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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As part of Penn State’s spring 2023 commencement activities, 36 students will represent the College of the Liberal Arts as student marshals based on outstanding academic achievement and contributions to Liberal Arts student life.
The College of the Liberal Arts’ commencement ceremony will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, in the Bryce Jordan Center. Learn more about the College of the Liberal Arts’ spring 2023 commencement activities.
Taran Samarth is the college student marshal and philosophy major marshal. They are the child of Manini Nayar Samarth and Nitin Samarth of State College, Pennsylvania. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, they are graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in philosophy, political science and sociology and a bachelor of science degree in mathematics. Samarth is the recipient of numerous fellowships, scholarships and grants and is a research fellow in many units throughout the College of the Liberal Arts. They were also recognized as a 2023 Rock Ethics Institute Stand Up Award winner this spring. Their research has been included in multiple publications, conference presentations and online essays and editorials. At Penn State, they were the research and policy lead for Penn State Forward, an undergraduate research ambassador and the vice president for finances for the Penn State International Affairs and Debate Association. After graduation, Samarth will attend Yale University this fall as an NSF Graduate Research Fellow, pursuing a doctorate in political science.
“The college was a home for social and academic exploration like no other,” Samarth said. “As I start research projects on big questions about democracy, policing and incarceration, the broad set of courses — from philosophy to machine learning — that I’ve been able to take in the college has helped me cultivate an interdisciplinary toolbox of research skills.”
Keep reading to learn more about the student marshals, each of whom was selected to represent a major offered within the College of the Liberal Arts.
African American Studies
Ahyanna Navarro-Foreman is the daughter of Ayala and Rasheed Foreman of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A Bunton-Waller Fellow and Chaiken Scholar, she is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in African American studies and a minor in journalism. During her time at Penn State, she worked with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre County. She also worked as a resident assistant to help first-year students become successful at Penn State, as well as a mentor for Upward Bound where she helped high school students prepare for college. After graduation, Navarro-Foreman plans to travel with one of her top cruise line options to be part of their entertainment crew.
“With my Penn State Liberal Arts education, I can do anything that I want to do! My degree and education are so flexible and can fit into most jobs and career paths that I want to follow,” she said.
African Studies
Christopher Thomas is the son of Collette and Jay Daryman of York, Pennsylvania. He is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in African studies and international politics. Thomas takes great pride serving as a teaching assistant for Professor Clemente Abrokwaa’s African history courses and participating in the International Model African Union conference. He is a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies and a research assistant for Professor Boliang Zhu. After graduation, Thomas plans to attend graduate school at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and work for the U.S. Department of State.
“I was unsure as an adult returning to college, but working with Penn State’s caring teachers and faculty has fostered the confidence to meet my goals,” Thomas said. “They have educated and encouraged me, furthering my desire to learn and curiously seek out answers.”
Anthropological Science
Matthew Keenan, a veteran and recipient of numerous service medals, is graduating with a bachelor of science degree in anthropological science. He has been involved in numerous research labs, working as a research assistant in Penn State’s RISK Lab and Watchmen Project. He has also served as a teaching assistant for several anthropology classes and presented twice to the Penn State Board of Trustees for funding opportunities for student veterans. After graduation, Keenan plans to continue at Penn State to attend graduate school and earn his doctorate.
“I would encourage myself to unabashedly and bravely follow passion within education — a fulfilling career will follow,” Keenan said.
Anthropology
Rachel Storey is the daughter of Frances and Daniel Storey of Leesburg, Virginia. She is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in anthropology and minors in geography and sexuality and gender studies. She served as the community engagement and social media intern for the Jewish Studies program and as a peer adviser in the College of the Liberal Arts. Rachel has also served as a research and teaching assistant for Professors Kenneth Hirth and Douglas Bird. Additionally, she is a member of Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity, the THON special interest organization Ohana, CHAARG health and fitness community, Supporting Women in Geography and Lambda Alpha anthropology honor society. After graduation, Storey plans to take a gap year to pursue service-related work before attending law school.
“My Penn State Liberal Arts education has provided me with every opportunity I could have ever imagined,” Storey said. “It allowed me to curate the path that worked best for me through teaching courses, participating in research and taking interdisciplinary courses which shifted the way I understood pressing social issues.”
