Office of Strategic Communications, Penn State Behrend
Ann K. Scott, community outreach manager for Erie Insurance Group, is the recipient of the inaugural Mary Behrend Impact Award, presented by Penn State Behrend’s Women’s Engagement Council (WEC).
The award was established to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions, directly or indirectly, to advance the purpose of WEC, namely to support and lift women by advancing programs related to women, to the college, and to the greater Erie community. Scott was honored with the first award at a luncheon at Behrend’s Lilley Library in March.
“Ann’s professional accomplishments, personal philanthropic commitment and dedication to student mentorship exemplifies the spirit of Mary Behrend,” said Priscilla Hamilton ’73, a WEC board member who chaired the award committee. “Her contributions reflect Mary’s spirit of generosity, which created Penn State Behrend.”
Scott earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication from Behrend in 1982 and an MBA from the college’s Black School of Business in 1999. She joined Erie Insurance in 1982 and currently manages a philanthropic budget of nearly $5 million and leads charitable giving and community outreach efforts through Erie Insurance’s Giving Network.
Scott is chair of Penn State Behrend’s Council of Fellows, the first woman to hold that position. She also served previously as an executive-in-residence for the Black School of Business. She has been honored by the Boys & Girls Club of Erie for her integrity and impact on the community, and in 2012, she was recognized as a Woman Making History by the Mercy Center for Women, for her support of women and young people.
“I’m humbled to receive this award,” Scott said. “Behrend has been a part of my and my family’s lives since I graduated high school. The people I’ve met there have impacted my life, my community, my work, my family, and my values. I’m honored to be counted among the many strong, kind, and influential women in the Behrend community, including the remarkable Mary Behrend who began it all.”
Penn State Behrend’s class of 2023 is ready to make its mark on the world! We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.
Today, we’d like you to meet Matt Strupczewski:
Majors: Dual majoring in Political Science and Marketing
Minor: Military Studies
Hometown: Erie
Scholarships: Merwin Trustee Matching Scholarship, Irving Kochel Leadership Scholarship, Penn State Academic Grant, Zachary T. Irwin Humanitarian Award
On choosing Behrend: I knew I had to put myself through school, so I was looking for the most cost-effective option. Behrend was by far the best value. It allowed me to live at home to save even more money and still earn a Penn State degree, which opens the door to many career and continuing education opportunities.
On choosing his major: I am intrigued by the world of politics and hope to run for office myself one day. Marketing came naturally to me as I have always been business-minded. Dual majoring allowed me to draw the two together. I believe if I can market a product, I can market myself, and vice versa.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Becoming president of the Student Government Association. This position has allowed me to do so much to improve services and activities, and even support faculty needs on our campus. The ability to make real change and help our community has been the most fulfilling opportunity I have been able to take part in.
Campus involvement: I’m a member of the Lion Ambassadors, Penn State Army ROTC, and College Republicans.
What makes him unique: I think I have a high level of charisma. When it comes to sales, management, and even leadership situations, I am able to work well with a lot of people. I think this will help me in my career and personal life, as it is an important social skill in today’s world.
What you’d be surprise to know about him: I am only 21, but I am married and have already bought my first house. This was all while I went to school, averaging about 25 credits per semester and working, too.
What makes a good life: Finding your sense of fulfillment. There is no one way to live a good life. For me, it is a happy medium of having a job I enjoy with a good work-life balance.
A future full of options: I often think of new ways to apply my skills but have a hard time narrowing down which one to pursue. Do I get a graduate degree? Make an early run for a local election? Continue furthering my career as a real estate agent? This year has been a very introspective year for me, as I have been doing a deeper dive into the question, “What is my why?”
Passionate about public service: I love finding a way to use my skills to help people. With the skills I have developed here at Behrend, especially with my Student Government Association experience, I can’t wait to become an elected official. No matter what level office they hold, elected officials have the power and ability to make their community a better place. Today, it feels that too many of our officials are more concerned with reelection or serving themselves than with working to make things better.
Advice for first-year students: My younger self would have suggested students work as much as they can outside of school, but I now feel it is important to find a healthy middle ground. Of course, prioritize school, but work and social time should also be included for your own mental health and enjoyment of life.
