Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2025 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 will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have conducted valuable research, pioneered innovation, overcome challenges, and engaged in college life in a big way.

Today, we’d like you to meet Haley Allen.   

Major: Biology, Health Profession option

Minor: Psychology

Hometown: Pittsburgh

Scholarships: Penn State Behrend Leadership Scholarship and Chancellor’s Scholarship.

Why she chose Behrend: I chose Behrend because of its close-knit academic environment. The smaller student-to-faculty ratio provides a more personalized learning experience. From my very first visit, I knew Behrend would be a place where faculty and staff would support my ambitions and help me achieve my goals.

Why she chose her major: From as early as I can remember, I was always following my mom, who is a nurse practitioner, around the hospital, dreaming about that being me one day. I chose to pursue my undergraduate degree in Biology at Behrend as a stepping stone toward becoming a physician. One quote that I live by is: “To be the mediator between someone’s fear of today and hope for tomorrow is the greatest responsibility one can have.” I would be incredibly proud to do that as my work one day.

Student involvement: I have had the honor of serving as President for Biology Club, Scrubs Club, and Lion Ambassadors; Vice President for Science Ambassadors, Director of Site Development for Alternative Spring Break, and a Welcome Week Leader during my final academic year. I was also involved in Behrend Benefiting THON.

Pride in Lion leadership:  One of my proudest accomplishments at Behrend has been serving as President of Lion Ambassadors, an organization that holds a special place in my heart. Leading such a dedicated group of students has been an incredibly rewarding experience.  I was honored to receive the Irvin H. Kochel Lion Ambassador Award for my work with the group.

Mind over matter: The biggest challenge I have had to overcome is believing in myself and trusting that I have the abilities needed to succeed, both over the past four years and in the future. I started with small affirmations every day to be confident and have trust in my abilities.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I have a twin sister. She is a built-in best friend and my biggest supporter in life.

Advice for first-year students: This is probably something they have heard multiple times before, but the reason is because it is so important — get involved. If I could go back in time, this is the one thing I would start earlier on. You never know what you will discover about yourself through extracurricular activities while at Behrend.

After her graduation in May, Haley plans to earn a Master of Business Administration degree at Behrend while preparing for, and applying to, medical school to become a pediatric physician.