Category: School of Business

Standout Seniors 2026: Meet Ethan Callaghan (Project and Supply Chain Management)

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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 Ethan Callaghan.

Major: Project and Supply Chain Management

Minor: Finance

Hometown: Elizabeth, Pennsylvania

Scholarship: Lawrence and Elizabeth Held Scholarship

Award: Thomas H. Turnbull Award

Why he chose Behrend: I chose Behrend because of its tight community, opportunities in extracurriculars, and the phenomenal education.

Why he chose his major: I love to work with people and feel that I have a natural gift for leading groups of people and managing projects. I have a love for other cultures and the current trend of globalization made supply chain a perfect complement to my passion for project management.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: I have two: starting the new Peer-2-Peer support group run through Behrend’s Personal Counseling office and building up the esports program by establishing a sponsorship program and, with the help of a peer, connecting with a professional esports team.

Campus involvement: esports (president), Peer-2-Peer (co-founder), Chi Alpha (discipleship team leader), athletics photographer, Student Wellness Ambassador (founding member).

His highest priority: Continue growing in my faith and serving others, paying off debts, and working hard in my new position while learning as much as possible.

What he’s passionate about: Learning new things and growing in my faith and with others.

Advice for first-year students: Enjoy every moment and make the most of it. I’m about to graduate and would love to go back and do everything over again.

After his graduation in May, Ethan will join Wesco, a Fortune 500 supply chain solutions company, as a member of the Supply Chain Leadership Development Program.

Standout Seniors 2026: Meet Brian Blake (Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies and Project and Supply Chain Management

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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 Brian Blake.

Majors: Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies and Project and Supply Chain Management

Minor: Technical Sales

Certification: SAP

Hometown: Weedville, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: CMI EPTI Trustee Scholarship, Lawrence and Elizabeth Held Scholarship, C.W. Borgerding Senate Leadership Scholarship, Larson Family Scholarship.

Why he chose Behrend: I always wanted to go to Penn State, but I wasn’t sure which campus. My family and I were often in Erie, and we really liked the area. After visiting Behrend and learning more about the small class sizes and individualized focus on student success, I knew it was the right place for me.

Why he chose his major: I planned to major in Mechanical Engineering, but after just a few weeks, I knew I didn’t want a purely engineering-focused degree. A professor told me about the IBE major, which merges business management with engineering principles. As someone who wants to be a business leader in technical company, IBE is a perfect major.

Campus involvement: Business Ambassador, vice president of IBE Club, Lion Scout, and member of Chi Alpha. I also worked in food service on campus, assisting with campus catering and in the dining halls in a supervisory role.

What makes him unique: My personality and work ethic. I pride myself on being a trustworthy and caring individual who will do anything I can for those around me. I enjoy being a person that people feel comfortable coming to and sharing problems and concerns, then being able to help them work those out.

What you’d be surprised to know about him: I have a goal to visit at least a hundred different countries. I’m very enthusiastic about learning about cultures other than my own. I hope to have the opportunity to travel the world.

What he’s passionate about: Being an active member of the communities that I am a part of. Giving back to people and supporting others is something I’m committed to no matter where I may be.

Advice for first-year students: Fill up your free time with clubs, activities, or any other way to get involved on campus. College is a much better experience when you’re a student who is well known to many, and getting involved early around campus is the best way to make a lot of friends and contacts.

After his graduation in May, Brian will join Safelite as a Global Early Career Professional in the Store Leadership Track, a two-year rotational program preparing high-potential individuals for store management positions.

Standout Seniors 2026: Meet Emily Jackovic (Accounting and Finance)

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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 Emily Jackovic.

Majors: Accounting and Finance

Minor: Management Information Systems

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Scholarship: Penn State Provost Award

Why she chose Behrend: I chose Behrend because of the opportunity to be on the swim team while also being part of a strong dual-degree academic program.

Why she chose her majors: I excelled in accounting in high school and have always been interested in owning my own business. Studying accounting and finance gave me a strong foundation in understanding how money works and how financial decisions impact a business.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Finishing as a top performer in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society Pittsburgh Collegiate Stock Picker Challenge competition. I was also honored to travel to California to attend a professional conference, which helped expand my network and career perspective.

Challenges overcome: Balancing a demanding course load, leadership roles, and extracurricular involvement was challenging at times. Learning how to manage my time effectively and stay disciplined helped me grow both academically and personally.

Campus involvement: President of the Accounting Club, School of Business Ambassador, member of Behrend Swim team (two years), and founder of the Women in Business club.

What makes her unique: I enjoy taking initiative and building opportunities where they don’t already exist, which is what led me to found Women in Business. I’m motivated, outgoing, and enjoy bringing people together.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I love being outdoors and around water. I enjoy paddleboarding, pickleball, and hiking. I’ve visited twelve national parks so far.

Her highest priority: Gaining experience in public accounting and learning as much as possible. Within the next ten years, I hope to use that knowledge to start my own wedding venue business.

What she’s passionate about: Leadership, professional development, and creating opportunities for others—especially helping students build confidence and connections early in their careers.

Advice for first-year students: Get involved on campus early. It’s the best way to make friends and build connections. Also, take the time to connect with your professors. They offer valuable mentorship and networking opportunities that can open doors later on.

After her graduation in May, Emily will work full time at H2R CPA in Pittsburgh, beginning her career in public accounting.

Standout Seniors 2026: Meet Owen Kagle (Business Economics and Finance)

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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.

Standout Seniors 2025: Meet Rachel Majewski (Marketing)

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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!

Standout Seniors 2025: Meet Conrad Lloyd (Accounting, Finance, and International Business)

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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.

Standout Seniors 2025: Meet Michaela Florence (Marketing and Business Economics)

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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.

Standout Seniors 2025: Meet Benita Bowden (Marketing)

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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.

Standout Seniors 2025: Daniel Boehme (Master in Manufacturing Management)

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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.

Standout Seniors 2025: Meet Ronan Murphy (Finance and Accounting)

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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.