Asian Studies
Carita Reid is the daughter of Sherena Davis and Robert Reid of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in Asian studies and international politics, as well as a master’s degree in international affairs. Reid has interned with the American Foreign Policy Council and the City of Austin, Texas, and has worked as a peer language coordinator and Korean language tutor at Penn State. She was also involved in College Independents, the Korean Learning Club and Liberty in North Korea and also volunteered at the Seoul Senior Citizens Welfare Center in South Korea. After graduation, Reid plans to work in a think tank that focuses on the United States’ relationship with the Korean Peninsula.
“I would advise my freshman self to keep trying. Try new classes, ones that you aren’t even sure you will be good at,” Reid said. “Try to meet new people. Connect more with alumni, and find what areas interest you the most. And, lastly, try even when it gets hard. Rejection is hard, but it only makes you better for the future.”
Chinese
Alissa Brossman is the daughter of Kate and Doug Brossman of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in Chinese and a minor in business and the liberal arts. Brossman served as president of the Language and Linguistics Club, a member of the Penn State College Democrats and a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. She has received numerous awards for her proficiency in the Chinese language, including the Chinese language program certificate in recognition of outstanding achievement. After graduation, Brossman plans to study abroad as part of the Taiwan Huayu BEST Long-Term Scholarship Program and would like to eventually attend graduate school or pursue a full-time position involving business or law in China or Taiwan.
“I’ve developed my ability to think critically, write, and speak publicly,” Brossman said. “There are no limits to the skills that we learn in the liberal arts, and I’m eager to continue building on them in the future.”
Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies
LeMhai Baity is the daughter of Regan Mckinney-Baity and LeMorris Baity of Akron, Ohio. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in anthropology and classics and ancient Mediterranean studies. At Penn State, Baity worked in Professor Jose Capriles and Laurie Eccles’ Radiocarbon Lab, the Behavioral Endocrinology and Evolution Lab and the Matson Museum of Anthropology. She was also a member of Lambda Alpha anthropology honor society, the central Pennsylvania chapter of the Archaeological Institute of America and Penn State Archery Club. After graduation, Baity plans to attend graduate school at a university abroad to pursue a master’s degree in classical archaeology.
“My favorite major-related class was CAMS 015 Wonders of the Ancient World. I liked learning about ancient Mediterranean cultures and the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World,” Baity said. “The class also had a spring break trip to Greece, which was an amazing experience for me.”
Communication Arts and Sciences
David Babaian is the son of Nora and Daniel Babaian of Broomall, Pennsylvania. A Presidential Scholar, Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, he is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in communication arts and sciences and political science. Babaian has worked as a communications intern for Unite America and a speaking mentor for Penn State’s Undergraduate Speaking Center. He was also captain of the Penn State Mock Trial Association, a student advisory board member for The McCourtney Institute for Democracy and founder of The Gray Area podcast. After graduation, Babaian plans to attend law school.
“Seek friendships that help you grow. Great conversations with friends have been an invaluable source of growth for me,” Babaian said.
Comparative Literature
Jessica Kim is the daughter of Theresia Lo. She is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in comparative literature and a bachelor of science degree in supply chain and information systems, as well as a minor in Chinese and a master’s degree in comparative literature. Kim worked as an intern for the Comparative Literature Studies journal, a research assistant for the Department of Asian Studies, a class instructor for the Department of Comparative Literature and a teaching assistant for various courses. At Penn State, she served as vice president and treasurer of the Comparative Literature Club. After graduation, Kim plans to attend graduate school to pursue a doctorate in Southeast Asian studies.
“I’ve learned useful research skills and how I can critically engage with texts, which will be useful in both a professional setting and my day-to-day life,” Kim said.
Criminology
Emma Messersmith is the daughter of Shannon Proctor of Beach Lake, Pennsylvania. She is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in criminology and political science. Messersmith has worked as a remote direct voter contact fellow for Justin Krebs for City Council, a member for the Division of Undergraduate Studies Leadership Council and a teaching assistant. She was secretary and treasurer of Penn State’s Operation Smile Club, a Division of Undergraduate Studies peer mentor and a PSU Votes volunteer. After graduation, Messersmith plans to take a gap year to work in the legal field before attending law school.
“While I may not remember every piece of information from all my classes when I graduate, the skills I have gained throughout my years at Penn State will be a part of me for the rest of my life,” Messersmith said. “I believe the most important skill I have developed has been the ability to think critically about problems while considering their many distinct and complex components.”