From graduation to service: I am currently in the National Guard and will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in May. I have learned a lot in the guard and appreciate how it has helped me develop and mature, personally.
After his graduation in May, Matt plans to continue serving in the National Guard while pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree at Behrend. In the future, he plans to run for political office.
Penn State Behrend’s class of 2023 is ready to make its mark on the world! We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.
Today, we’d like you to meet Lydia Glenn:
Major: English
Minor: Biology
Hometown: Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania
Connecting at Behrend: I chose Behrend because of its small classes and its convenient location. I value relationships with professors, and Behrend’s size allows for more student-professor connections. The relationships with my professors have created several opportunities for me in furthering my education and career.
On choosing her major: I chose English with a focus in professional writing because I have a love of research and writing. Editing and writing, whether professionally or technically, are my areas of expertise, So I decided to utilize my skills and find a career that fits me.
Sharing her skills: One of my proudest accomplishments at Behrend was teaching Italian water polo players English. The players were taking part in a summer camp on campus, and it was such a rewarding experience. I was able to use my knowledge of the English language to teach them conversation and phrases for social settings.
Campus involvement: I am a Humanities and Social Sciences Ambassador, tutor at the LRC, and was news editor of the Behrend Beacon last year.
Interdisciplinary interests: One thing that makes me unique is my love of both the humanities and the sciences. I love English, writing, and reading literature, but I also love biology and the research that comes with it. My knowledge of both English and biology makes me a person who can type a grammatically and thematically accurate scientific paper.
She loves language and animals: People might be surprised to know that I own three ferrets. During my internship at the Erie Zoo, I fell in love with the ferrets. After that, I started rescuing them from local shelters. Of course, I started with just one, but then two more needed homes.
Her definition of living a good life: I think a good life is finding something you’re passionate about and turning it into a career. I also believe that everyone should strive to make the world a better place and should use their brains and individual skills for good. A good life is made of selfless acts.
What’s next: My highest priority for the next few years is to obtain a master’s degree and find a job in the field of publishing and/or writing.
What fires her up: I am passionate about reading and writing first and foremost. I am also passionate about certain political movements like women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental activism. I am also passionate about animals, and I urge everyone looking to own a pet to adopt from local shelters.
Advice for first year students: Go to counseling. I am a firm believer that everyone needs someone to talk to. Counseling at Penn State Behrend is free, so why not utilize their services while you are here?
After her graduation in May, Lydia plans to attend graduate school at Carnegie Mellon University.
Office of Strategic Communication, Penn State Behrend
Penn State Behrend students with U.S. Senator Bob Casey Jr. at the Capitol Building in Washinton, D.C.
Political Science class gets a first-hand look at how U.S. government works
It’s one thing to study the U.S. government and how it operates in Washington, D.C. It’s another to experience it, walking the same halls that senators and congresspersons do, sitting in the same courtrooms where federal judges preside, and meeting with foreign ambassadors and lobbyists.
“After being taught in the classroom, actually seeing the historical locations in person gave me a whole new perspective,” said Justin Lopez-Beltran, a second-year student dual majoring in Political Science and Economics.
More than a dozen Penn State Behrend students enrolled in Dr. Robert Speel’s PLSC 177N Politics and Government of Washington, D.C., spent their spring break in our nation’s capital where they squeezed a lot into one week.
The group met with members of Congress and leaders of federal government agencies; received briefings from foreign embassies and international organizations; participated in seminars led by interest groups, political party officials, and consultants; and toured government offices and facilities. They visited monuments, memorials, museums, and Arlington National Cemetery, and met with many Penn State Behrend alumni who live and work in D.C.
Among the alumni in D.C. is U.S. Representative Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.), a 2004 Political Science graduate, who serves on the House Rules Committee and invited the students to sit in on a committee meeting.
Penn State Behrend students with U.S. Representative Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.), a 2004 Political Science graduate (center in striped tie) in Washinton, D.C.
“This is not something the average person can do,” said Casey Mitolo, a fourth-year Political Science major. “He even gave a shout out to the class and Dr. Speel during the meeting. It was special.”
“My favorite part was visiting Capitol Hill and seeing all the politicians you admire and even some you might disagree with,” Lopez-Beltran said. “After taking multiple political science courses, it was fascinating to see politicians we have discussed and even argued about in the classroom.”
