Category: School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Standout Seniors: Meet Alanna Gillis (Creative Writing)

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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 Alanna Gillis. 

Alanna Gillis (CW)

Major: Creative Writing

Minor: History

Hometown:  Dillsburg, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Provost’s Award, Corey N. Farrell Memorial Scholarship, Clarence and Eugenie Smith Fund.

On choosing Behrend: Behrend is the only Penn State campus where you can earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, which was really important to me. Plus, the campus is beautiful, and the classes are small, which makes for a great learning environment.

On choosing her major: I’ve been writing stories since I learned how to write, and I’ve been reading for as long as I can remember. Pursuing a major that would allow me to grow my skills and talents, as well as teach me about the professional world of writing and editing, seemed natural to me.

Her proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Becoming a fiction editor for the campus literary journal, Lake Effect, is my proudest accomplishment. I got to represent the journal and the college at the AWP (Association of Writers and Writing Programs) Conference, which is the nation’s largest marketplace for literary presses and journals.

Campus involvement: I tutored at the Learning Resource Center, held an executive board position in two different clubs, and served as a Humanities and Social Sciences Ambassador.

What makes her unique: It’s always hard to identify your own talents, but I’ve been told that I’m a good communicator and that I have a knack for teaching. I would also like to think I have a bit of a talent for writing!

What you might be surprised to know about her: I really like all kinds of music, but my favorite genre is rock. I’ve been to five rock concerts by some of my favorite artists, including Breaking Benjamin, Halestorm, and STARSET.

Her definition of living a good life: Happiness is paramount. If I am happy, healthy, and financially stable, then I will consider it a very good life indeed.

Her highest priority for the coming years: My highest priority is finding a job that fulfills my creative desires while also providing me room for growth. Eventually, I would like to publish the novel I have been working on for my senior thesis project.

Her passions: I am passionate about reading and it never takes much to convince me to visit a bookstore (even less if you promise me an iced coffee with the trip). There are also many political causes I am passionate about, including women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, and environmental protections. Often, my passion for reading and my political passions overlap in the stories, essays, and nonfiction pieces I read.

Advice for first-year students: College is full of change. Your style might change, or your major, or your friends. Learning that change isn’t always a bad thing (especially when it comes to growing into an adult) is one of the hardest lessons I had to learn, but it helped alleviate so much stress and bring me so much joy.

After her graduation in May, Alanna plans to find a job in the writing or publishing field.

Standout Seniors: Meet Samiha Choudhury (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 Samiha Choudhury.

Samiha Choudhury

Major: Political Science, Crime and Law option

Minors:  Psychological Science, and Law, Crime, and Psychology

Hometown: Queens, New York

Scholarships:  Penn State Discover Award,  LiveOn Success Grant,  Dr. Ralph and Melanie Ford Trustee Scholarship, and Complete Penn State Grant.

Awards and recognition: I was chosen as one of thirteen University-wide award winners at Penn State’s annual Student Awards Recognition Ceremony, where I was awarded the Ralph Dorn Hetzel Memorial Award and Scholarship.

On choosing her major: I have wanted to go to law school since I participated in a program with the United Nations in middle school. Political Science offers me a versatile set of skills that can be applied across various career fields, not just law. I like being able to explore different perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of complex societal issues, which I believe is essential for personal growth and effective engagement.

Her proudest accomplishment at Behrend: One of my proudest accomplishments at Behrend was founding an organization dedicated to supporting first-generation college students on our campus. As a first-generation college student myself, I understand the unique challenges and obstacles individuals like us face in navigating the higher education journey. Starting this organization has not only provided a platform for first-generation students to connect and share experiences but has also allowed us to offer valuable support, resources, and guidance to our peers.

Rewards of being an RA:  I take pride in my role as a resident assistant, where I am dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive living environment for residents. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a RA is the lasting connections I’ve formed with former residents. I love keeping in touch with them and witnessing their growth. Knowing that I have contributed to creating a positive experience for my peers is incredibly rewarding, and it adds to my passion for serving others and making a difference in the community.

