Category: School of Business

Standout Seniors 2025: Meet Sophia DiPlacido (Psychology and 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 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.

Standout Seniors ’25: Meet Ali Ostowar (Management Information Systems)

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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 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.

Standout Seniors ’25: Meet Anna Smith (IBE and PSCM)

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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 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.

Behrend Barbershop Quartet Wins District Competition

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By Heather Cass, Publications Manager, Penn State Behrend

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Four Score, a barbershop quartet that includes three Behrend students and one alumnus, perform the National Anthem at a home track meet at Penn State Behrend in spring 2024.

One of the most amazing aspects of college is that a single class can have a profound effect on your life. It might inspire you to change your career plans. It might be the place you meet your best friend or future spouse. It might ignite a lifelong passion or lead you to a place you never expected. 

Max Rohl, a senior Interdisciplinary Science and Business major, never dreamed he would be on stage accepting first place in a barbershop quartet competition in Rochester, New York. He had never even sung in a group until he signed up for Concert Choir class in his first year at Behrend.

“Some of us in the class started a kind of club where we would meet up in Ohio Hall to work on our songs,” Rohl said.

One night, at the end of a choir meet-up, he asked if anyone in the group had any other styles of songs they wanted to work on. Rohl, who had been a fan of the barbershop quartet classic, 76 Trombones, was about to suggest barbershop songs when Wade Williams, now a junior History major, said, “I’ve always wanted to start a Barbershop Quartet.”

“Me, too,” Rohl said.

Wade is a bass singer, Rohl is a baritone, so they needed a tenor and a lead.

They found both in Joey George, a senior Computer Engineering major, who had grown up singing in choirs and at church and could sing both tenor and lead.

The trio looked all over Behrend for a fourth member before Wade did an internet search and found Lake Erie Sound, an established Erie barbershop chorus. He reached out to its leader, John Donohue, who directs the chorus of about two dozen men.

“He probably thought, ‘Why are these college kids bugging me?’ but we talked him into coming to listen and sing with us,” Rohl said.

After that one practice, Donohue, a 2015 Mechanical Engineering alumnus, was in.

“It just sounded so good when we sang together that I knew we had to put our efforts toward getting better and refining our performance,” Donohue said.

The group began practicing a couple of times a week, meeting when Donohue, who is about ten years older and has a job and family, could join them.   

“It was great to meet young people who had been bitten by the ‘barbershop bug,’” Donohue said. “They were eager from the start and soaked up any knowledge I shared with them.”

They chose a name—Four Score Quartet—and performed the National Anthem at a Behrend home track meet in the spring. They hadn’t considered doing much more until Donohue mentioned a nearby competition—the Seneca Land District of Barbershop Harmony Society District Competition in Rochester, New York.

“He said, ‘Hey, there’s this competition in twenty days. Do you guys want to do it?’” Rohl said.

They not only did it; they won it and were named district champions.

“John was not surprised, but we were!” Rohl said.

The group sang four songs, two in preliminaries and two in the finals: “Wait ‘Til the Sun Shines, Nellie,” “A Son of the Sea,” “Sweet and Lovely,” and “That Old Black Magic,” which earned them their highest score of the day. Each song is scored separately, and then song scores are added together to get a final score.

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If it sounds easy, Rohl will assure you that it is not.

“It’s actually really difficult to sing barbershop harmony, but I love challenging myself and doing hard things,” Rohl said. “When you have to work hard at something, mastering it is much more rewarding.”

Barbershop singing is different from any other type of choral group singing but it still requires plenty of talent and practice.

 “Although the technique is different than in a classical choir, it’s still very demanding from a musical perspective and can really push an individual both vocally and emotionally,” Donohue said.

Donohue is happy to see younger people interested in barbershop quartet and said that while it is sometimes viewed as an old-fashioned type of singing, that perception is changing.

“In the past ten to fifteen years, quartets have began to adopt more musical theater pieces and songs from pop-culture,” he said.

 Winning the competition solidified the students’ commitment to the quartet.

“We’re all very dedicated to it now, even more so than before,” said Rohl.

Hear the Four Score Quartet for yourself at the group’s YouTube page. 

WHY IS IT CALLED BARBERSHOP QUARTET?

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, every barbershop had its own quartet. The term “barbershop” in reference to harmonizing was first documented in 1910, alongside the release of the song Play That Barbershop Chord.