Classmate Nicklas Richar, a second-year Political Science major, agreed. “It was really cool to be inside the Capitol building and to see all the senators and representatives I’ve watched on TV and realize that they are real people doing an actual job.”
Mason Milliard, a third-year Political Science major, said he especially enjoyed meeting with Behrend alumnae Yuri Unno, director for international trade policy for Toyota, and Elizabeth Buck, deputy assistant director of the U.S. Marshals Service. “It was also really interesting to watch votes from the Senate and House galleries and sit in for a lecture at the Supreme Court,” he said.
Mitolo was surprised by the number of Behrend alumni in the capital. “It was extremely eye-opening to see all the doors that a Behrend Political Science degree can open,” he said. “We met alumni who work as political consultants, representatives, union leaders, and much more.”
The students interviewed for this story all agreed that the experience solidified their career choices.
“It was one of the most fascinating experiences of my life,” Richar said. “Every single place that we visited had a rich history and important part in how our government functions. It really inspired me to continue in my career path, and I learned that the potential for jobs in this field is endless.”
“This trip 100 percent solidified my career decision,” Lopez-Beltran said. “I learned that there are countless opportunities in D.C. and a wide variety of options from campaign work to legislative work to lobbying.”
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4 Takeaways
Things are not always what they seem: “I learned that, occasionally, lobbyists are the ones who have to rein in the legislators,” Milliard said. “It was surprising to hear that, from a lobbyist’s perspective, they sometimes must remind politicians that the ideas they are pushing are unrealistic. This contradicted a belief I had that politicians were the ones who had to curtail persistent ‘radical’ lobbyists.”
It’s more complicated than it seems. “I learned how many outside influences affect how lawmakers make legislation,” Richar said. “We learn in class about the types of legislation they create but not always about the work that goes into it or what causes lawmakers to think the way they do. Now, after meeting them, I have a much better understanding.”
Prepare for a workout. “The trip was exhausting!” Mitolo said. “We walked more than ten miles one day, according to my Apple watch. But it was totally worth it.”
D.C. runs on youth. “One of the staff members that I spoke to privately made a joke about how the government is really run by a bunch of 20-year-olds, and it made me laugh because it was clear that there was an element of truth to it,” Lopez-Beltran said. “They were the ones rushing around delivering mail, moving legislation, setting up tours, and more.”
Penn State Behrend students meet with some Behrend alumni who live and work in Washington, D.C.
Penn State Behrend’s class of 2023 is ready to make its mark on the world! We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.
Today, we’d like you to meet McKenzie Hovis:
Major: Secondary Education in Mathematics
Hometown: Emlenton, Pennsylvania
Scholarships: Class of 1922 Memorial, Fryer Trustee Scholarship, Balmer Trustee Scholarship
On choosing her major: I chose my major because I have always loved math and helping others understand it.
Making the list: My proudest accomplishment at Behrend is being named to the Dean’s List all eight semesters.
Campus involvement: I am a member of the Behrend women’s basketball team, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and the Student Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA).
Honors and awards: I was inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma Athletic Honor Society and earned AMCC Academic All-Conference every year.
What she would tell first-year students: My advice to first-year students is to take advantage of the opportunities and resources offered at Behrend. See your professors during office hours. Attend sporting or other organized events. Join a club. All these opportunities are available to you as a student at Behrend, and by taking advantage of them, you will grow in so many ways.
After her graduation in May, McKenzie plans to work as a high school mathematics teacher.
Penn State Behrend’s class of 2023 is ready to make its mark on the world! We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.
Today, we’d like you to meet Seth Myers:
Major: Dual majoring in Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies and Project and Supply Chain Management
Hometown: Erie
Scholarships: Bunton-Waller Scholarship and CMI EPTI Trustee Scholarship
On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend because it has great engineering and business programs. Also, I had the opportunity to continue my athletic career and play basketball for the Behrend Lions.
On choosing his major: IBE is a unique major offered by only a few colleges in the country. I felt I would be well-rounded with a foundation in engineering and business, and it would give me a lot of career options.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Maintaining a solid grade point average (3.8) while double majoring and playing on the men’s basketball team for four years.
Awards and honors: Inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athletic Honor Society and Academic All-AMCC
His definition of living a good life: Enjoying what you do while having a positive impact on others in some way or another.
