From the moment she first imagined her future, Kendal Mumaw knew she was meant to teach.

That calling guided the Monaca, Pennsylvania, native to PennWest University’s Edinboro campus, where she earned dual degrees in secondary education social studies and special education, graduating summa cum laude in May 2026.

It also led her to one of the most meaningful moments of her college career: serving as the student speaker at the PennWest Edinboro commencement ceremony on May 9.

Addressing her classmates inside McComb Fieldhouse, Mumaw reflected on the challenges, growth and community that shaped the Class of 2026.

“Today is often described as an ending, but it feels much more like a beginning,” she told graduates. “It represents years of effort, perseverance, and growth — much of it happening quietly, behind the scenes, between late nights in the library, snowy walks to class, campus responsibilities, and the pressure of becoming who we are today.”

Throughout her time at Edinboro, Mumaw distinguished herself through academic excellence, leadership and service. Alongside her studies, she served as president of the National Panhellenic Council, held multiple leadership roles within Zeta Tau Alpha and was actively involved with Student PSEA. She also worked as a resident assistant, balancing campus leadership responsibilities with demanding field placements and coursework.

“I’ve worn a lot of hats here,” she said during her address. “Student. Future teacher. Community assistant. Sorority leader. Panhellenic president. Student teacher. I found myself balancing many roles, learning how to lead, support others, and adapt to whatever the day required.”

Those experiences extended far beyond campus involvement. Through student teaching and field placements, Mumaw worked with students across a wide range of grade levels and learning needs, including life skills, emotional support and learning support classrooms.

She completed student teaching placements at Fort LeBoeuf High School in Waterford, Pennsylvania, teaching grades 9–12 social studies, and in the General McLane School District, where she worked in emotional support classrooms serving students in grades K–4.

Additional field experiences took her to Saegertown Jr./Sr. High School, Cambridge Springs Jr./Sr. High School, James W. Parker Middle School and Edinboro Elementary School.

Those opportunities reinforced her belief in inclusive learning environments where every student feels supported and capable of success.

Along the way, Mumaw said she learned one of the most important lessons of her college experience: success is never achieved alone.

“To have a village, you have to be a villager,” she told fellow graduates. “We showed up for one another, leaned on each other, and grew because of it.”

Speaking directly to her fellow education majors, Mumaw acknowledged both the challenges and rewards that await them in the classroom.

“To my fellow future teachers: we did NOT choose the easy path, BUT we chose the meaningful one,” she said. “We chose classrooms, students, and the belief that education can change lives, even on the hard days.”

As she closed her speech, Mumaw left graduates with a message of reassurance and resilience.

“You do not have to have everything figured out to move forward,” she said. “You just have to be willing to try, to care, and to show up.”

“We came here unsure. We leave here capable. A little tired. A little wiser. And ready for our next beginning.”

Following graduation, Mumaw will begin her career as a special education teacher, carrying forward the same passion for education and advocacy that defined her years at PennWest Edinboro.