Campus involvement: Lion Scouts tour guide; First-Generation University-Wide Advisory Counsel student representative; Student Multicultural Advisory Recruitment Team; Student Government Association; School of Humanities and Social Sciences Ambassador; Behrend First-Gens – Founder and President; Lion Ambassador; Resident Assistant; Model United Nations.

People might be surprised to know: I was born and raised in Queens, New York, where I lived up until coming to Erie to attend college.

Highest priority for the coming years: My highest priority for the coming years is to attend law school.  I am deeply passionate about pursuing a legal education and am eager to start my journey towards earning my juris doctorate. I am excited about the opportunities ahead of me and am confident in my abilities to make a meaningful impact through the study and practice of law.

Advice for first-year students: My advice to first-year students in college is to embrace every opportunity to get involved, connect with others, and explore your interests. Building meaningful connections with peers and with faculty members could enrich your college experience in ways you never imagined. I wish I had prioritized involvement and networking earlier in my undergraduate career, but unfortunately the COVID-19 pandemic limited my ability to do so, and I missed out on opportunities that could have enhanced my personal and professional growth. However, I learned that it is never too late to get involved, and I made up for lost time in my senior year.

Parting thoughts: Remember to be patient with yourself as you navigate your college journey. College is a time for self-discovery and growth, so embrace your passions and unique qualities. It’s okay to encounter setbacks and face challenges; just know you are not alone. We’re all navigating the uncertainties and opportunities that college presents.

After her graduation in May, Samiha plans to attend law school.

Horror Story: Writing YA in a Time of Book Bans

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By Heather Cass, Publications Manager, Penn State Behrend

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Young Adult author Tiffany D. Jackson, above, visited Behrend to discuss her craft and the challenges of publishing in a tumultuous time.

In the 1970s and 80s, kids didn’t have tablets or computers, but nearly everybody had a Magic Slate, which was a cardboard drawing toy with a black waxed background, a drawing stylus, and a plastic film overlay that you lifted to “wipe” the waxed surface—the slate—clean.

It was in playing with a Magic Slate that four-year-old Tiffany D. Jackson, today a New York Times-bestselling and award-winning author of Young Adult (YA) novels, discovered the magic of writing.

“I realized that if I put letters together, I could make words, and I knew that words put together made a story,” Jackson said in a recent appearance at Penn State Behrend, where she shared her writing journey in a public presentation and in small-group sessions, including a Q&A with eighth-grade students from the City of Erie’s Eagle’s Nest Leadership Academy.

As a young black girl attending a predominately white high school in Montrose, New York, Jackson said that writing was a form of escapism for her. When she felt alone, she would dive into another world, spinning stories involving characters who looked like her, her friends, and her family.

She was fifteen when she completed her first book, written entirely in earth science class.

“I hated that class, and I spent all my time in it writing, just channeling my teenage angst into a book,” she said. “I got a ‘D’ in the class, which is something my mother enjoys telling people when she brings that handwritten book out.”

As a young reader, Jackson loved thrillers, especially horror. “I went right from R.L. Stine (author of the popular Goosebumps books for kids) to Stephen King,” she said.

As a writer, she specializes in the same genre that captivated her. Jackson’s novels–which include Monday’s Not Coming, Allegedly, Let Me Hear a Rhyme, Grown, White Smoke, Santa in the City, The Weight of Blood, and Blackout (co-author)–combine the realism of social issues with elements of thriller, horror, and supernatural genres.

She draws ideas from real-life news stories, imagining them in a different setting, with a unique cast of characters, or from a distinctive perspective. Her second book, Monday’s Not Coming, was inspired by a news story about a mother who had killed and buried her five children. Jackson found herself wondering about the best friend of the oldest child, a teen.

