
Location: Penn State Music Recital Hall,
Reserve free tickets online,
Join the Schreyer Honors College for A Conversation with Ayesha Rascoe, part of the Dilemmas of Democracy lecture series.
Learn how Ayesha Rascoe's role as a journalist has impacted her understanding of democracy and politics, and how she approaches conversations with people she disagrees with during a student-led discussion. A dessert reception and book signing will follow the discussion. A livestream link will be available for Commonwealth Campus Scholars.
Rascoe is the host of NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday and the weekend host of Up First. She interviews politicians, entertainers, authors, and more about stories everyone should be discussing. Prior to becoming a host, Rascoe was a White House correspondent during three presidential administrations and was known for her sharp questioning during press briefings. Before joining NPR, Rascoe was a reporter for ten years at Reuters. She is a graduate of Howard University, an HBCU in…
Event Name: SHC Dilemmas of Democracy Ayesha Rascoe. Organization: UP - College - SCHREYER.
Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Medical Student Interview Panel with Schreyer Alumni
Location: Huck Life Sciences, Room 004,
Medical Student Interview Panel with Schreyer Alumni,
Are you planning to apply to medical school? The medical school application process often seems daunting, so it can be extremely helpful to learn from others who have already successfully completed an application cycle.
The Schreyer Medical Team is hosting an informational panel with Schreyer alumni who are now medical students at schools across Pennsylvania. The panel will focus on medical school interviews: what to expect during an interview, how to prepare, and other general advice. This will also be an incredible opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the interview process.
If you have any questions, contact Carolyn Tarpley at ckt5404@psu.edu,
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Event Name: Medical Student Interview Panel. Organization: UP - College - SCHREYER.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM.
Schreyer Spring Neighborhood Bash
Location: Atherton Hall First Floor Lobby and Grandfather Clock Lounge,
Get ready for an afternoon of fun and community at the Schreyer Neighborhood Bash. This event is open to all Scholars, so don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy great food, play a variety of games, and engage in one of the first Neighborhood Bash’s of the new year!
Meet new friends and reconnect with old ones as you participate in this special hour in the community! Whether you're competitive or just looking to relax, there's something for everyone.
This is a perfect opportunity to kick off the semester, meet fellow Scholars, and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon.
An RSVP is not necessary, but is appreciated at the following link to help us plan for food: Spring Neighborhood Bash – Fill out form,
If you have any questions, contact Scholar Assistant CJ Okafor at cco5210@psu.edu.
Event Name: Schreyer Spring Neighborhood Bash. Organization: UP - College - SCHREYER.
Friday, January 23, 2026, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Donuts with the Dean
Location: Atherton Hall 1st Floor Lobby,
All Scholars are invited to the first Donuts with the Dean of the spring semester. Come out for donuts, fresh fruit, hot coffee, hot chocolate, and good conversations. This is a great way to meet other Scholars, your Scholar Assistant Team, and our staff.
We hope you will plan to join us to start your day!
Event Name: Donuts with the Dean. Organization: UP - College - SCHREYER.
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM.
GLOBE International Music Night
Location: Simmons Piano Lounge,
The Globe and Music Service Club are collaborating to host International Music Night and all Scholars are invited. Penn State students will be presenting and playing music from around the world to showcase their skills and celebrate art from different cultures.
If you have any questions, please contact Johanna Barber jmb10188@psu.edu.
Event Name: GLOBE International Music Night. Organization: UP - College - SCHREYER.
Friday, January 30, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Distinguished Honors Faculty Program: Future Worlds Workshop
LOCATION: Atherton Hall Grandfather Clock Room,
REGISTRATION: RSVP Link
Join Dr. Federica Pinelli to imagine the year is 2035, where human and AI systems make decisions together. In this creative workshop, you'll explore possible futures for society by designing new models of governance, community building, and problem solving. Using scenario prompts, participants will consider who is included, who is left out, and how to ensure technology serves the public good. Come ready to think big, challenge assumptions, and reimagine our collective future.
Dinner will be provided during the program.
Event Name: SHC DHFP - Dr. Federica Pinellli. Organization: UP - College - SCHREYER - Academics.
