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.
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 Rachel Majewski.
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Erie
Why she chose Behrend: I wanted a place where I could pursue both my academic and athletic career goals. Looking back, I know I made the right decision. From the moment I arrived, Behrend became my home away from home, providing me with endless opportunities to grow both as a student and as an athlete.
Why she chose her major: I chose marketing as my major because it offers a versatile skill set that can be applied to a wide range of industries and careers.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Breaking the Penn State Behrend women’s basketball program’s scoring record—a milestone that had stood for twenty-three years. On January 22, 2025, in a game against Alfred State, I was able to achieve this goal.
That night was truly special in every way. The energy in the gym was unforgettable, with the fans, my teammates, and my family in the stands cheering me on. Every shot, every play, and every moment leading up to that record-breaking basket felt surreal. When the ball went through the net, the roar of the crowd and the celebration that followed made all the hours of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication worth it. (See video here.)
But this achievement wasn’t just mine—it belonged to everyone who supported me along the way. I couldn’t have done it without my coaches, who pushed me to be the best version of myself every day; my teammates, who challenged and encouraged me on and off the court; and, most importantly, my family, whose unwavering belief in me gave me the confidence to chase my dreams.
Breaking the record was more than just a personal milestone—it was a testament to years of hard work, resilience, and the incredible people who helped me along the way. That night will always hold a special place in my heart. (Note: Rachel finished her college basketball career with 1,750 total points scored—the new record to beat.)
Campus involvement: Member of the Penn State Behrend women’s basketball team, captain from 2023–2025. I was also a member of Chi Alpha Sigma and the Marketing Club.
Awards and accolades: Dean’s List; Academic All-AMCC (2021–2024); Pre-season AMCC Player of the Year (2023–2024); First Team All-Conference (2022–2025); Second Team All-ECAC (2022–2023); and AMCC Player of the Year (2024–2025).
Parting thoughts: Over the past four years, I have had the privilege of meeting incredible people—amazing professors, coaches who have pushed me to be my best, and teammates and friends who have become like family. The bonds I’ve built here will last a lifetime, and the memories I’ve made, on and off the court, are ones I will cherish forever.
Behrend has shaped me in ways I never could have imagined, and no matter where life takes me, I will always hold this place close to my heart—and bleed blue and white!
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 Conrad Lloyd.
Majors: Accounting, Finance, and International Business
Hometown: Knox, Pennsylvania
Scholarships: Provost Award and the Leadership Scholarship
Awards: Academic Achievement Award for International Business and Accounting
Why he chose Behrend: I love the Wintergreen Gorge and the entire outdoor scene here at Behrend.
Why he chose his major: I was very indecisive at first, but knew I wanted to get a business degree. I took Dr. Justyna Skomra’s ACCTG 211 Financial and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making class and fell in love with accounting.
Campus involvement: Accounting Club, International Business Club, Delta Sigma Pi, Business Ambassadors, and Behrend Theatre.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Honestly, my proudest accomplishment will be walking across the stage at commencement. I never thought I would be able to do it.
Challenges overcome: I have struggled with severe mental health throughout most of my life. The fact that I am still here and about to graduate is amazing to me.
What makes him unique: I have dealt with a lot in my life. I’d think that’s helped me to empathize with others and their own struggles.
What you’d be surprised to know about him: I have hiked the trails in the gorge every Sunday since I came to Behrend.
What he is passionate about: Coffee, baking, and family. I love making things for people I love.
Advice for first-year students: Treat your professors like the people they are. I wish I had not only gone to office hours more, but also had taken the chance to get to know my professors more personally.
After his graduation in May, Conrad will work as a corporate finance associate at PNC Financial Services Group.
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 Michaela Florence.
Majors: Marketing and Business Economics
Hometown: Moon Township, PA
Campus involvement: I have been involved in Delta Sigma Pi (professional business fraternity), the Student Government Association, concert and pep band, the American Marketing Association, Business Ambassadors, and SMART (Student Multicultural Advisory Recruitment Team).
Awards and accolades: I received Penn State Behrend’s Outstanding First-Year Student Award and I was the Regional (twice) and Provincial Collegian of the Year for Delta Sigma Pi.
Highest priority for coming years: I have very broad interests when it comes to my career, so one of my priorities is to learn exactly what I love to do and find opportunities that allow me to do it.
Never stop learning: I am passionate about learning and improvement. This is what has motivated me throughout college, and I will continue to find ways to learn new things and improve in my career and my personal life.