“What would it be like to be the best friend of a missing/murdered girl? Suddenly, your best friend is just gone,” she said.

Jackson’s latest published novel, The Weight of Blood, is a retelling of King’s Carrie set at a school’s first integrated prom. The storyline was inspired by a Georgia high school that held its first integrated prom in 2014.

Racism, inequality, and social issues figure heavily into Jackson’s novels because they figure heavily into teenagers’ lives.

“People grossly underestimate what kids can understand and handle,” she said.

Enter nervous adults who feel the need to shelter them.

“Almost my entire catalog is banned in some states,” Jackson said. “It hurts me to think that my words are so heinous that they’d want to hide them from young people who need them most. In most cases, the book banners are literally opposing facts.”

What book banners describe as “protecting kids,” Jackson asserts, is setting kids up to fail.

“Reading stories, putting yourself in another person’s mind and world, creates empathy. Empathy leads to compassion, which leads to action, which leads to change,” she said. “Don’t we want our kids to know and do better?”

Jackson encourages teens to challenge book ban efforts.

“I tell kids to make adults sweat,” she said. “Go to school board meetings, go to library council meetings, and speak up. Hold adults accountable for the decisions they are making that are detrimental to your future.”

In Brief

Education: A bachelor’s degree in film and television from Howard University and a master’s degree in media studies from The New School.

Career: Jackson worked for a decade in the television industry for National Geographic, BET, and BBC America before becoming a full-time writer seven years ago.

First book: Allegedly, which Jackson wrote when she was 30. HarperCollins published it five years later.

Challenges, big and small: Jackson said she faced scrutiny as a black woman writing horror, and the “soft” racism of publishers who told her, “Black kids don’t read.” Of those experiences, she said, “I had to do a lot of proving people wrong. Fortunately, that is one of my favorite activities.”

What you’d be surprised to know about her: To this day, Jackson has taken only one creative writing course. She learned to write by reading. “Writers are readers,” she said.

Not just for teens: Jackson’s books have a huge adult following. “I think sometimes that my books answer questions they had when they were young,” she said. “They can finally get some answers for their inner child.”

She’s a plotter: Jackson plans her book plots in advance and has an outline.

But she doesn’t always start at the beginning: “I usually start with whatever scene pops into my head,” she said. “Then the novel blooms out from that scene.”

She’s not messing around on her smartphone: Jackson does a lot of writing on her phone. “My notes app is crazy,” she said. “People will see me engrossed in my phone and think I’m looking at social media, but I’m writing scenes, chapters, dialogue. When I was working in television, I would write on sets, in between meetings, whenever I had a few minutes.”

Her cure for writer’s block: “Put yourself in your character’s shoes,” she said. “Watch something they would watch or listen to music they would like or go do something they would do.”

Advice for young writers: “Start now. Write now. Tell your stories and publish them on Wattpad or any other self-publishing format,” she said.

Advice for writers who feel invisible: “Write a book so good that they can’t ignore you,” Jackson said.

Website: writeinbk.com

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While at Penn State Behrend, author Tiffany D. Jackson, far left, met with several groups, including holding a Question-and-Answer session with eighth-grade students from the City of Erie’s Eagle’s Nest Leadership Academy. The students all went home with some of Jackson’s books, courtesy of Books for Kids and Behrend’s Women’s Engagement Council.

The Music Man Takes a Bow: After 25 years, Dr. Gary Viebranz, will retire in June

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By Heather Cass, Publications Manager, Penn State Behrend

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Dr. Gary Viebranz, professor of music and director of instrumental ensembles, at Penn State Behrend.

Music is as close to time travel as humans can get. Hearing a particular song can transport you to your early childhood dancing in the kitchen with your mom, to your first solo drive after getting your license, to your high school prom, to the day you buried a loved one.