Monday, February 2, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Distinguished Honors Faculty Program: From Research to Real-World Deployment
Location: The Tavern Restaurant, Downtown State College,
Registration: RSVP Link,
Please join Dr. Sven Bilén for a dinner conversation that will walk Scholars through the lifecycle of an innovation--from idea to prototype to launch. You'll explore how to navigate the entrepreneurial ecosystem, what makes a technology/company fundable, and how you can get involved in startup and/or translational research. Dr. Bilén will provide an overview of funding streams (such as SBIR/STTR) that he has leveraged to commercialize his ideas.
Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations or who have questions about physical access may contact, Rhonda Demchak at rrr11@psu.edu in advance of the program.
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Event Name: SHC DHFP - Sven Bilen From Research. Organization: UP - College - SCHREYER.
Thursday, February 5, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Distance with the Dean
Location: William A. Schreyer Courtyard (Atherton Hall),
All Scholars are invited to join Dean Mather and fellow Schreyer Scholars in a morning run around campus. Meet Dean Mather in the courtyard at 8:00 a.m. to start the day with some movement and chatting with new and old friends. After the run, there will be donuts and other refreshments for everyone!!!
If you plan to participate, please RSVP at the following link by Friday, February 6 at 9:00 a.m.:
Distance with the Dean - Saturday 2/7 – Fill out form,
Dean Mather hopes to see everyone on Saturday or at future runs. Watch the newsletter for upcoming dates.
Event Name: Distance with the Dean. Organization: UP - College - SCHREYER.
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM.
Distinguished Honors Faculty Program: Conferences Abroad
LOCATION: The Allen Street Grill Downtown State College
REGISTRATION: RSVP HERE,
Join Dr. Shomir Wilson, Associate Professor of Human-Centered Computing and Social Information as he discusses his Conferences Abroad Research and Adventures.
Attending an international conference is a learning opportunity, but it also represents much more. These events enable career networking, citizen diplomacy, transnational friendships, and adventure. Dr. Wilson will share stories from attending conferences in 19 countries as a student, postdoc, or professor. These include trying new foods (like jellyfish), tight schedules, giving three presentations in one day, and making the most of flight cancellations. Afterward, we will discuss how to choose conferences to submit your work, how these trips are typically funded, and how to make the most of a conference experience. Dinner will be provided.
Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations or who have questions about physical access may contact…
Event Name: DHFP - Dr. Shomir Wilson Feb. 11, 2026. Organization: UP - College - SCHREYER.
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Lunch and Learn: Healthy Planet, Healthy People
Location: Sustainability and Experience Center (transportation provided),
Registration: RSVP online to attend,
Deadline to Register: Monday, February 2, 2026,
Learn about campus sustainability projects that need your research to move them forward and to make a difference! If you are interested in renewable energy, ecology, health, or visual arts, come visit the Sustainability Experience Center (SEC) to learn about ongoing and emerging projects you can advance or incorporate in your research.
For example, you'll learn about:
Renewable energy data analysis and recommendations
, Physical and Mental health studies on the Nurture in Nature program
, Creative writing (climate-fiction project, anyone?)
, Public art mural projects
, Operations at the Sustainability Experience Center to develop language and graphics steeped in communications best practices to propose engaging and educational signage
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Upon arriving, we will tour the SEC to learn about ongoing and emerging research projects.…
Event Name: Schreyer Honors College Lunch and Learn. Organization: UP - College - SCHREYER - Academics.
Thursday, February 12, 2026, 12:15 PM – 1:45 PM.
Distinguished Honors Faculty Program: The Geography of Justice
Location: Indian Pavilion,
Registration: RSVP Online to Attend,
Join Dr. Michael Nelson, Professor of Political Science to discuss issues ranging from abortion and gun rights to LGBTQ+ protections. And to learn how where you live increasingly determines what rights you have. Your discussion will arise from the fact that, as the U.S. Supreme Court gives the final say on important issues to state governments, the states have become battlegrounds for defining core freedoms. You'll explore the shifting balance of power between state and federal governments and how this evolving "patchwork nation" is reshaping everything from elections to migration to be an American citizen.
Event Name: DHFP - Michael Nelson. Organization: UP - College - SCHREYER - Academics.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Distance with the Dean
Location: William A. Schreyer Courtyard (Atherton Hall),
All Scholars are invited to join Dean Mather and fellow Schreyer Scholars in a morning run around campus. Meet Dean Mather in the courtyard at 8:00 a.m. to start the day with some movement and chatting with new and old friends. After the run, there will be donuts and other refreshments for everyone!!!