Advice for first-year students: Come to college with an open mind. You’ll be exposed to a lot of new things in your classes and activities. There will be a ton of opportunities to expand your mind if you’re willing to be flexible and step out of your comfort zone.
After her graduation in May, Michaela plans to pursue a career in marketing research/analytics. She also plans to attend graduate school in the future.
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 Benita Bowden.
Major: Marketing
Certificate: Project and Supply Chain Analytics
Hometown: Waterford, Pennsylvania
Why she chose Behrend: I loved the beautiful campus, the strong academic programs, and being so close to home.
Why she chose her major: I’ve always been fascinated by the business world, particularly the strategic thinking behind advertising campaigns, why companies position themselves in certain ways, and how these approaches ultimately succeed.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Having my research paper accepted to the European Marketing Academy Conference (EMAC) in Madrid, where I will be traveling to present it. I am conducting this research along with faculty members Dr. Ben Lee and Dr. Amit Agarwal. Our paper examines how a data breach impacts a firm’s marketing capabilities.
Campus involvement: I was involved in the Lion Entertainment Board and the sailing club during my time here at Behrend. I was proud to contribute to our sailing team’s achievement of reaching the semi-finals in Virginia last year. I had never sailed before I joined the club in my freshman year, so this was a huge accomplishment for me.
What you’d be surprised to know about her: I grew up in Alaska, only moving to the Erie area after my family sold everything that we owned and drove around the United States for months. We had originally planned to move back to Alaska once our travels were over but decided to stay in Erie to be closer to family.
Highest priority for the coming years: My top priority is to establish myself in my field while creating lasting memories—after all, I’ll never be in my twenties again.
Advice for first-year students: Make the most of your time here. It goes by fast so don’t hold yourself back, even if it scares you.
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 Daniel Boehme.
Majors: Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies (IBE) and Finance ’24; currently pursuing a Master in Manufacturing Management degree.
Hometown: Pittsburgh
Daniel, flanked by his parents, poses with his siblings who are all Penn State Behrend graduates.
Behrend is a family thing: All three of my older siblings attended Penn State Behrend. My brother David played baseball at Behrend and earned an IBE degree, my sister Kaylee was in Nursing, and my sister Victoria was a Marketing major.
Why he chose his major: Behrend’s IBE program has a 100 percent job placement rate out of college. It is a versatile degree that offers a ton of job opportunities. Companies like the skillset that an IBE degree provides. I have plenty of business experience, such as finance, supply chain, marketing, and management, as well as engineering experience with manufacturing and design.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Completing both an IBE degree and Finance degree while being a student-athlete. Baseball takes up a lot of time, so it was an exciting challenge to dual-major while also being a competitive athlete.
Time-management master: Time management is a skill that I’ve become more proficient at over the years. Being on the road for baseball made it difficult at times to manage my academics. I learned a few lessons and got much better at communicating with partners and professors and understanding how to schedule my time appropriately so that my work gets completed.
Campus involvement: Member of the men’s baseball team. This is my fifth year on the team, and it’s been a great experience from beginning to end. I’ve made numerous friendships that I’ll take with me long after I leave Behrend.
Awards: I was named to the First Team All-AMCC Team for baseball this past season and was named to the All-Conference Academic Team. Behrend won our conference in 2021 and 2024. We hope to repeat in 2025. I have been named to the all-conference academic team.
Traveling man: I will be traveling for work, and I’m excited to experience different people and places. I’ve lived all my life in Pittsburgh and Erie, so it will be great to see what other places have in store. Eventually, I will probably return to Pittsburgh to be near family because we are very close.
Advice for first-year students: Time flies, so embrace every moment. Go out of your way to talk to your classmates or professors. There’s something about communicating in person that gives you a dopamine effect and makes you feel more productive. Make sure you have some hobbies outside of school, ones that are healthy for you and help relieve stress when you feel overwhelmed.
After his graduation in May, Daniel will join Wabtec’s LEAD Operations Program, an intensive two-year rotational program that develops domain expertise, leadership skills, and business acumen.
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 Ronan Murphy.
Majors: Finance and Accounting
Hometown: Fredonia, New York
Scholarships: Class of 1922 Memorial Scholarship; Lawrence and Elizabeth Held Scholarship; Presidential Scholarship; Intrieri Family Student Scholarship; Penn State University Discover Award
Why he chose Behrend: Proximity to family, access to sports, and networking possibilities of Penn State Alumni. I originally planned to transfer to University Park after two years but decided to stay at Behrend because of the Intrieri Family Student Managed Fund and friends I had made on the swim team and within the Black School of Business.
