Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2026 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 Owen Kagle.

Majors: Business Economics and Finance

Hometown: Bridgeville, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Provost Award and Leadership Scholarship

Why he chose Behrend: I loved the campus, the community, and the abundance of opportunities that are available here. The professors and staff all want to see you succeed, and that gives you a support network like no other to draw from.

Why he chose his majors: I’ve been interested in the financial world since I was young, and my love for economics started with a very passionate teacher in high school, Mr. Lucas, who challenged me to learn as much as I could about how theory can be applied to the real world. I wanted both the theoretical side in business economics and the statistical side in finance, and I could attain both in four years at Behrend, so it was the perfect fit for me.

Campus involvement: Resident Assistant in the on-campus apartments, senator for Student Government Association, night building assistant for Student Leadership and Involvement, fundraising chair and chancellor for the professional business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi, Business Ambassador, tour guide, lead analyst for the Intrieri Family Student-Managed Fund, member of Beta Gamma Sigma honor society, and vice president of the South East Asian Association.

Advice for first-year students: Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and get involved. That’s where you’ll get the most out of your college experience and find some of your best friends.

After his graduation in May, Owen will join the FP&A team at Westinghouse for the summer and then return to Behrend to earn a Master of Business Administration degree.