If you plan to participate, please RSVP at the following link by Friday, February 27at 9:00 a.m.:
Distance with the Dean - Saturday 2/28 – Fill out form,
Dean Mather hopes to see everyone on Saturday or at future runs. Watch the newsletter for upcoming dates.
Event Name: Distance with the Dean. Organization: UP - College - SCHREYER.
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM.
Distinguished Honors Faculty Program: Safety and Wellbeing in Video Games
LOCATION: The Federal Taphouse, Downtown State College,
REGISTRATION: RSVP Form Link,
Join Dr. Yubo Kou, Assistant Professor and the Haile Family Early Career Professor, to discuss why video games are meant to be a place for fun but are also filled with toxicity, predatory monetization, and other safety concerns. At this event, you will discuss safety risks in video games, common safety measures, and the involvement of various stakeholders such as players, game studios, and policymakers.
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Event Name: Schreyer Honors College Distinguished. Organization: UP - College - SCHREYER - Academics.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM.
Schreyer Happy Hour: D.C. Metro Area
Location: Washington, D.C.
RSVP: Registration is required!
Join Schreyer alumni, Presidential Leadership Academy alumni, and friends of the college for a happy hour event at the offices of BakerBotts in Washington, DC. This is a great opportunity to meet college staff, network with other alumni, and enjoy a fun evening out.
If you don't live near D.C. watch for our next happy hour in a city near you.
Event Name: SHC HHH Spring 26: DC. Organization: UP - College - SCHREYER, UP - Academy - PRESIDENTIAL LDRSHIP ACAD, UP - College - SCHREYER - Dev & Alumni.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Distinguished Honors Faculty Program: Artificial Intelligence
LOCATION: Federal Taphouse - Downtown State College,
Registration: RSVP Here,
Join Dr. Pan and one or two of his senior members of his research lab to explore your excitement and fears surrounding the sudden rise of artificial intelligence (AI). You'll discuss the possibilities in healthcare, education, innovation, and arts that AI makes possible as well as consider concerns about safety, trust, computation power, job loss, and ethics that logically arise with AI. Come ready to think about the power of AI and its potential ability to improve the efficiency of human work in every sector of our lives. At the same time, you'll learn to question what it means to be truthful and authentic in a world where AI-powered tools are increasingly mimicking human natural language abilities. We will meet at the Federal Tap House in downtown State College.
Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations or who have questions about physical access may contact Rhonda Demchak at rrr11@psu.edu in…
Event Name: SHC DHFP - Dipanjan Pan - AI October 21. Organization: UP - College - SCHREYER - Academics.
Thursday, March 19, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Distinguished Honors Faculty Program: Rebuilding the Tower of Babel
Location: Donato Family Classroom (C-9) Atherton Hall,
Registration: RSVP FORM,
Deadline to Register: March 20, 2026,
Please join Dr. Gonzalo Rubio for his Distinguished Honors Faculty Program to discuss how speakers can easily realize that Italian & Spanish, German & English, or Arabic & Hebrew are related. These languages share plenty of cognate words and many grammatical characteristics. Such connections point to their genetic affiliation and a common ancestor. In some instances, the latter is well known (e.g. Latin for Italian, Spanish and French). In most cases, however, the source from which these languages sprung is now lost (Indo-European, Semitic). The study of language families and the reconstruction of their ancestors ("proto-languages") is an exciting endeavor that sheds unsuspected light on the history and culture of all peoples across the globe.
Event Name: SHC DHFP Dr. Gonzalo Rubio. Organization: UP - College - SCHREYER.
Thursday, March 26, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
Distance with the Dean
Location: William A. Schreyer Courtyard (Atherton Hall),
All Scholars are invited to join Dean Mather and fellow Schreyer Scholars in a morning run around campus. Meet Dean Mather in the courtyard at 8:00 a.m. to start the day with some movement and chatting with new and old friends. After the run, there will be donuts and other refreshments for everyone!!!
If you plan to participate, please RSVP at the following link by Friday, March 27 at 9:00 a.m.:
Distance with the Dean - Saturday 3/28 – Fill out form,
Dean Mather hopes to see everyone on Saturday or at future runs. Watch the newsletter for upcoming dates.
Event Name: Distance with the Dean. Organization: UP - College - SCHREYER.
Saturday, March 28, 2026, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM.