Class of 2016: Meet Lexie Pelchen (Communication)

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By Heather Cass
Publications & Design Coordinator, Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s class of 2016 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and the things they’ve accomplished and learned while here at Behrend.  We sat down to talk to some remarkable seniors before they left school and we’d like to a few of our students who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technology, participated in important research projects, and left an impression at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Lexie Pelchen:

Lexie Pelchen (2)

Major: Communication

Minor: English

Certificates: Public Relations, Social Media

Hometown: Latrobe, Pennsylvania

On choosing Behrend: When I was looking at colleges, I decided I would not visit any campus until I got an acceptance letter. I had a fear of going to visit a school and loving it and then finding out I did not get in. The first acceptance letter I received was from Behrend, so it was the first – and turned out to be the only – school I toured. When I visited, I felt so comfortable at Behrend; it felt like home. It was a very easy decision for me to make.

On finding the perfect major (for her): I started as a Creative Writing major, but quickly realized it wasn’t for me. My roommate was a Communication major and I always thought her homework and projects were interesting and fun. I met with Dr. Rod Troester, associate professor of speech communication, and ended up switching to Communication. My time in the writing program actually paid off as I was able to earn an English minor with just a couple more classes. It all turned out well and I’m happy with the decisions I made.

Proudest accomplishment: Chartering our Her Campus chapter. I’m so proud that I was able to start a club at Behrend, especially one that I’m so passionate about. I’m happy to know that when I graduate, I will be able to leave a part of myself at Behrend.

Campus involvement: I am a sister in Alpha Sigma Alpha and once served as the president of the Panhellenic Council. I’m currently the social media director for the Behrend Beacon, a member of Lambda Pi Eta honor society, and president of Her Campus.

Social media maven: I think I have a knack for social media communication. I joke that I’m getting my major in Instagram and my minor in Twitter, but it’s more than a hobby for me. I’ve devoted a lot of time into figuring out how social media works and how I can use it to reach mass audiences.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: For most of my life I was a pretty big homebody. My mindset now is the polar opposite!

Have degree, will travel I have a six-year plan that involves living in a new place every two years. First, I plan to move to New York City, then Boston, then Los Angeles. I don’t see myself settling in any town for a long time.

Advice for current students: Don’t sell yourself short in any aspect of your life; you’re capable of more than you could ever imagine. Also, it’s OK to not know what you want and to figure that out by ruling out the things you don’t want.

With gratitude: I have changed so much during my four short years here at Behrend. I’m so grateful for the opportunities that I have had here and happy with the direction my life is taking now.

After graduation, Lexie plans to move to New York City and find work at a fashion magazine or media company.

Class of 2016: Meet John Galla (Mechanical Engineering)

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By Heather Cass
Publications & Design Coordinator, Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s class of 2016 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and the things they’ve accomplished and learned while here at Behrend.  We sat down to talk to some remarkable seniors before they left school and we’d like to a few of our students who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technology, participated in important research projects, and left an impression at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet  John Galla:

John Galla

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Erie

On choosing Behrend: I started college as an economics major at Pitt, but wanted a smaller campus. I also wanted to switch to engineering, and haven’t regretted the decision. I have great relationships with most of my professors because Behrend is a personal school.

Engineering as seen on TV: I had a fantastic summer internship at FMC Technologies in Houston. One R&D project required my mentor and me to build a dipping machine that would consistently coat specimens. But we didn’t have any budget to build it, so we improvised and built a working machine from parts that were lying around, including a television stand and coffee stirrers. It was a real example of MacGyver-ing.

Student as teacher: I teach the computer lab, which is part of Introduction to Engineering Design. I show first-year engineering students how to use Autodesk Inventor, Excel, and Mathcad. I’m pretty good at teaching and explaining things to other students and have been tutoring and teaching almost constantly since high school. It’s been a great opportunity to give back to the school that has given me an excellent education.

What you would be surprised to know about him: I’m a good public speaker and presenter. I am a shy and introverted person, yet I never really get nervous speaking in front of a crowd.

Advice for current students: Sweat the small stuff and be persistent. Building good habits early makes it much easier when the answers aren’t in the back of the book. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s the easiest way to get to know your professors and coworkers. A relationship with your professors and coworkers is one of the best reasons to stay motivated and do good work. You don’t want to disappoint a professor you like, or embarrass yourself.

John has accepted a position at Cummins a product validation engineer at the company’s Jamestown Engine Plant.  

 

Class of 2016: Meet Lola Soniregun (Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies)

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By Heather Cass
Publications & Design Coordinator, Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s class of 2016 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and the things they’ve accomplished and learned while here at Behrend.  We sat down to talk to some remarkable seniors before they left school and we’d like to a few of our students who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technology, participated in important research projects, and left an impression at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Lola Soniregun

Lola Soniregun1

Degree: Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies

Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland

On choosing to major in IBE: During high school, I participated in Project Lead the Way and The National Academy of Finance, which are programs created to introduce students to engineering and business. After having that initial introduction and enjoying both fields of study, I decided to pursue the mix of the two disciplines through the IBE program.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: The internships and experiences that I’ve been able to acquire.

Campus involvement: Over the years, I’ve been involved with several campus organizations, including Lambda Sigma, the Multi-Cultural Council, the Penn State Behrend Dance Team, and the National Society of Black Engineers.

Dance, dance, dance: I joined the Dance Team during my first year at Behrend. It taught me a lot about commitment, character, and confidence. The team gave me a home away from home and I learned as much about dancing as I did about life during my three years on the team. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Let your light shine: Every student here has a function, a purpose, something that you can contribute to the college that will make you feel feel valued and important and motivate you to achieve great things.

Advice for current students: You are blessed to be at Penn State Behrend and you have a lot of resources at your disposal. Take time to explore those resources and take advantage of them because you will never again have so many opportunities available to you all at once. You are now a member of one of the most powerful universities in the world!

Class of 2016: Meet Angela Zorn (Industrial Engineering)

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By Heather Cass
Publications & Design Coordinator, Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s class of 2016 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and the things they’ve accomplished and learned while here at Behrend.  We sat down to talk to some remarkable seniors before they left school and we’d like to a few of our students who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technology, participated in important research projects, and left an impression at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Angela Lynn Zorn:

Angela Zorn1

Major: Industrial Engineering

Hometown: Meadville, Pennsylvania

On choosing to major in Industrial Engineering: I started my freshman year intending to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering, but I decided it wasn’t for me. I met with my advisor, Dr. Russ Warley, who suggested I look at Industrial Engineering. I researched the field and actually landed an internship in industrial engineering the summer before my sophomore year. I.E. has been a good fit for my interests.

On gaining plenty of real-world experience: I’ve done three internships at AccuSpec Electronics, GE Transportation, and TE Connectivity, and I had a research experience at Saint Vincent Hospital.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I never missed a single day of school from elementary through high school.

Advice for current students: Don’t be afraid to change your major early if you don’t like your initial choice. It could be the best decision you make. It was for me.

Angela has accepted a position in the Lean Manufacturing Engineering Leadership Program at Parker Hannifin, a Cleveland-based company that specializes in motion and control technologies.

 

Class of 2016: Meet Lillie Gabreski (Political Science)

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By Heather Cass
Publications & Design Coordinator, Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s class of 2016 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and the things they’ve accomplished and learned while here at Behrend.  Over the next couple months, we’ll be introducing you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technology, participated in important research projects, and left an impression at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Lillie Gabreski:

Lillie Gabreski

Major: Political Science

Minor(s): Women’s Studies, History

Hometown: Jamestown, New York

On choosing to major in Political Science: When I was a senior in high school, I volunteered for a candidate for U.S. Congress and learned a lot about how campaigns work and the issues involved. Although the candidate I worked for didn’t win, the experience motivated me to pursue a career in which I could study and shape policies that could help people and improve their lives.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: At Behrend, I learned not just how to be a good student, but how to be a good teacher. I work at least once a week helping students pursue their goals in college, whether through tutoring or coordinating events through the organizations that I’m involved in.

Summer in South Africa: Last summer, I studied abroad at the University of Cape Town. The experience was fully funded by a grant from Penn State Behrend to complete my research in international and constitutional law. While I was there, I participated in the Students’ Health and Welfare Centres Organisation (SHAWCO) Education program and spent 20 hours a week volunteering in the township of Manenberg teaching English and Math to middle schoolers.

On giving back: It feels good to give back, that’s why I enjoy volunteering, teaching, and mentoring. I feel like I’m making a positive impact.

Campus involvement: I have worked as a writing tutor in the LRC and as a student assistant to the Behrend Honors Program. I have also served as the president of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority and the campus chapter of College Democrats. I’m a member of both the Student Activity Fee and Student Integrity committees.

Good under pressure: I’ve become very good at solving problems under pressure. There are a lot of instances in college when you have a deadline and people with dissenting opinions working on the project with you. I’ve learned how to take chaos and work towards order and how to listen to people on get everyone the same page so that we can come to a resolution.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I almost pursued music as a major, but in the end, my passion for politics won out. I was able to channel my love for music by participating in the campus choir and musicals.

A very hungry bookworm: I love to read and learn about the world around me. I could spend all day wandering around a bookstore.

Advice for current students: Study abroad! It really helped me find my direction, and I credit the postgraduate opportunities I’ve been afforded in part to my experiences in Canada and South Africa.

Following her graduation in May, Lillie plans to attend Cornell University where she received a fellowship covering half of her tuition to pursue a Master’s in Public Administration degree.

Excellence runs in Schupp family, twice chosen to Marshal

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By Christine Palattella
Marketing Communications Specialist, Penn State Behrend

Kelsey Schupp (3)

Student Marshal Kelsey Schupp

On Friday night, Student Marshal Kelsey Schupp ’16 will lead her fellow Black School of Business commencement candidates into Erie Insurance Arena just as her sister, Brooke ʼ14, did two years ago.

Only five Student Marshals are chosen for a commencement ceremony, one representing each of Penn State Behrend’s four academic schools plus an Honors candidate to lead the college’s Schreyer Scholars. To recognize their outstanding academic achievements, Student Marshals are given the honor of carrying the banners that precede each of the five candidate groups onto the arena floor.

Kelsey will receive concurrent degrees in Accounting and Finance and soon will begin working as a proposal analyst associate at Lockheed Martin’s Missile and Fire Control division in Orlando. Brooke joined GE Transportation after graduating with a degree in Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies; this fall she completes her fourth and final rotation in GE’s Operations Management Leadership Program.

Was being named Marshal a goal for you, Kelsey?

I wouldn’t necessarily say being Marshal was a specific goal I made, but I knew there was a good chance of it happening because my personal goal was graduating with a cumulative 4.0 GPA.

Was Brooke an inspiration? Are you two competitive?

Brooke graduated with a 4.0 GPA too. I’ve always wanted to do my very best in school purely for my own satisfaction, but Brooke’s performance at Behrend pushed me to try even harder. She definitely left me some big shoes to fill.

In my junior year I started a game with myself –I decided to see how much more I could take on while maintaining my GPA. This is when I started working at internships during the school year and participating in academic competitions like the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute Research Challenge. I was captain of the team that reached the global semi-finals, ending as the 21st team out of over 1,000 competing.

I think Brooke and I are more competitive with ourselves than each other. But we do sometimes push each other, to make each other a better person, of course.

Looking back, Brooke, what did the Marshal experience mean to you?

Kelsey summarized it right when she said we are more competitive with ourselves than we are with each other. Being a Marshal allowed me to see that my parents had done an amazing job creating self-motivating adults capable of anything we put our minds to – even a 4.0 in college – a trait I hope I can someday pass on to those around me.

Brooke Schupp (2)

Brooke Schupp, Kelsey’s sister and a 2014 Marshal

How do you feel about Kelsey following in your footsteps?

In college I mainly focused on my coursework, working to prove to myself that a 4.0 wasn’t impossible. Kelsey took that to the next level by being extremely active in other groups and competitions, for example taking her team to Nationals for the CFA Institute Research Challenge competition! The dedication, time management, and leadership she was able to muster over her senior year is beyond incredible to me and proof that my little sister isn’t so little anymore.

Penn State Behrend’s 2016 spring commencement will be held on Friday, May 6, in Erie Insurance Arena, 809 French St. The ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be streamed live at behrend.psu.edu.

Class of 2016: Meet Abigail Gilmore (Plastics Engineering Technology)

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By Heather Cass
Publications & Design Coordinator, Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s class of 2016 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and the things they’ve accomplished and learned while here at Behrend.  Over the next couple months, we’ll be introducing you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technology, participated in important research projects, and left an impression at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Abigail Gilmore:

Abigail Gilmore

Major: Plastics Engineering Technology

Hometown: Waterford, Pennsylvania

On choosing Behrend: My older brother attended Behrend and discussed with me the benefits of attending a smaller school and the opportunities I would have to engage with my professors on a personal level. I know from growing up here that Behrend has long been recognized for its engineering programs, so it seemed unnecessary to search all over the country for the right school when I had one of the best so close to home.

Love at first (lab) sight: When I saw the plastics lab during my tour of Behrend, I knew I had found my major. Plastic polymers were something I knew very little about even though I interacted with plastic materials on a daily basis. With an interest in sustainability, I was intrigued by the idea of reducing the impact of plastic on the environment and finding a career where I could contribute on a global level.

Campus involvement: I have been a member of both the cross country and track and field teams during my four years at Behrend. I’m also the current president of Tau Alpha Pi, the Engineering Technology National Honors Society, and secretary of the Plastics Engineering Club.

Challenge accepted: One thing I’ve really worked on during my time at Behrend is my willingness to accept a challenge. As a high school student, I often found myself shying away from opportunities where failure was a likely possibility. In college, I just decided to try new things and take on new responsibilities even if I worried I couldn’t do them. The more I did it, the quieter that doubting voice in my head became and my drive to work harder to pursue each opportunity became stronger. In the end, this resulted in great gains in my time management skills, a decrease in my fear of failure, and a boost in my self-confidence.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: Up until my sophomore year in high school, I had intended to pursue a dancing career after graduation and go to college when I got too old to dance. Now, just a few years later, I’m graduating with an engineering degree and competing in NCAA Division III cross-country and track and field!

On a love for learning: College allowed me to discover just how much I love learning. As a senior, I chose electives that I found interesting, rather than classes simply to fill my major requirements. I love reading articles about new breakthroughs in science or running experiments to prove, or disprove, my scientific hypotheses.

Abigail has accepted a position as a plastics rotational engineer in TE Connectivity’s automotive division in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, following her graduation in May.

Class of 2016: Meet Casey Port (Project and Supply Chain Management)

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By Heather Cass
Publications & Design Coordinator, Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s class of 2016 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and the things they’ve accomplished and learned while here at Behrend.  Over the next couple months, we’ll be introducing you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technology, participated in important research projects, and left an impression at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Casey Elizabeth Port:

Casey Port2

Major: Project and Supply Chain Management

Minor: Management Information Systems

Hometown: Waterford, Pennsylvania

On choosing Behrend: The instant I stepped on to the campus, I knew I wanted to attend Behrend. The grounds are so beautiful and there is a lot of history here. I thought I might transfer to University Park after two years, but the faculty and staff at Behrend made me want to stay. They are all so generous and eager to help you get experience and accomplish your goals.

On (finally) picking a major: Every time I introduced myself in my first year or two here, I was a different major. I started in Kinesiology then moved toward Biology before I decided on Project and Supply Chain Management. It’s perfect for me because it encompasses all aspects of business and will allow me to apply my knowledge to nearly any field.

Campus involvement: I’ve been a Lion Ambassador since my freshman year. I’m also involved in the Student Government Association where I sit on the budget committee.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I was born and raised on a farm. My family are fifth-generation farmers at Port Farms in Waterford.

Home is where the heart is: I love my hometown. I hope someday I can return and apply any talents I have to helping it grow while also preserving the environment.

Advice for current students: Get involved! Behrend has so much to offer. Get out of your comfort zone and introduce yourself to professors and professionals. Networking is extremely beneficial.

Casey has accepted a position as a contract specialist at Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc. in Pittsburgh.