“Music is a visceral thing that can actually cause changes to our body chemistry,” said Dr. Gary Viebranz, professor of music and director of instrumental ensembles, which includes jazz, concert, and pep bands. “It can make us happy or provide an outlet for pain or grief. Some songs are forever burned into our memories. I can remember songs that I played when I was seven years old.”

And, yes, he has been making music since he was a child. Viebranz got his first instrument—a paper-headed drum set—for his fourth birthday. By six years old, he was playing the trumpet.

“It came somewhat naturally to me, and I practiced a lot because I enjoyed it, so work ethic was easy for me to find,” he said.

Fortunately, he had parents who encouraged his musical inclinations as he grew up in Strongsville, Ohio.

He knew early on that he wanted to be a music teacher. For several years after college, he taught music at the high school level in the Cleveland area. A return to graduate school opened his eyes to the possibility of teaching college students.

“Crazy as it can be at times, teaching at the collegiate level is much calmer and more predictable than public high school,” he said.

He joined Behrend in July 1999 and will retire in June, after his twenty-fifth year. We sat down with Viebranz to learn more about music education, his career, and his post-retirement plans.

Can anyone learn to play an instrument?

Yes, but it takes more persistence than some people want to put into it. It’s never too late, though.

How many instruments can you play today, and what is your favorite?

Tuba, baritone, trombone, and bass guitar. Tuba is my first love and my go-to.

Is there an instrument you want to learn in retirement?

There are things I’d like to play around with, like my theremin, which is an electronic instrument that you don’t actually touch, and I’d like to get back to playing bass guitar again.

Not everyone who participates in a band wants to be a musician, so why do you think students make time for it?

The point of music education isn’t to have a career in music. It’s to spawn creative thinking and to make something abstract into something you can hear and feel. Also, it can serve a lot of purposes in a person’s life. It can be a way to escape or grieve or relax or find joy or relieve stress.

What is your most memorable teaching moment?

To be honest, it wasn’t a positive one, but I think it’s worth sharing. In a general education music class, I shared something interesting that was outside the curriculum of the class and said, “That won’t be on the test, though,” and a student asked, “Then why are you wasting our time?” I was shocked by the idea this student had that because something wouldn’t be on the exam, it wasn’t important or worth knowing.

What other changes have you noticed in teaching for twenty-five years?

It’s become harder to find inroads into students’ mindsets, to widen the focus and have them entertain the idea that there is not always a single solution or result, but that there can be many ways to achieve an expected result.

One of your most popular classes was about the Beatles. What did you cover?

We studied everything from pre-Beatles to Beatlemania and on though the group’s breakup. They recorded thirteen commercial albums, which made it easy to set up the course by covering one album each week through the semester.

Music at Noon, which you also directed, is one of the college’s most enduring musical traditions. How did you get involved?

The program had been going on for ten years when I came to Behrend. Several years later, I said I would do it for a year, and here we are. It’s been going strong for thirty-four years. I have been involved for seventeen of them.  And, yes, it will continue after me.

Are there any Music at Noon performances that stick out in your memory?

In their own way, they have all been memorable. You have to live each concert in the moment. One of the unique things about the program is that it draws an all-ages audience, from Erie City elementary school children to college students to older community members.

What would people be surprised to find on your Spotify playlist?

Well, you might be surprised to know that I don’t have Spotify. That said, I have eclectic musical tastes. I’m open to listening to anything, and I don’t worry about labels. Of course, I enjoy the music of my youth, things that were popular in the mid- to late-1980s, the most.

What will you miss most about Behrend?

The people: Many students, staff, and faculty members become like family.

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Dr. Gary Viebranz, professor of music and director of instrumental ensembles, conducting his final Concert Band performance at Penn State Behrend in April 2024.

VITAL STATS AND PARTING THOUGHTS

Family: Wife, Mari; Daughters, Sofia, 26, and Elizabeth, 23.

First concert: “My older sister took me to see John Denver at the Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, when I was young.”