Economics
Alexis Lesser is the daughter of Kimberly and Rich Lesser of Paramus, New Jersey. She is graduating with bachelor of science degrees in economics and finance, as well as a minor in the legal environment of business. Lesser has worked as a global quality and operations finance intern for Stryker and a crew leader at the Pollock Dining Commons. At Penn State, she was a grading assistant for the Department of Economics and volunteered on THON committees during all four years. After graduation, Lesser plans to work as a financial analyst for Paramount in New York City, New York.
“One of my most important takeaways from the College of the Liberal Arts, and Penn State in general, is that while it is important to perform well individually, it is equally if not more important to get to know people and make connections,” Lesser said.
English
Alessandra Liller is the daughter of Steven Liller of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in classics and ancient Mediterranean studies and English. Liller studied abroad in Rome, Italy, during the summer of 2022, and she interned with the Penn State University Press. After graduation, Liller plans to find employment as an editor in the travel or children’s literature department of a publishing house such as Penguin Random House or Scholastic.
“I would encourage myself to not worry about slipping and falling,” Liller said. “Wounds will heal, and you’ll be able to get back up to try again; failing is a part of learning, and that’s what you’re here to do: learn.”
French and Francophone Studies
Abby Mikalauskas is the daughter of Cindy Tomlinson and David Mikalauskas, of New Hope, Pennsylvania. She is graduating with a bachelor of science degree in French and francophone studies, and bachelor of arts degrees in anthropology and art history, as well as minors in classics and ancient Mediterranean studies and global and international studies. During her time at Penn State, Mikalauskas was involved in many extracurricular activities, although she is most proud of her time with THON through Axis and as a Rules and Regulations committee member. She also spent her third year studying abroad, with her fall semester spent in Montpellier, France, and her second semester studying abroad in Florence, Italy. After graduation, Mikalauskas plans to attend graduate school to pursue a master’s degree and doctorate in art history, with the eventual hopes of specializing in contact period Indigenous art of North America and the subsequent relationship between the Indigenous and various European influences, namely the French.
“The connections with professors, as well as the quality of the interdisciplinary education at Penn State, have already prepared me for being extremely competitive in my graduate studies, and I know that my experience at Penn State will translate in the future,” Mikalauskas said.
German
Jake Otto is the son of Jan Otto and Dana Otto of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in German and history. Otto was involved as a research assistant to doctoral candidates in the Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures, and he also became Goethe-Zertifikat B2 certified in the German language. After graduation, Otto plans to take a gap year before attending graduate school.
“Make friends, have an open mind, be honest and be accountable to your community,” Otto said.
Global and International Studies
Annika Throne is the daughter of Inga and Eric Throne of Estes Park, Colorado. She is graduating with a bachelor of science degree in global and international studies and minors in recreation, park, and tourism management; sociology; and sustainability leadership. Throne was a THON Dancer Relations committee member and a Dancer Relations training and development captain. She received the President’s Freshman Award, the Evan Pugh Scholar Award and the President Sparks Award. After graduation, Throne plans to pursue an internship in international sustainable development work or sustainable travel.
“Trust the process and get involved with things you are passionate about,” Throne said. “Freshman year can be hard, but the more you do what you love, the more you’ll learn in general and about yourself, as well as meet incredible people that share your passions. You will find your place, don’t put too much pressure on yourself!”
History
Rachel Yeung is the daughter of Debbie and Paul Yeung of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. She is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in history and political science. Yeung was the president of the Asian American Christian Fellowship (Epic Movement at Penn State) and served as the secretary of the History Roundtable. After graduation, Yeung will continue at Penn State for her graduate studies already started through the integrated undergraduate-graduate (IUG) program through the School of Public Policy, with plans to earn her master of public policy degree next spring before working in the public sector as a policy analyst or legislative staffer.
“My experience at Penn State was a chaotic, beautiful ride with no regrets,” Yeung said. “I learned so much and developed into the capable and strong person that I am today. I cherish the opportunities and memories I made at Penn State, and I look forward to seeing what life has for me next.”
Integrated Social Sciences
Jianan Ye is the wife of Leo S. Lo of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is graduating with a bachelor of science degree in integrated social sciences. At Penn State, Ye was involved with the Student Engagement Network and received an SEN Grant to fund her first research study. She also worked as research assistant and lab manager for the Online Students of Psychology (OSP) Lab. After graduation, Ye plans to attend graduate school at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom this fall, pursuing a master’s degree in sociology.
