Category: Class of 2024

Standout Seniors: Meet Owen Valasek (Finance and Accounting)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 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 engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Owen Valasek.

Owen Valsek copy

Majors: Dual majoring in Finance and Accounting

Certificates: Financial Planning

Hometown:  Kittanning, Pennsylvania

On choosing Behrend: The Black School of Business is what attracted me to Behrend. The Bloomberg Terminal lab is unlike anything offered at other campuses. The terminals have allowed me to accelerate my learning about financial markets and other topics that will help me in my future career. The opportunity to dual major is also a great perk, allowing me to have more than one specialty within the business realm.

Campus involvement: President of the Business Analytics Team, Vice President of Communication for the Financial Management Association, Vice President of the Society of Undergraduate Economists, member of the Financial Planning Association, Lead Analyst and Vice President of Marketing for the Intrieri Family Student Managed Fund, and a member of the Behrend swim team during my first and sophomore years. These experiences equipped me with a diverse set of skills essential for personal and professional growth. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to be so involved.

His highest priority for the coming years: My highest priority for the coming years is to keep learning – both academically and personally — and to never become comfortable. College has been a wonderful experience. I’m committed to staying curious, seeking out new challenges, and embracing opportunities for growth. I haven’t been in my comfort zone throughout college, and I’m not going there now!

Advice for first-year students: Networking is the key to success. It is just as important as your studies. This doesn’t mean you have to be on a call with a hedge fund manager every day. Instead, join clubs, find extracurriculars to become a part of — that’s how you build a strong network. Also, learn from industry leaders within your field. Learning in and out of the classroom is vital to standing out.

After graduation, Owen plans to work in the Foundations program of Baird in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to become a financial advisor.

Standout Seniors: Meet Hannah Olanrewaju (Mechanical Engineering)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 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 engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Hannah Olanrewaju:

Hannah Olanrewaju 5

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Erie

Scholarships: D. Schreyer Renaissance Scholarship, Gerald Bayles Memorial Scholarship, Bunton Waller Scholarship, Mead Family Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, Chancellor Award Scholarship, and Society of Distinguished Alumni Trustee Scholarship.

On choosing Behrend: Penn State has always been a large part of my family: All my immediate family as well as two uncles have chosen Penn State. I always wanted to follow in their footsteps and felt that Behrend was the campus that best fit my needs because of the size, location, and great engineering programs.

On choosing her major: I chose to pursue mechanical engineering because it allows me to combine my academic strengths with my creativity through a broad study of topics and applications. The variety of skills I have learned allow for career flexibility, which gives me the opportunity to better explore my interests.

Her proudest accomplishment at Behrend: During the fall semester of my junior year, my term GPA fell to a 3.02, which is below the Schreyer Honors College requirement of a 3.40. The following semester, I worked diligently and earned a 3.54 for the spring of 2023. During this time, I had to prove to myself that I could overcome my academic obstacles and doing so has been my proudest accomplishment during my time here.

Campus involvement: I was a Lion Scout campus tour guide and a peer mentor for a group of five students in the STEM Leaders Program. I was also a member of the Schreyer Honors College and the Behrend Honors Program.

Awards and recognitions: In my first year, I received the Division of Undergraduate Studies Award.

What makes her unique: I love exploring different styles of music and playing instruments. From elementary to high school, I played the upright bass in the school orchestra. Currently, I enjoy playing the piano and the ukulele.

What you might be surprised to know about her: I can conversationally speak and understand Mandarin. My mom is Taiwanese, and she taught my sister and me the language when we were young.

Advice for first-year students: Get involved! The more you engage with campus life, the more likely you are to make friends, define and then refine your career goals, experience leadership opportunities, and have fun. Also, it really helps to do your homework early enough that you have time to ask the professor questions if you need to. Lastly, it is important to find a balance of school, work, and fun.

Parting thoughts: I would like to thank my mom, sister, stepdad, and friends for supporting me during college. I truly could not have done it without them!

After her graduation in May, Hannah plans to work in her field, and possibly pursue a Master of Business Administration degree.

Standout Seniors: Meet Jenna Alberti (Political Science)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 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 engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Jenna Alberti:

jenna alberti cropped

Jenna as Elle Woods in the college’s production of “Legally Blonde, The Musical” 

Major: Political Science

Minors: Theatre and Spanish

Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Scholarships: Myron and Marlene Jones Open Doors Scholarship; Bunton Waller Scholarship; Michael Jude Woods and Tracy Kimes Woods Family Trustee Scholarship; Council of Fellows Leadership Scholarship; Edward P. and Barbara F. Junker Scholarship; Wagner Family Open Doors Scholarship; Lake Erie Trustee Scholarship at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College; and Pam and Greg Slusher Open Doors Scholarship.

