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 Erin Mooney.

Majors: Dual majoring in Arts Administration and Digital Media, Arts and Technology

Minor: French

Hometown: North East, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Erie Insurance Open Doors Scholarship, McCain Family Foundation Trustee Scholarship, Ethel and Irvin Kochel Scholarship for International Study, Jim and Lynn Levinson Memorial Scholarship for Behrend’s Educational Partnership Program, John K. Henne Endowment for Internal Study, Internal Scholarship, Addison Gibson Foundation, Nancy J. Anderson Trustee Scholarship, NTIP(IB)-Edu Abroad.

On choosing her major: I chose my majors because arts and media are things that I am passionate about.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Graduating with two majors. Despite the many difficulties life has thrown at me during my college career, I persevered and made it.

Farm to campus: I lived on a farm while attending school and did not have a lot of spare time for extracurricular activities.

What makes her unique: I think my mind works differently than most. I am very creative, and I like to apply that to whatever I am working on. It makes assignments and work more interesting when I can add some of my own twists.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I have quite a few health issues that cause me a lot of pain each day. From chronic illnesses to injuries from an accident, I have been through the wringer. However, I work hard to make each day worth the effort!

What constitutes a good life for her: Doing what brings you happiness and trying to share that joy with others.

Her passions: I love color theory and making art. Also, “world building,” everything from storytelling to character-building.

Advice for first-year students: There are a lot of college resources, from the commuter lounge to the Personal Counseling Center to the Learning Resource Center where you can get tutoring. If you are struggling with anything, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

After her graduation in May, Erin plans to look for work in a field that aligns with her majors.