Why he chose his majors: I’ve had a lifelong interest in finance and the income potential it offers. When I was young, I frequently read about investing and bonded with my grandfather over it.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Being appointed president of the Intrieri Family Student Managed Fund after having worked through the ranks over the years (associate analyst, analyst, lead analyst).
Challenges overcome: In my senior year of high school, I broke my hand one week before our biggest swim meet of the year. This was devastating and it was difficult to get back in the water when I started swimming at Behrend. I’m more than glad that I did. I achieved most of my goals over the last four years, and that has been very rewarding.
Campus involvement: President of the Business Analytics Team, captain of the 2024-2025 Men’s Varsity Swimming Team, and president of the Intrieri Family Student Managed Fund.
What’s free time? Being on a sports team, having a double major, and being involved in several extracurriculars is tough, but I have been able to handle it well. When I get into the workforce and I have fewer responsibilities, I’m not sure what I’ll do!
What you’d be surprised to know about him: I have strong communication skills in high -stress situations. Being on a sports team can be pretty taxing, and I have been there for people when they are not in the greatest mood and need coached up. Same thing for group projects in my upper-level finance classes and my intermediate accounting class.
Kick or swim: Originally, I wanted to play soccer but missed the try-out deadline, so I joined the swim team.
Top priority in coming years: Paying off student loans and making new friends in Nashville. I have always easily made friends with my teammates, so having to go about meeting people in a different way may be a challenge.
Advice for first-year students: Take advantage of living next to a Great Lake. Go to the bayfront and to Presque Isle State Park. The grey skies can get you down in the winter, so get outside and enjoy yourself when you can.
Ronan has accepted a position with Mariner Wealth Advisors. He will work at the company’s Nashville, Tennessee, location after his graduation in May.
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 Sophia DiPlacido.
Majors: Psychology and Marketing
Hometown: Erie
Scholarships: The Lawrence and Elizabeth Held Scholarship, the John Mark and Geraldine Mills Lilley Leadership Scholarship, Harriet Behrend Ninow Memorial Scholarship, Penn State Behrend Leadership Scholarship
Awards and accolades: Outstanding Psychology Student Award, John and Jane Herbert Undergraduate Research Award, Perreault Fellowship, Penn State Behrend Undergraduate Research Grant, and the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.
Why she chose Behrend: I loved the combination of having both a small campus community and access to a larger university network. When I first visited campus, every person I met was so kind and helpful. I just felt like Behrend was the right place for me, and I am so happy that I chose Behrend!
Why she chose her majors: I’ve always enjoyed learning across disciplines. I love learning about people and the factors that underly their decision making from a psychological standpoint, and I’ve been able to specialize that knowledge further with my marketing studies.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Receiving a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to fund a semester abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France. It was an amazing opportunity to learn more about different cultures and reflect on my own cultural upbringing. (Read more about her experience in this Behrend blog post).
Challenges overcome: When I started at Behrend, I had a hard time integrating socially on campus. I was a lot more introverted than I am now, and to go from having an established friend group at high school to starting fresh was difficult. I was also a bit impatient; I expected that I would get to college and immediately meet a bunch of people that would be my lifelong friends. At the start of my second semester, I really tried to put myself out there and join more clubs and activities on campus. This really helped me feel more involved at Behrend and is also how I met some of my closest friends.
Student involvement: I have been a Lion Ambassador, Lion Scout, Resident Assistant, and Teaching Assistant for the School of Business First-Year Seminar. I am currently involved in undergraduate research and am completing my Schreyer Honors College thesis exploring food insecurity in downtown Erie. I am also a Business Ambassador and an intern in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.
What makes her unique: I have a big family. I am the middle child of five biological siblings and have three step siblings. I think my upbringing has made me adaptable and appreciative of people’s different talents and purposes.
What you’d be surprised to know about her: I love word games! My family and I love to play Scrabble, and I still play all the New York Times games almost daily. I once completed the mini crossword in eight seconds!
Future under careful consideration: My dual major from Behrend has prepared me well for several different career paths. I’m considering refining this further by continuing my education, but I want to consider all the different possibilities and outcomes before committing to more schooling.
What she’s passionate about: Helping and empowering others. My time at Behrend has been so transformative, largely because of the care and support I’ve received from faculty and staff during my time here. I’ve felt very inspired to empower those around me in the way that I’ve been empowered at Behrend.
