LEMONT FURNACE, Pa. — Candice Yekel, former associate vice president for Research at Penn State, will deliver the commencement address during Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus’ spring ceremony at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9, in the Community Center Main Arena.
Yekel is a nationally recognized leader in research ethics and human research protections and a Penn State alumna whose academic journey began at Penn State Fayette as a first-generation college student, setting in motion a path defined by both intellectual rigor and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right.
She earned her bachelor’s degree with honors in psychology through the University Scholars Program and went on to complete her master’s degree in developmental psychology at Penn State’s University Park campus. Her early research explored spatial cognition, gender development, and how children understand maps, including a co-authored publication in Child Development on preschoolers’ map comprehension.
Over the course of nearly three decades at Penn State, Yekel became the driving force behind the ethical foundation of the University’s research enterprise. As director of the Office for Research Protections and later as associate vice president for Research and the University’s research integrity officer, she built and led 14 research compliance and education programs that strengthened accountability, protected research participants, and elevated the university’s national standing in responsible research.
Yekel has presented extensively on research integrity and has held leadership roles with the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP), including serving as chair of its Accreditation Council. In this capacity, she helped guide institutions around the world, in upholding the highest standards of ethical research. Following her retirement from Penn State in 2024, she continues this work as a consultant with AAHRPP, supporting research programs globally.
She returns to Penn State Fayette where her journey began to deliver the 2026 commencement address, standing where she once stood as a first-generation student. Her journey will come full circle as she comes back to campus to share lessons from her career and encourage graduates to lead with integrity, curiosity and a commitment to making a meaningful difference.
Commencement participants and parking
Julio L. Palma, associate professor of chemistry, will serve as commencement marshal, and Lukas Joseph will deliver the student address. Tiffany Guittap, chair of the campus advisory board, also will offer remarks during the ceremony. Regional Chancellor Megan Nagel will confer the degrees, followed by Penn State alumnus David Omatick, who will welcome graduates into the Penn State Alumni Association.
Parking will be available as directed by University Police and event staff. Additional information is available on Penn State Fayette’s commencement website.
