By Heather Cass
Publications Manager, Office of Strategic Communications,  Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s class of 2018 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and the things they’ve accomplished and learned while here at Behrend. Over the next couple months, we’ll be introducing you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technology, participated in important research projects, and left an impression at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Katharina Becker:

Majors: Concurrent majors in Marketing and International Business

Minor: Chemistry

Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Scholarships: I received the Edward P. and Barbara F. Junker Leadership Scholarship and the Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, Alumni Scholarship.

On choosing Behrend: Behrend was the perfect size for me: small enough to feel homey, but big enough that I see and meet new people every day. Also, the campus is gorgeous and clean, and the people are friendly and inclusive.

On choosing her majors: Marketing challenges my creativity. It also calls for one to be organized, fun, fast-paced, and trendy. I chose International Business because we live in an increasingly global business world, and I love to travel.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: I was the vice president of the Relay for Life Club this year and we hosted a joint event with Mercyhurst University’s Relay for Life Club. We had more than 100 people attend our event and raised $7,300. I am immensely proud of the Relay members and all the organizing, advertising, and networking that contributed to the success of the event.

Campus involvement: I was a Lion Scout (tour guide) from the summer of my first year until my senior year. I was involved with Reality Check and traveled on the Alternative Spring Break trip to Dallas, Texas. I was involved in BVZ Radio and hosted my own show called “Zona de Calma” in my sophomore year. I studied abroad in Maastricht, Netherlands, for six weeks. I was also involved in the Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) club.

Advice for new students: I came to college assuming I had to choose only one subject to focus on that I was most passionate about. This was stressful because I have a variety of interests. I would advise incoming first-year students to diversify their schedule by pursuing a second major, a minor, or certificates.

Following her graduation in May, Katharina plans to work for a global digital marketing agency.