On choosing Behrend: I wanted a Penn State education, and I chose Behrend for its affordability and size.

On choosing her major: I have always had a passion for politics and helping people. My parents always told me that I was going to change the world for the better, and that is what I want to do.

Her proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Becoming the Welcome Week Director with one of my best friends, Josiah Burkett, a senior Elementary and Early Childhood Education major.  I was a leader for two consecutive years before becoming a director, so I really got to grow with the program.

Campus involvement: I have been involved in Sailing Club, Theatre and Theatre Club, Alpha Sigma Tau, Welcome Week, Panhellenic Council, Lion Ambassadors, THON, Pi Sigma Alpha, and the Concert Committee.

Awards and recognitions: I was awarded the Thomas H. Turnbull Award in 2023.

What makes her unique: I am well-versed and love to be active in my community. I am driven by my desire to succeed and make a difference, so giving up is not a word in my vocabulary.

People might be surprised to know: I work part-time at Erie Brewing Company in Knowledge Park, and despite my busy schedule with school, work, and extracurriculars, I do find time to sleep!

Career goals: I plan to continue my education and work my dream career, a job in the FBI.

Advice for first-year students: Take your time. As cliché as it sounds, college goes by quickly, and it is over before you know it. Get involved, make a name for yourself, and build your connections.

Parting thoughts: I love Penn State Behrend, and although I am ready to graduate, I am not ready to say goodbye.

After her graduation in May, Jenna plans to apply to graduate school and earn a degree in Homeland Security.

 

Standout Seniors: Meet Jordyn Hetz (Mathematics and Secondary Education in Mathematics)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 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 engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Jordyn Hetz: 

Jordyn Hetz

Major: Dual major in Mathematics and Secondary Education in Mathematics

Hometown: Erie

Scholarships: Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship, STEM Leaders Scholarship, Chancellor’s Scholarship

On choosing her major: I have always been passionate about helping others and always loved math, so choosing the dual major seemed like a natural fit.

Her proudest accomplishment at Behrend: My proudest accomplishment has been my involvement in the Noyce scholarship program. It has given me the opportunity to be in front of a classroom more than the typical education student, and I have also had the opportunity to build a great network with local teachers.

Awards and recognitions: Most Promising Freshman in Mathematics award, the President’s Freshman Award

Her passions: All Penn State sports! Behrend provides the unique opportunity to still be involved with the athletics at University Park while also being able to attend a school that isn’t as big.

Advice for first-year students: Make use of faculty members’ office hours. There is going to be a time where you struggle, and it is important to learn that it is okay to ask for help. Establishing a rapport with professors early on will make attending office hours less daunting. Professors want you to succeed, but they cannot help if they don’t know you are struggling!

After her graduation in December, Jordyn plans to become a high school math teacher.

Standout Seniors: Meet Reagan James (Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies and Project and Supply Chain Management)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 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 engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Reagan James:

Reagan James

Majors: Dual majoring in Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies (IBE) and Project and Supply Chain Management (PSCM)

Hometown: Spartansburg, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Penn State Behrend Chancellor’s Scholarship

On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend because I was interested in the IBE major, and it was a great campus that had small class sizes with the bonus of being close to home.

On choosing his majors: I chose IBE due to its versatility. When I started school, I didn’t really know what career path I wanted to pursue. I was on the fence between mechanical engineering or business. When I learned about the IBE major, it was a perfect blend for me. As I progressed through my college career, I was exposed to Project and Supply Chain management. After discussing it with my advisor, I learned that a dual major in PSCM would only require me to take a few extra classes to graduate with that major. I have been extremely satisfied with my decision to dual major.

Penn State pride: I am very proud of the relationships I have formed with the faculty. These close relationships have allowed me to make the most of my time at Behrend. As a Business Ambassador, I have been able to give advice to incoming students and tell them about the college.

Campus involvement: President, National Society of Business and Engineering club; Secretary, Project and Supply Chain Management club; Treasurer, Entrepreneurship club; Business Ambassador.

What makes him unique: I’m a good communicator. I would say one of my strengths is my ability to connect with everyone I meet. This has opened a lot of doors for me, allowed me to meet a lot of interesting people, and helped me when giving presentations. I also enjoy helping others, specifically in areas that I excel in. If I did well in a class, I often would help students taking the class after me.

What you might be surprised to now about him: I am not a big “sports guy.” Despite playing tons of sports and being a three-sport athlete in high school, I don’t follow any professional sports on TV. It’s not something that I am passionate about watching.

His definition of living a good life: Living a good life to me means a few things to me: First, and ultimately, life isn’t about money; it’s about relationships, so creating deep bonds and friendships is extremely important. Second, I think everyone has the potential to do great things, but only some people achieve what they are capable of. I want to be able to say that I lived up to my potential. Third, it means being able to have the freedom to do the things that I want to do, when I want, where I want.

