Celebrity News

Penn State virtual commencement features messages from Joe Jonas, Lara Spencer, Trace McSorley

Frank Carnevale
Slide 1
AP
Singer Joe Jonas takes a photo of Penn State fans in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game between Penn State and Idaho in State College on Aug. 31, 2019.
Slide 2
AP
Singer Joe Jonas stands on the field in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game between Penn State and Idaho in State College on Aug. 31, 2019.

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While the Penn State Class of 2020 was not able to hold their graduation on campus, they did get some virtual love from celebrities and high profile alumni.

According to the university, a livestream of the ceremony Saturday had 92,000 views from 121 countries. The school awarded more than 15,000 diplomas to students at University Park and the Commonwealth Campuses, and all graduate students in the graduate school.

In a tweet posted after the ceremony, the school shared “Honorary Penn Stater” Joe Jonas’ message, “Hey, Penn State! Just want to say congratulations on graduating. This is a huge milestone. You are going to change the world. Love you guys.”

Other speakers, who were actual alumni, at the commencement included Olympic diver Mary Ellen Clark, “Good Morning America” anchor Lara Spencer, and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trace McSorley, who gave a shoutout to his sister, who was graduating.

NASA astronaut Zena Cardman also spoke at the virtual event.

The school said it hopes to provide a chance for the graduates to return to campus for in-person celebrations when public health guidelines allow.

Jonas has become a big Penn State booster. Last year, the Jonas Brothers played a surprise show at Champs Downtown where they played some hits and debuted a new song.

And in 2010, Jonas Brothers manager Phil McIntyre and others took Joe out to celebrate his 21st birthday in State College, according to the Daily Collegian.

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