Perfect song: “I don’t know that perfection exists because it’s an arbitrary measure. Perfect presents itself in the moment when the right song comes on at the right time.”

A song he will always sing along with: “’Jar of Hearts’ by Christina Perri. I love to blast it in the car and harmonize along.”

Non-music hobbies: “I love to bike, kayak, and travel.”

Retirement plans: “My wife is still working, and she loves her job, so I’ll be in Erie for the foreseeable future. There are some passions I’d like to revive, like singing, bowling, and fishing.”

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Standout Seniors: Meet Jenna Etter (Communication)

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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 Etter.

JennaEtter

Major: Communication

Certificate: Public Relations

Hometown: I was born in Erie, but lived in State College for my entire childhood.

On choosing Behrend: Growing up in State College, I was familiar with the Penn State community. I wanted to move and make a big change for myself. Choosing Behrend allowed me to make this transition while still staying in an area that is familiar to me and near my family. It also seemed like a better option for me as I perform better academically in a smaller environment.

On choosing her major: I was fairly late to the game in deciding to pursue higher education. I knew I wanted to do more with my future but was not entirely sure what that would look like. During high school, I took multiple video production classes, journalism, and graphic design type courses. I began looking into majoring in business or advertising, but after reading through descriptions of each major, communication seemed to fit me best and aligned with the previous work I had done and enjoyed.

Putting her education to work: My proudest accomplishment was applying what I learned at Behrend during my summer internship with strategic communications for Ferguson Township near State College.  I was able to take the things I’d learned and studied and see how they were used in the real world.

Awards and recognition: I will be receiving the Outstanding Achievement in Communication Award at the Honors and Awards Convocation.

Her definition of living a good life: Being able to live comfortably has always been my definition of a good life. I’ve never had the goal of making an outrageous amount of money, but rather to have the ability to be financially stable to balance my life between work and leisure.

Proud Swiftie: I am incredibly passionate about Taylor Swift and her music. I will take any chance I get to discuss her journey throughout the music industry. I have been listening to her music since she released her sophomore album Fearless in 2008, so in a way, I have grown up with her. It’s inspiring to see a woman achieve the things that she does and her continuing to outperform not only others, but herself as well.

Advice for first-year students: When I started at Behrend, it was in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was fully online and did not step foot onto campus until my second year. I was already fairly introverted, so not being able to fully immerse myself into the Behrend community made it difficult to meet new people right away. For first-year students, I would say take advantage of being on campus and allow yourself to meet new people. Whether it’s other students or professors, people have some interesting stories to tell, and they can give you different perspectives on life. Also, creating relationships with people during college really has great potential to open new doors for your future.

After her graduation in May, Jenna plans to start her career in Erie, where she hopes to obtain a public relations position with a media company or within the entertainment and music industry.

Standout Seniors: Meet Josiah Burkett (Early Childhood and Elementary 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.

Today, we’d like you to meet Josiah Burkett.

JosiahBurkett

Major: Early Childhood and Elementary Education

Minor: Special Education

Hometown: Edinboro, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: The Provost Award, PNC Leadership Scholarship

On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend because I wanted to go to Penn State while being closer to home.

On choosing his major: I chose my major because I believe that, through education, anything is possible. Giving back to students and their communities through education is something I strive for.

His proudest accomplishment at Behrend: My proudest accomplishment while being at Behrend is the connections I’ve made with so many people—friendships, mentorships, and meeting people who are now family to me.

Campus involvement: I was a Welcome Week guide, then leader, then director. I was a member of THON and Lion Ambassadors, and I worked as a Lion Scout. I am also a leadership scholar and the treasurer for the student PSEA (Pennsylvania State Education Association). During the summers, I was a mentor for Upward Bound Math and Science through Behrend’s K-12 Youth Education Outreach program.

What makes him unique: I believe my work ethic is unmatched, and my competitiveness helps me to strive toward being the best version of myself. Also, I can play the drums and tell you obscure football statistics that most people don’t know.

