UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In an op-ed in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, President Bendapudi shared her thoughts on a significant moment in Penn State’s history — the awarding of the University’s one millionth degree.

Bendapudi noted the importance of the moment not only for 2026 graduates and their families, but also for all who are a part of Penn State’s legacy — whether they hold a degree from Penn State or not. She emphasized the long-standing partnership between Penn State and Pennsylvania, and how the University’s land-grant mission has guided its impact across the state since its founding.

“One million degrees is a powerful reminder of what higher education makes possible. It is a moment that represents a million stories of achievement, a million possibilities and a million points of impact across our communities, our state and our world.”

Read the full op-ed in TribLIVE.