State of State announced the first eight speakers for its 2016 conference today, highlighted by University President Eric Barron, former hockey coach Joe Battista, who was instrumental in bringing Division I hockey to Penn State, and Associate Vice President of Undergraduate Education Jackie Edmonson. The group also includes Associate Director for Student Organizations Jen Grossman-Leopard, and students Taylor Sweeny, Abby Kennedy, John Connolly, and Darian Somers.

State of State also officially opened registration for its 2016 conference. Registration closes on Monday, Feb. 8, so those interested in attending must act fast. Online registration guarantees free entrance to the conference and registration is open to all members of the Penn State Community. This year’s conference will take place on Saturday, Feb. 13 at Alumni Hall in the HUB. You can register online here.
For those who need a refresher, State of State is a student-run organization committed to facilitating dialogue about issues within the Penn State community. Through their annual conference, the organization aims at serving as a platform for discussion, unity, and change. The 2016 theme, “Explore the Glory,” will involve both lectures from speakers as well as opportunities for small group collaboration.

Last year’s conference featured speakers such as earth sciences professor Dr. Richard Alley, Programming Coordinator for the Center for Women Students Jennifer Pencek, and 2015 graduate and Marshall scholar Ryan Henrici among others.