Class of 2016: Meet Josh Fitzgerald (Mechancial Engineering)

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By Heather Cass
Publications & Design Coordinator, Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s class of 2016 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and the things they’ve accomplished and learned while here at Behrend.  Over the next couple months, we’ll be introducing you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technology, participated in important research projects, and left an impression at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Josh Fitzgerald:

Josh Fitzgerald2

 

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Vowinckel, Pennsylvania

On shifting careers: I graduated from Clarion University with a degree in Secondary Education Mathematics and briefly worked as a high school mathematics teacher. I quickly found out that I didn’t enjoy it. I knew I wanted to do something with math and science, and I’ve always been curious about how things work. Mechanical Engineering seemed like a good fit, but just to be sure, I did some job shadowing at an engineering firm first. After a few days, I was sold.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Maintaining the grades that I have while also working an internship as a married adult.

Musically inclined: I play a plethora of instruments, including guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, drums, and bass guitar, without any ability whatsoever to read sheet music.

On unique gifts: I’ve nearly mastered the art of selective hearing, which I’m pretty sure my wife would vouch for.

What you’d be surprised to know about him: I’m an adult student. Although I may appear child-like in demeanor, that’s only because I’m still twelve years old on the inside. A wise professor once told me, “You only get to be young once, but you can be immature forever.”

Manners never go out of style: I’m very passionate about being a good, decent, honest person. There are far too many inconsiderate people in the world today. Using manners, being polite, and respecting people should never been viewed as old-fashioned or outdated.

On being a self-made man: I’ve learned to value the things I own because I’ve worked hard to earn them. The same can be said for my education. I worked to excel in my classes and it’s paid off.

On using your gifts: My favorite quote is: “I see now that the circumstances of one’s birth are irrelevant; it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are.” It’s not part of an elaborate speech by a politician, or a Biblical proverb, or even sage-like advice from Gandhi. Rather, it’s a quote by Mewtwo from the original Pokemon movie. Nonetheless, it is some of the soundest logic I’ve ever heard. I came from very humble beginnings. It didn’t matter that my family didn’t have a lot of money, what color my skin was, or what my religious beliefs were. It’s what I’ve done with the blessing of existence that truly matters.

Advice for current students: Be open to life’s adventures. If someone told me a five years ago that I’d be where I am today, I would’ve thought they were crazy. I was dead set on being a great high school math teacher. Then reality hit me like a truck and burst my bubble. It took me some time to get over the feeling that I’d maybe wasted four years of my life earning a degree I wasn’t going to use. But, looking back now, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge and maturity along the way.

Josh has accepted a position as a simulation engineer at SKF Aeroengine following his graduation in May.

Class of 2016: Meet Catalina Stevenson (Mechanical Engineering)

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By Heather Cass
Publications & Design Coordinator, Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s class of 2016 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and the things they’ve accomplished and learned while here at Behrend.  Over the next couple months, we’ll be introducing you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technology, participated in important research projects, and left an impression at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Catalina Stevenson.

Catalina Stevenson1

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Norristown, Pennsylvania

On choosing Behrend: My parents met in Erie Hall when they were both students here, so I grew up with Behrend on my radar! I like the smaller class sizes, the beautiful campus, and the strong engineering programs.

On majoring in Mechanical Engineering: I had intended to major in Chemical Engineering, but I didn’t want to move to University Park after two years and found that I was more passionate about Behrend than I was about chemistry, so I decided to try a different type of engineering. I found Mechanical Engineering to be a great fit.

Campus involvement: I am president of the Penn State Behrend Lion Ambassadors and am a resident assistant. I have also participated in Alternative Spring Break with the Reality Check club.

Proudest accomplishment: Being a resident assistant has given me many small, proud accomplishments at Behrend. It’s been awesome to help other students have a positive experience at Behrend, and help them make important decisions that will impact the rest of their lives.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I really love arts and crafts. Being able to create something beautiful with my hands, whether it’s a repurposed jewelry stand or a fun hand-lettered quote, is a stress-reliever for me.

Advice for current students: Get out of your comfort zone. You’d be surprised how much you grow when you become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Sometimes that means changing your major, joining a club or organization, or moving away to a new city.

Following her graduation in May, Catalina will participate in a two-year rotational program at LORD Corporation with roles in engineering, manufacturing, and business at the company’s Erie and Cary, North Carolina, locations.