Schreyer Honors College at Penn State has opened a new art gallery called “Illuminate” on the ground floor of Atherton Hall, featuring artwork from four Schreyer Scholars. The inaugural exhibition includes pieces by Olivia Knoechel, Jessica Matinchek, Paige Rishel, and Lisa Wang, selected by a panel of staff, students, and alumni artist Kaleigh Quinnan. The gallery opened on April 10 with a celebration attended by family, friends, and college staff.
This initiative matters because it integrates visual art into the honors college environment, reflecting a commitment to being “Scholar Centered” and adding personality to the building. By showcasing student talent from diverse academic backgrounds—engineering, communications, liberal arts, and science—the gallery highlights the value of creative expression within a traditionally academic setting and encourages students to step outside their comfort zones.