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 Marcus James.

Major: Software Engineering

Hometown: Tacarigua, Trinidad and Tobago

Scholarships: I received the Penn State Behrend Chancellor’s Scholarship.

On choosing his major: I have always been fascinated by technology and computers. When I started taking computer coding classes in high school, I found it interesting, and I liked it a lot. When it came time to look for colleges, I began researching good fields to get into and among them was software engineering, which really appealed to me.

Proudest accomplishment: I have been the president of the International Student Organization. I took over the presidency during a difficult time when it seemed to be falling apart, and because of my efforts during my junior year, the club is very active and thriving again.

Campus involvement: I have been involved in the International Student Organization, the Multi-Cultural Council, the Behrend Lion Entertainment Board, the Organization of African and Caribbean Students, Lion Ambassadors, Triangle Fraternity, and  Engineering Ambassadors, and also served as a leader and director of Behrend’s Welcome Week this past year.

Surprising fact: When I tell people that I am an international student, they are often surprised.

Highest priority: I would like to work first on becoming financially stable. Once I am comfortable, I can start focusing on other passions, like travel.

Wanderlust: I am passionate about traveling. I love discovering and exploring new places and I love learning about new cultures.

Advice for first-year students: Learn how to manage your time early on. College requires a lot of personal responsibility. It’s up to you to do what you need to do to keep your grades up while also having a healthy social life.

After his graduation in May, Marcus will be an Android-focused engineer for Hinge in New York City.