Advice for first-year students: Be patient and give yourself grace! The transition from high school to college is huge. You might thrive in some respects and struggle in others, it’s all a part of the process. I came into college with the expectation that I would immediately adjust and mature overnight, this was entirely unrealistic. It takes time to build friendships with people. It takes experience to figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life. It takes making mistakes to learn the kind of person you want to be. Just take it one day at a time and continue to put yourself in situations where you’re growing, and everything else will fall into place.
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 Ali Ostowar:
Major: Management Information Systems
Minor: Computer Science
Hometown: Olomouc, Czech Republic
Why he chose Behrend: I wanted a quiet and focused academic environment. University Park sounded too crowded for me, so I opted for Behrend, where I could fully concentrate on my studies.
Why he chose his major: My passion for artificial intelligence (AI) led me to explore various academic paths. I chose Management Information Systems because it allowed me to dive deeper into AI while leveraging my previously earned business credits.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Writing my Schreyer Honors Thesis has been the highlight of my academic journey. Having the opportunity to collaborate with professors I admire on a topic I’m deeply passionate about—and successfully completing it—stands as my proudest achievement.
Thesis topic: My thesis explored the role of emotions in economic decision-making, particularly whether they promote or hinder rational economic choices. This question has long been debated and has recently gained renewed interest as artificial intelligence advances, raising the question of the necessity of emotions in decision-making. While some argue that emotions are fundamental to decision-making, others suggest that an emotionless approach might be more desirable in specific contexts.
Challenges overcome: Transferring from the United Kingdom, where I studied International Business for a year, was already a challenge. However, the biggest challenge was shifting my focus from business to AI and cognitive science. Fortunately, with the support of my adviser, I was able to tailor my curriculum to align with my evolving interests, ultimately leading to my acceptance into a top AI graduate program in the Netherlands. (Editor’s note: Ostowar was accepted into three of the top AI graduate programs in the world!)
Advice for first-year students: Don’t feel locked in your initial major. The flexibility of the curriculum and my willingness to explore courses outside my field led me to discover my true passion. Take the opportunity to experiment, and you might find a path you never expected.
Ali has been accepted into the master’s program in Artificial Intelligence at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. After completing his degree, he plans to pursue a career in academia, focusing on AI and Cognitive Science.
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 Anna Smith.
Majors: Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering (IBE) Studies and Project and Supply Chain Management (PSCM)
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Scholarships: Lawrence and Elizabeth Held Scholarship and Penn State Discover Award
Why she chose Behrend: Because of the unique opportunity it provided for me to excel both academically and athletically. I really liked the idea of being able to thrive both in the classroom and on the field all while working toward a Penn State degree. I’ve always been a part of a team, so I knew going into college that I wanted to continue playing soccer, and Behrend seemed to be the best fit for me.
Why she chose her majors: This decision was driven by my interest in global logistics and operations. Some of my strengths include strategic and logical thinking, which is why supply chain management has always been of interest to me. Additionally, IBE is a unique way of combining both business and engineering practices that only further develops my supply chain knowledge.
Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Being selected for the AMCC All-Sportsmanship team in our conference, despite losing my entire season to injury (fractured femur) and never once stepping on the field. This recognition meant so much to me because it highlighted the impact that I had off the field. Throughout my recovery, I remained dedicated to supporting my teammates, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship by encouraging and motivating them from the sidelines. This experience taught me that true leadership and sportsmanship extend beyond physical performance. It’s all about showing up for your team, maintaining a positive attitude, and contributing to the collective success in any way possible. Winning this award reaffirmed my belief in the importance of character and resilience, and it remains a testament to my commitment and value that I was able to bring to the team.
Challenges: Overcoming the challenge of losing my entire senior season of college soccer due to injury has been a transformative experience for me. It has taught me all about resilience and determination as I navigated the physical and emotional hurdles of recovery. This period of adversity pushed me to develop a positive mindset and focus on personal growth. I learned the importance of patience and perseverance, which not only helped me regain my physical strength but also made me mentally stronger.
A team player: Throughout my recovery, I always wanted to be there for my teammates, supporting them from the sidelines and showing up for them no matter what. This experience deepened my understanding of the value of loyalty and commitment, reinforcing the significance of being present for others in their times of need. Through this journey, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of my own capabilities and understand the value of supporting others facing similar challenges.
Awards and accolades: Dean’s list most semesters, Academic All-Conference all four years, Chi Alpha Sigma National Student-Athlete Honor Society, and AMCC All-Sportsmanship team.
After her graduation in May, Anna will join the Supply Chain Rotational Program at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s global headquarters in Akron, Ohio.
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