Student teaching: I did my student teaching at Klein Elementary in Harborcreek where I taught 4th grade. I loved it.

What you’d be surprised to know about him: A lot of people at Behrend would be surprised to learn that I am a very relaxed person most of the time. On campus, especially during Welcome Week, I tend to be excited and loud. However, I prefer to be more relaxed and in quiet environments.

His other identity: I was often asked to be the Behrend Lion mascot for campus events and photo opportunities. It was always super fun interacting with students and kids who visited, and seeing the looks on their faces when I’d come around. It was kind of fun to know all of the people around me while they had no clue it was me in the costume.

His definition of living a good life: A good life to me is a happy life — one that is filled with doing things that you enjoy. As someone going into education, I chose my field because I genuinely love teaching and learning. So, for me, doing things you love with the people you love is a good life.

His passions: I am passionate about having more classroom educators in decisive positions to truly make a change in education. I am also passionate about learning. I consider myself a life-long learner and enjoy learning about anything and everything. It makes me a more well-rounded person.

Advice for first-year students: Take advantage of every opportunity you are presented with.

After his graduation in May, Josiah plans to work as an elementary education teacher while also pursuing a master’s degree in education.

Standout Seniors: Meet Tyler Akam (Digital Media, Arts and Technology)

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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 Tyler Akam.

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Major: Digital Media, Arts and Technology (DIGIT)

Minor: Game Development

Hometown: Corry, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Renaissance Fund Scholarship and the Lake Erie Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association Scholarship.

On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend because it has a lot of great resources and a growing community of creative people and evolving digital art opportunities.

On choosing his major: I originally intended to participate in the 2+2 program and planned to start at Behrend and go to University Park for Film. I ended up staying at Behrend and switching to the DIGIT major because it fit my broad interests and ideas, and Behrend has a lot of useful resources, such as the equipment available to borrow from the Behrend Open Lab for Digital Creations (BOLD-C). It was a good choice to stay, as I have been able to explore different fields and areas that I am interested in.

His proudest accomplishment at Behrend: One of my proudest accomplishments is my senior project, which is a stop-motion/Claymation short film. I’m still working on it at the time of writing this, but it has been a journey on which I have learned more about my creative process and how to execute it.

Campus involvement: I was involved in the Chess Club, first as a member, and then as a member of the executive board. I helped plan events early on, and then I settled into the role of making the event posters as I got busier.

Awards and recognition: I’ve made the Dean’s List regularly. I’ve taken part in DIGIT Works, a digital event to showcase what I’ve worked on that takes place at the end of every semester, and that feels like a reward as I get to show my fellow students and members of faculty the kinds of projects I’ve worked hard on.

What makes him unique: I have a lot of creative and ambitious ideas that are seemingly endless. I come up with ideas for projects all the time. I have the skills and know-how to use Photoshop, Illustrator, and video editing programs such as DaVinci Resolve. I tend to have a knack for making interesting YouTube thumbnails and other graphic design products.

The sky’s the limit: There is no limit to what I am interested in. I usually end up exploring new areas of technology and the different forms of art. All at once, I’m interested in creating film, music, physical and digital art, video games, comic books… I could go on.

His passions: I am passionate about stories and music. I love indulging in a story and immersing myself with characters and their worlds. The human condition is to create and imagine things, which I think is amazing. I listen to music every day, and I look for a lot of meaning and like to relate to the lyrics of a song and let the instrumentals paint pictures that I can imagine. Listening to music is really one of my favorite things to do.

Advice for first-year students: If you’re having doubts, make the change you think you should. It’s not too late to change your direction in life, and you might end up making the best decision of your life.

Parting thoughts: If what I do sounds interesting, you can follow me and my projects on my YouTube Channel Takamator. I have and intend to upload videos to introduce my projects to people there. I hope to be consistent with it, and I hope to grow as a creator.

