Penn State York will have one of its faculty serve as commencement speaker on May 4.

Frederick Haag, an associate professor of visual arts, has taught at the York campus since 1987 on a variety of art topics.

The York resident was a recipient of the Penn State Alumni/Student Award for Excellence in Teaching, one of just two faculty members in the entire Penn State system to earn the recognition this year.

Haag was selected to speak as a result of the award, handed out by the Penn State Alumni Association each year to recognize great teachers and allow them to mentor others.

Haag is known for teaching methods that include blending traditional and digital methods of art creation, and for having students create artwork, ads, logos and other items for community organizations.

The 42nd commencement will start at 6 p.m. at the Pullo Performing Arts Center, and is free and open to the public. It will also be streamed on the Penn State York website and on Comcast channel 18.

Many Penn State York students who completed their degree at another Penn State campus will be on hand.

Students will also have the opportunity to speak at the ceremony as part of the traditional open microphone portion of the ceremony. The top associate, baccalaureate and master's degree graduate will also speak.

-- Reach Andrew Shaw at 505-5431 or asha w@yorkdispatch.com, or on Twitter @ydblogwork