Advice for first-year students: Your first year is meant to experience everything that college has to offer. Don’t feel pressured to join any clubs right away or feel like you are lost or behind. Relax, and just take it all in. By the end of the second semester, you will have a new perspective on things, which will enable you to choose the path right for you. Also, always think about how you can improve your resume. Don’t wait until your last semester!

Parting thoughts: Don’t think that everyone has it all figured out. Even the people who look like they have it all together still have things that they are worrying about. No one is perfect. People often say that college is the place to find yourself, but I think college is the place to build yourself. It’s great to find out what you like and dislike, but don’t forget that the skills and habits that you develop in college will be the ones you’ll be equipped with when you take your first step into the real world.

Reagan, who will graduate in May, is currently applying to many companies, looking to find the best fit for his skills, interests, and ambitions. 

Standout Seniors: Hannah Phillips (Biology)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 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 engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Hannah Phillips.

Hannah Phillips (bio)

Major: Biology with the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior option

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

On choosing Behrend: I loved the small campus atmosphere while still getting a Penn State degree. I enjoyed the Erie area when I visited, as well as everyone who I met while looking at the school. I had an opportunity to play volleyball as well, which allowed me to create close bonds with some great people.

On choosing her major: In high school, I developed a love for conservation. I have always enjoyed the environment, and being able to protect it is something that I want to spend my life doing. I love being outside, and my major allows me to conduct field work in nature.

Her proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Playing volleyball has allowed me to have many proud moments. I received Co-Player of the Year honors in 2022, as well as First Team All-Conference in 2022 and 2023. Our team won the AMCC championship during our 2021 season, after not having an official playing year in 2020.

Campus involvement: I served as captain of the women’s volleyball team during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. I am also the Student Athlete Advisor Committee representative for the team. I did on-campus research with five science faculty members: Dr. Matthew Gruwell and Dr. Ivor Knight during my junior year and Dr. Lynne Beaty, Dr. Sam Nutile, and Dr. Adam Simpson in my senior year.

Awards and recognitions: I was on the Dean’s List all four years of college. I received All-Academic AMCC honors from 2020 through 2024 and Chi Alpha Sigma National Student-Athlete Honor Society in 2023 and 2024.

Advice for first-year students: The college experience is what you make of it. Don’t be afraid to have fun, take some chances, and even fail; it’s how you learn.

After her graduation in May, Hannah plans to find work in the field of conservation or ecology.

Standout Seniors: Meet Mason Willman (Computer Science and Mathematics)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 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 engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

S-STEM 2023

Today, we’d like you to meet Mason Willman.

Majors: Dual majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics

Hometown: Attica, Ohio

Scholarships: Behrend Leadership Scholarship, STEM Leader Scholarship, Larson Texts Excellence Scholarship.

On choosing Behrend: Behrend was not originally on my radar, but someone from my high school chose to attend Behrend. After talking with them, I realized Behrend was right for me. I like that the college is focused on the undergraduate experience, but also offers the opportunities, funding, and resources that much larger schools do.

On choosing his major: I was stuck between something in technology and the sciences. I felt that I would be unable to decide, but then I discovered computer science. It is an interdisciplinary field that involves both technology and science. It was the perfect major that allowed me to pursue both my passions.

His proudest accomplishment at Behrend: My proudest accomplishment would be my Honors Thesis work with Dr. Thomas Cameron, assistant professor of mathematics. There have been many ups and downs throughout the research process, but I think that the final product has been worth it.

Campus involvement: I am currently an Engineering Ambassador, a lead tutor at the Learning Resource Center, and a STEM Leadership Scholar Mentor. Earlier, I participated in organizations like robotics club and anime club, but over the years, I have refined what truly interests me and prioritized my time and attention.

Awards and recognitions: I have earned Dean’s List every semester.

What makes him unique: I could talk about playing my saxophone or knowing how to 3D print, but I think it’s really my ability to think retrospectively. Through the years, I have evolved and changed as a person. I think being able to constantly grow is what helps me stay unique.

What you might be surprised to know about him: I regularly attend counseling on campus. As someone who seems to have it all together, people might be surprised by how important and helpful personal counseling has been to me.

His passion: Teaching and mentoring the younger generation. I want to pursue a doctorate degree because I want to be a professor someday. I think that mentoring and helping people make good choices is a great way to have a long-lasting impact on society.

Advice for first-year students: My advice would be to reach out and communicate with professors. I have professors who treat me more like a colleague or friend than a student. This enables them to help me find opportunities, provide advice, and overall, be a great resource when I need them. Many students lack these resources because they never take the first step in talking to their professors.