After graduation, Tyler would like to establish his own brand with his creative projects in  filmmaking, music, game design/development and more. He also is pursuing other opportunities that fit his skills.

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:

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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 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.

Political Science student published in Wall Street Journal

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By Heather Cass, Publications Manager, Penn State Behrend

Eric O - WSJ contributor
Eric Oelhaf, Penn State Behrend Political Science major.

While at Penn State Behrend, Eric Oelhaf, a senior Political Science major, added something to his resume that few college students can claim: His work has been published in The Wall Street Journal.

In fact, he has had three pieces published in the WSJ’s “Future View” column, in which they invite undergraduate and graduate students to offer their opinion on current topics from Twitter’s rebranding to the future of the NFL to foreign policy to ChatGPT.

Oelhaf’s published essays address the topics of American support for aid to Ukraine; the U.S. border crisis, and why people don’t trust scientists anymore. He is in good company with students from such institutions as Brown University, Harvard University, and West Point Academy.

We talked with Oelhaf, a State College native, to learn more about why he wanted to contribute, how he got published, and what he has gained from the experience.

How did you learn about “Future Views”?  

Dr. Maggie Shum, assistant professor of Political Science, mentioned it in a class that I took with her in the fall semester. Though it’s known to be a conservative publication, The Wall Street Journal said it was trying to provide a diversity of viewpoints in this feature.

Did you immediately contribute?

No. I looked at it as a national writing competition and decided that I was only going to contribute if I had something unique to say. I felt that would improve my odds of being selected. I was surprised that they printed the first one I submitted, which was the piece on the border crisis. The second one was the piece on why people don’t trust scientists.

Then you submitted one about aid for Ukraine?

Yes. That one was a strategic choice. I wanted to dispel myths that are prominent in conservative information spaces about the costs of sending aid to Ukraine. Of course, the reason to support Ukraine is that it’s the right thing to do. Russia has historically tried to eradicate the Ukrainian language and identity from existence since the times of the Russian Empire. And languages are a particularly important part of European political philosophy.

Does the newspaper edit the pieces?

The one on the border crisis is nearly identical to what I submitted, and those are really my thoughts on the matter. There was light editing on the Ukraine piece. But the trustworthiness of scientists’ piece was heavily edited. Looking back on that, I realize that was my fault.

How so?

I had tried to have a more in-depth discussion than what the 250-word-limit would allow, and I didn’t end up making a clear argument in what I originally submitted. The editor then rewrote some of it operating under the assumption that I was trying to critique the behavior of just the authority figures, which I wasn’t. It was a misunderstanding that I know now I could’ve prevented.

What has been the response to your work?

It’s interesting to read through the comments. I’ve learned that people will complain about anything unless your reasoning is airtight or in line with what they believe. I was called an elitist for providing context on the border crisis. Sometimes, readers will even complain that they are listening to college students, despite clicking on a column clearly labeled “Future View.”

What have you learned by reading the feedback?

It seems the current American news consumer is addicted to anger, and the media is more than happy to feed that addiction.

What other topics interest you?

I care most about what is happening in Ukraine and, as a result, I’m concerned about the current state of Congress. I’m also interested in artificial intelligence and the ways in which it’s being handled by our government.

What would people be surprised to know about your generation regarding politics?

My generation seems to care about efficacy to a greater degree than older ones. We want our politicians to be good at what they do. We don’t want them to continually take half measures on humanitarian crises cause by our allies, nor do we want them to spend six months trying to pass a budget.

What do you want to do after college?

I like foreign relations, so I may pursue a career in government in that field. I would certainly take a job in journalism, too, if I had the opportunity.

Oelhaf’s published pieces

Did you know?

Penn State faculty, staff, and students have access to The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal at no cost through the Student News Readership Program. To take advantage of this program, you must register using your Penn State email. Learn more at Penn State’s Student Affairs website.