During this time, barbers were more than just hairdressers; they also pulled teeth and performed minor surgeries. Barbershops gradually became social hubs where locals could gather, play instruments, and sing while waiting for their turn in the chair.

DID YOU KNOW?

Barbershop harmony is believed to be rooted in the Bllack community. According to a post on The Barbershop Harmony Society blog: “Lynn Abbott, a jazz archivist at Tulane University, was an expert on early African-American popular music and gospel quartets. He discovered overwhelming evidence that barbershop quartetting was pervasive in African-American culture in the late 1800s and early 1900s, including among many men who went on to become the pioneers of jazz. Abbott published his findings in a 1992 academic paper that forever changed the way Barbershoppers understand their roots.”

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The Four Score Barbershop Quartet includes, from left, John Donohue ’15, and Behrend students, Joey George, Wade Williams, and Max Rohl.

Secret Lives of Faculty: Meet Joel Normand, distiller and restaurant owner

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There’s much more to Penn State Behrend’s faculty and staff members than what you see on campus. In this occasional series, we’ll take a look at some of the interesting, unconventional, and inspiring things that members of our Behrend community do in their free time.

By Heather Cass, Publications Manager at Penn State Behrend

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Joel Normand, lecturer in business statistics, and his wife, Maria DiSanza, own Luminary Distilling and Eatery in Erie.

At Penn State Behrend, Joel Normand, lecturer in business statistics, teaches students how to use statistical methods, like probability theory and hypothesis testing, to make informed decisions and solve business problems. It’s something he is well versed in, having applied it to his own venture, a micro-distilling hobby that has grown into a thriving Erie business.

Normand and his wife, Maria DiSanza, own Luminary Distillery and Eatery on upper Peach Street as well as a bottle shop on North Park Row in downtown Erie, where they sell a variety of small-batch artisan spirits.

Normand began dabbling in home brewing, wine making, and distilling in 2010 while working as a high school math teacher.

“I had always wanted to be involved in the alcohol industry,” he said. “Spirit production, as well as micro distilling, was growing in popularity nationally.”

He spent about seven years perfecting his recipes for brandy, whiskey, rum, gin, vodka, moonshine, and more, and he and Maria opened a small bar and bottle shop in March 2017.  Normand knew that selling bottles alone wouldn’t generate enough revenue, so when they outgrew their first location, the couple decided to think bigger.

In 2020, they purchased the former Fuhrman’s Cider market at 8270 Peach Street and blended the two businesses, merging the cider mill and bakery with a restaurant and bar serving their signature Luminary cocktails. Two years later, they opened a bottle shop and bar at 36 North Park Row through a partnership with Erie’s Downtown Development Corporation.

Behrend Blog talked with Normand to learn more about the math-teacher-turned-distiller’s “secret” life.

Is there a story/significance to the name “Luminary”?

Every bottle we produce has a label with the definition of Luminary: “A person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere.” It is my hope that I can mesh producing carefully crafted spirits with educating consumers about distillation.

How did you get started in distilling?

Distilling begins with proper fermentation. That’s where my prior experience with making beer and wine came in handy. I had a few family friends that dabbled in distillation, and I attended several workshops with master distillers to acquire the proper knowledge to make great spirits.

How do you and your wife manage your business partnership?

We focus on our strengths. I generally oversee production and day-to-day operations, while Maria deals with scheduling, inventory, employee management, and finances.

What has been your biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge has been maintaining a consistent and well-trained staff, which has been especially difficult during the COVID era. I’ve had to transition from production to managing a diverse group of individuals.

What have you learned the hard way?

Things break down all the time. If you can’t fix it yourself, you’re paying a premium to get someone else to fix it.

The food at Luminary is not typical bar food. Was that important to you and your brand

We always strive to provide something a bit different for our customers. That includes a unique menu that changes quarterly. People can get the usual comfort food anywhere. We aim to provide something more.

What do you wish you knew five years ago?

Not to spread myself too thin with too many projects or facets of the business, and to focus on a few things that I do well.

What did you think would work but did not?

I was hoping to have many more outside sales, as well as a stronger presence in the online market. It’s a bit saturated with other distilleries and spirits.

What was a surprise success?

Our focus on cocktails and event planning for large parties. We have a highly competent staff that can offer a unique experience.

What is your favorite cocktail/liquor at Luminary?