Parting thoughts: While it can be tiring, never stop growing as a person. Every time I look at a photo from the past, I remember how much personal growth I have had since then. I cannot imagine my personality, maturity, and opinions stagnating throughout my time in college.

After his graduation in May, Mason plans to attend graduate school.

Standout Seniors: Meet Max Nemenz (Elementary and Early Childhood Education)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 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 engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

max Nemez

Today, we’d like you to meet Max Nemenz.

Major: Elementary and Early Childhood Education

Minor: Special Education

Hometown: Erie

Scholarships: I received the Penn State Behrend academic scholarship.

On choosing his major: I have always wanted to work with children and make a difference. I never had a male teacher until I was in middle school, so I want to be a male figure for students in elementary school.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Making the Dean’s List every semester.

A tough start: Like most of my fellow graduates this year, I had to start my college career in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic in the fall of 2020. It was very difficult because college is all about meeting new people and making connections, and that’s hard to do when you’re taking classes online and cannot even be in the same room together. The good thing is that it all worked out eventually and now I have many new friendships that will last a lifetime.

Student involvement: I served as Treasurer, then Vice President for Penn State Behrend’s Student PSEA Club; Vice President for the Disabilities Awareness and Resources for Equity (DARE) Club; and I was a School of Humanities and Social Sciences Ambassador.

Will travel, by bike: I love going on bike rides around town when I have the time.

What you’d be surprised to know about him: Although I am a horrible basketball player, one of my favorite activities every summer is volunteering for the Shriners Children’s Erie wheelchair basketball program. I have so much fun playing basketball with the kids.

Max nemez2
Max teaching first grade students about the skeletal system.

Teacher goals: My highest priority going forward is to make a positive difference in students’ lives as well as provide them with a memorable and meaningful education.

Come as you are, kiddos: I am passionate about educating children and providing them a welcoming environment where they can be themselves.

Advice for first-year students: Something that wish I had done more as a first-year student was study and do my homework outside on nice days because Behrend’s campus is really beautiful.

After his graduation in May, Max plans to find work as an elementary school teacher in the Erie area.

Standout Seniors: Abby Cochran (Marketing)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 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 engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

Abby Cochran Photo (MKT and PSCM)

Today, we’d like you to meet Abby Cochran:

Major: Marketing

Minor: Project and Supply Chain Management

Hometown: Sheffield, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: I received the PNC Leadership Scholarship and the Lawrence and Olivia Held Scholarship.

On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend because it is a beautiful campus with lots of helpful and friendly people. The opportunities available to students and the national ranking of the Black School of Business also influenced my decision.

On choosing her major: I have always been interested in how film and music artists promote their products. I took a sports and entertainment marketing course in high school that piqued my interest even more. The idea of creating messages and advertisements that appeal to the public to such a degree that they would purchase a product has always been exciting to me. I also like that marketers highlight the positive aspects of a product. It’s always better to be positive.

Her proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Being accepted into the Schreyer Honors College.

Campus Involvement: During my sophomore year at Behrend, I was a member of Lambda Sigma. Currently, I am a member of the National Society for Leadership and Success, the American Marketing Association, Schreyer Honors College, and Beta Gamma Sigma. I am also a research assistant for the Raimy Behavioral Lab in the Black School of Business.

What you might be surprised to know about her: I am a Swiftie. My favorite era is 1989. However, my favorite Taylor Swift song is “You Belong With Me.”

Beyond Taylor: I enjoy listening to a wide range of music and learning about the music production process. I’m also intrigued by how films are created and the filming process.

Advice for first-year students: I wish that I would’ve known about the What-If Report tool in LionPath when choosing my classes. Make sure to use this when scheduling to see how your completed and current courses apply toward requirements of your major and/or minors.

After her graduation in May, Abby hopes to secure a marketing position in the film, music, or fashion industries.

Standout Seniors: Meet Holden Cooper (Biology)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 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 engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Holden Cooper.

Major: Biology with the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior focus area

Hometown: San Anselmo, California

On choosing his major: I am very passionate about herpetology (the study of amphibians and reptiles) and would love to study in this field post-graduation.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: My proudest accomplishment while at Behrend would be the research I have done involving biofluorescence in salamanders. For this project, I documented the trait of biofluorescence in spotted salamanders and red-spotted newts and how the patterns of biofluorescence change through early stages of development.

Awards and recognition: I won an award for first place at the Sigma Xi (Undergraduate Research and Creative Accomplishment) Conference in 2023 for a presentation on my research with biofluorescence in larval stage salamanders.

His passion: I have a strong interest in both reptiles and amphibians, and I enjoy spending a lot of my free time flipping logs in search of them.

After graduation, Holden plans to get a master’s degree in biology at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.