When Alexis Steenburg steps to the podium at PennWest California’s fall commencement on Dec. 13, she will do so as the campus’s student commencement speaker — a role reserved for someone whose story reflects the spirit, determination and leadership of the graduating class.
For Steenburg, the moment is the culmination of four years defined by curiosity, community and a relentless drive to make the most of every opportunity.
A native of Coal Township, Pennsylvania, Steenburg graduates this fall with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a concentration in law and justice, a minor in honors interdisciplinary studies, and an associate degree in engineering technology with a concentration in electrical engineering technology. Her academic accomplishments are matched only by the depth of her campus involvement and the impact she has had on the PennWest community.
She arrived on campus in fall 2021 eager for a new environment — one far different from her small hometown. Drawn initially to Cal’s mechatronics program, she visited campus on a cold, snowy February day and instantly felt a sense of connection. “I knew I wanted to get away from home. … I wanted to experience different things,” she said. “I’m very grateful for choosing Cal and for that cold February day.”
Her first day of classes offered another defining experience. Walking into an auditorium-style engineering technology course, Steenburg felt the typical nerves of a new college student — but they quickly faded. “I didn’t know where I was supposed to sit,” she said. “But everyone was immediately welcoming, and from that first day I thought, ‘Oh, I really can do this.’”
Over the next four years, Steenburg became one of Cal’s most engaged student leaders. She held roles within the college panhellenic council, Alpha Sigma Alpha, the student government association and the student honors advisory board, while also serving as an admissions ambassador, new student orientation leader and Greek life work study.
She represented PennWest at conferences across the country — from Indianapolis to San Bernardino — and earned recognition including sorority woman of the year and the campus and community involvement award.
“Joining all of my organizations definitely shaped my entire career at PennWest,” she said. “All of my highlights are the opportunities my organizations gave me.”
When the opportunity to apply for commencement speaker arose, Steenburg’s mentors encouraged her to pursue it. After submitting her materials, she received the selection email — a moment she describes as both humbling and exciting. Her speech will center on the support systems that shaped her journey. “It’s about support — from campus, from family — and how we are all different people, but we still came together as students,” she said.
Steenburg is quick to express gratitude for those who walked beside her: her girlfriend, her parents, her sorority sisters and her advisors Diane Hasbrouck, Missy Dunn and Darrek Harshbarger. “They gave me the support I didn’t know I needed,” she said, “and made sure I got to where I am today.”
After commencement, Steenburg will remain at PennWest to pursue a master’s degree in legal studies, beginning her first graduate class just three days after the ceremony.
With her intellect, leadership and deep appreciation for community, Steenburg embodies the best of PennWest. On Dec. 13, she will share that story with her fellow graduates — a fitting tribute to a college career defined by purpose, persistence and connection.
Pictured: Alexis Steenburg, with Darrek Harshberger, associate director of Student Development & Engagement, accepts the Campus and Community Involvement Award from the Student Leadership and Humanitarian Awards.