What he is passionate about: My faith, family, and friends.
Advice he would give to a first-year student: Enjoy your time and experiences here–and get your work done early.
After his graduation in May, Seth will work at Wabtec Corporation in the LEAD Operations rotational program.
Penn State Behrend’s class of 2023 is ready to make its mark on the world! We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.
Today, we’d like you to meet Skylar Lint:
Major: Elementary and Early Childhood Education
Minor: Special Education
Hometown: Waterford, Pennsylvania
Scholarships: Chancellor’s Scholarship, Council of Fellows Leadership Scholarship.
On choosing Behrend: Behrend always felt like home to me. The first time I visited, I felt so safe. The Behrend community is like no other; everyone is so caring.
On choosing her major: I’ve always wanted to change the world, and I knew that teaching was one way I could do that. Teachers can have great impact.
A leader in the classroom and out: My proudest accomplishment has been maintaining a 3.5 cumulative GPA, as well as serving as the president of my sororityAlpha Sigma Alpha—for the past two years and holding an executive board position on Panhellenic Council for three years.
What makes her unique: Making people feel comfortable and heard. I am a compassionate and outgoing person.
What makes an A+ life: Being surrounded by people who you love. What better way to be happy than being with with those you adore the most?
Her next assignment: To get a teaching job so I can shape the minds of young children and open doors for them like my teachers did for me. I want to show children that learning is fun.
Advice for first-year students: Be adventurous and try new things. Join clubs where you can make new friends. Enjoy every moment. Four years goes faster than you think!
Lessons from the 100 Acre Wood: I love this quote from Winnie the Pooh: “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard?” I feel very lucky to have gone to a college like Behrend that I am going to have a hard time leaving.
After her graduation in May, Skylar plans to work as an elementary school teacher.
Penn State Behrend’s class of 2023 is ready to make its mark on the world! We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.
Today, we’d like you to meet Emily Clopp:
Major: Psychology with a certificate in Child Development
Hometown: Canonsburg, Pennsylvania
Scholarships: John H. Devitt Scholarship
Finding a home at Behrend: I chose Behrend for many reasons. First, because I could earn a Penn State degree and the alumni base is massive. Behrend is also a beautiful campus and has a homey feel to it. Additionally, I wanted to play soccer, and I knew Behrend had a successful program with great coaches.
Why she chose her major: The brain has always fascinated me. I love its complexity. I knew majoring in psychology would give me the opportunity to learn more about the brain and the numerous disorders associated with it, as well as gain an understanding of why humans behave the way they do. It also provided a good foundation for graduate school, as a lot of the prerequisites are psychology courses like developmental psychology and abnormal psycholohy, both of which I loved.
Excelling on the field and in the classroom: From an academic standpoint, my proudest accomplishment has been maintaining a 4.0 grade point average while balancing work, school, social life, and soccer. From an athletic standpoint, my proudest moment would be winning the AMCC championship with my team in the 2021 season and competing in the NCAA tournament.
Campus involvement: Two-year captain of the women’s soccer team; group leader of Fellowship of Christian Athletes; volunteer in the TOPS soccer program; member of Psi Chi honor society and the Psychology club.
Awards and recognitions: President’s Freshman award, Chi Alpha Sigma Athletic Honors Society, Academic All-Conference every soccer season, Dean’s List every semester, Scholarship/Leadership Award from the team (voted on by teammates).
What you’d be surprised to know about her: I transferred to Behrend after my first year of college at the University of Akron where I played Division I soccer. In high school, I was a member of Team USA for dance/baton twirling. We competed in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy, where we won the World Championships. Finally, people would be surprised to know that I am very emotional and still tear up at most Disney movies, especially Monsters, Inc.
Passions at play: I am passionate about helping people. I especially love working with older adults and those with special needs, so I’m very excited about my future career. I also love soccer and hope to find an adult recreational league to play in.
Advice for first-year students: Be proactive and find a routine. Also, know that even when school get stressful and overwhelming, you will get through it. Finally, get involved as much as you can because having a support system makes college a lot easier.
Following her graduation in May, Emily plans to attend graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh to get a doctorate in occupational therapy. She hopes to specialize in neurology or work with those who have special needs.
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