Our best sellers are our Apple Pie Moonshine and our Coffee Liqueur. Personally, I prefer our Summit Gin. If I had to choose a single favorite cocktail, it’d be a Rye Whiskey Old Fashioned.

What is your favorite dish/meal?

Our unique pizzas, such as pear and prosciutto, as well as our Reuben are some of the most popular food options. I prefer our Mediterranean salad.

What is in the future for Luminary?

We plan to consolidate some of the many things we currently do into a more focused approach. We have also toyed around with the idea of a food truck. We’ll see what opportunities present themselves!

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Standout Seniors: Meet Sara Novak (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 Sara Novak. 

SaraNovak

Major: Project and Supply Chain Management (PCSM)

Minor: Management Information Systems

Hometown: Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania

On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend because I knew I would get a great education with a Penn State degree, and I enjoy Erie. Behrend also gave me the opportunity to play collegiate volleyball, which is something I’ve always wanted to do.

On choosing her major: I chose PSCM because I am interested in many factors of the supply chain process, including streamlining and optimizing processes. Additionally, I selected this major for its adaptability, particularly in relation to project management. I know there are numerous pathways my degree can take me.

Campus involvement: I was part of the women’s volleyball team for all four years at Behrend. I have also been a Black School of Business Ambassador for the last two years.

Her next priority: My highest priority for the coming year is to use the education I have earned to develop a career where I can make a difference.

Advice for first-year students: My advice is to take advantage of the many opportunities Behrend has to offer. The School of Business organizes business trips that I wish I had participated in sooner rather than later. They have been very beneficial and interesting to learn from.

After her graduation in May, Sara will be doing a summer internship at American Eagle within Real Estate Construction Project Management.

Standout Seniors: Meet Kylie Pinetti (Accounting and Finance)

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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 Kylie Pinetti.

Kylie Pinetti

Majors: Accounting and Finance

Minor: Applied Economics

Certificates: Financial Planning and Financial Controllership

Hometown: Harborcreek, Pennsylvania

On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend because it is close to home, and it is a good business school.

On choosing her major: I like numbers, finance, and helping people

Her proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Being involved with the Financial Planning Association club.

Campus involvement: President of the Financial Planning Association Club, member of the Accounting Club, involved in the Center for Financial Literacy

What makes her unique: I coach softball at Harborcreek High School, where I went to high school and played softball.

What you might be surprised to know about her: I like Legos. I have a big family, including four siblings with a twenty-year age gap between the oldest and youngest. I love to make cookies with my grandma. I am an extreme couponer. I have a mini golden doodle named Beau. I am graduating after just three years.

Her definition of living a good life: Having dogs.

Her passion: Helping people, especially through coaching softball and at Behrend’s Center for Financial Literacy.

Advice for first-year students: Get involved! There were several opportunities presented to me just from just being involved. Make connections!

After her graduation, Kylie plans to pursue a career in financial planning

Standout Seniors: Meet Lucas Saborsky (Marketing 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 Lucas Saborsky.

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Major: Dual major in Marketing and Project and Supply Chain Management

Minor: Management Information Systems

Hometown: Corry, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: I received several anonymous trustee scholarships from Behrend, and it greatly affected my success during my college career. This year, I received a scholarship from the Addison Gibson Foundation.

On choosing Behrend: I chose to attend Behrend because I was interested in the opportunity to dual-major. Also, every member of my immediate family attended Behrend, so it was a family tradition.

On choosing his major: I chose marketing and project management because I enjoy understanding business decisions and making data-driven choices. These fields allow me to combine my passion for analyzing data and strategic planning.

His proudest accomplishment at Behrend: I have been able to add to my academic resume, while maintaining a high grade point average.

Campus involvement: Business Ambassador for the Black School of Business, Student Assistant at the Black School of Business Office, Project and Supply Chain Management Club President

People might be surprised to know: I love being outside. In the summer I am outside golfing, and in the winter, I am snowboarding.

His definition of living a good life: Living a good life is about enjoying what you do while having a positive impact on others in some way or another.

His passions and priorities: I’m passionate about continuous improvement and the goal of getting 1 percent better each day. Whether professionally or personally, I always try to improve myself and my daily habits.

Advice for first-year students: My advice would be to get involved as early as possible. Do not be afraid to take on as much as you can fit in your schedule because you may surprise yourself and find a way to manage it all.

After his graduation in May, Lucas plans to attend graduate school at Penn State University Park to obtain a Master of Business Analytics degree.

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.

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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 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.