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: Kristopher Knorr.

Major: Concurrent majors in Finance and International Business

Minor: Spanish

Hometown: Northumberland, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Erie Insurance Group Leadership Scholarship, PNC Leadership Scholarship, and the A&M Loechner Endowed Scholarship.

On choosing Behrend: It is the only Penn State campus where I could major in International Business, which is a huge passion of mine. I also chose Behrend because of the potential for personal growth. It is a place that offers many opportunities to really find out who you are and what you like.

On choosing his career path: I wanted to become a Certified Financial Planner because I have a love for helping others and I am a very organized and analytical individual. I also love to travel and working in a different country and obtaining dual citizenship is something I have always desired.

Campus involvement: I have been in thirteen clubs and organizations and held seventeen executive board and leadership roles over my four years. Some of the positions I enjoyed most include president of Tone-Acious, an acapella group; vice president of Reality Check, a service organization; chairperson of the Lion Ambassadors’ Founder’s Day; secretary of the Financial Planning Association, and a chair on the Student Activity Fee committee. I have also been a Resident Assistant for two years.

What makes him unique: I’m a Finance major with a passion for writing, composing, and performing music of all kinds. I also love fashion and I dress well every single day.

Striking a pose: I have a real love for photography and modeling, whether I am in front of or behind the camera.

The good life defined: To me, a good life is one in which you are truly and genuinely happy. To be content and have a positive mindset is ideal in achieving that.

Pile of passions: I am passionate about many things, but especially about giving back to others through community service, mentoring, and pushing people to be the best that they can be. I also enjoy traveling, exploring, and trying new things. Finally, I have been passionate about music of all kinds since I was very young.

Who inspires him: Rihanna, Britney Spears, and Oprah Winfrey. The reason these women inspire me is because they have overcome tremendous life circumstances and have proven to have resilient and successful careers regardless of those events in their past.

Advice for new students: Be ambitious and do it all! Take advantage of opportunities as they come your way and constantly seek ways to grow your own brand and network throughout your four years at Behrend.

After his graduation in May, Kris plans to take the Certified Financial Planning exam. He would like to work as an international financial consultant in the United Kingdom, Spain, or Ireland.