“I would advise myself to take advantage of all the resources available to me much sooner than I actually did,” Ye said. “I am grateful for the Spark Program, which provided me with so much information on the incredible resources Penn State offers.”
International Politics
Luisina Kemanian-Leites is the daughter of Laura Leites and Armen Kemanian of State College, Pennsylvania. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in international politics and Latin American studies. She will also graduate with enhanced minors in Arabic, Middle East studies and Spanish. Kemanian-Leites interned as a teaching assistant at the Escuela Amor de Dios while studying abroad in Santiago, Chile. While studying abroad in Amman, Jordan, she interned with the American Friends Service Committee. Luisina was a 2020–21 Rock Ethics Institute Undergraduate Student Fellow, head research assistant in the Children, Media, and Conflict Zones Lab directed by Yael Warshel, and co-founder of the Minorities in the College of the Liberal Arts student organization. After graduation, Kemanian-Leites plans to attend law school where she will study human rights law specifically as it relates to refugees and perpetrators and victims of conflict.
“I have learned so much from my professors and peers, as well as from the amazing experiences made available to me by Penn State and the College of the Liberal Arts that will continue to guide my work in the future,” Kemanian-Leites said. “I feel that the college has prepared me well for my future endeavors.”
Italian
Nicole Kruse is the daughter of Joann Rocco and Dennis Kruse of Carmel, New York. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in history and a bachelor of science degree in Italian. Kruse studied abroad in Milan, Italy, during the spring of 2022 and received financial support through the College of the Liberal Arts enrichment funding to research and learn more about the history and culture of Italy, while also further developing her Italian language skills. She has served as the co-founder and external president of the Penn State Empowering Women in Law chapter since 2021 and was involved with other politically and civically affiliated organizations throughout her time at Penn State, such as the College Democrats and the League of Women Voters. She is a member of both the Phi Alpha Theta History honor society and the Gamma Kappa Alpha Italian honor society. After graduation, Kruse plans to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) before applying to law school. She is currently applying to work as an English teaching assistant in classrooms in Europe.
“The College of the Liberal Arts has benefited and supported me in nearly every pursuit at Penn State,” Kruse said. “Outside of the numerous grant and financial support opportunities that I have received, every professor and faculty member has been incredibly supportive of my academic, professional and personal goals.”
Japanese
Yuke Yang is the daughter of Yumei Ma and Xiaoping Yang of Beijing, China. She is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in Japanese and Film Production. Yuke founded the first Chinese stand-up comedy organization, Laughing Co., with her peers at Penn State. She was a media planner intern for Tencent Animation and Comics, where she developed Intellectual Property (IP) animation planning project cases independently. After graduation, Yang plans to attend a Japanese language school to continue her language studies, before applying to the Graduate School of Film and New Media at Tokyo University of the Arts next spring.
“Don’t get stuck on what you think you should learn but go ahead and explore all the courses you want to learn to your fullest,” Yang said. “Penn State is a very inclusive University, and it will provide you with opportunities for whatever you want to achieve.”
Jewish Studies
Casey Sennett is the daughter of Lisa and Robert Sennett of Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in anthropology, Jewish studies, history and Middle East studies, as well as minors in global and international studies and classics and ancient Mediterranean studies, certificates in Holocaust and genocide studies and museum studies and a master’s degree in anthropology. While at Penn State, Sennett studied abroad in Paris, France; Akko, Israel; Rome, Italy; Cairo, Egypt; Warsaw, Poland; and twice in Willemstad, Curaçao. Her combined undergraduate honors and master’s thesis was an ethnographic and historical study of the Jewish communities of central Pennsylvania. After graduation, Sennett plans to participate in a year of service at the Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial in Hamburg, Germany, through the Action Reconciliation Service for Peace.
“My Penn State Liberal Arts education has taught me the importance of critical thinking and pursuing knowledge in multiple disciplines,” Sennett said. “I will continue to use my Penn State Liberal Arts education in the future to challenge and enrich my knowledge both as an individual and in my work as a professional.”
Korean
Juntae Rocker is the son of Shannon and Bruce Rocker of Warrington, Pennsylvania. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, he is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in Asian studies and Korean. Throughout his time at Penn State, Rocker received a multitude of scholarships and awards such as the 2022 Penn State Institute for Korean Studies Scholarship, the 2022 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS), the 2023 28th Seol-Bong Scholarship and the 2022 and 2023 Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships. However, most recently, Rocker was selected as this year’s recipient of the Schreyer Honors College’s inaugural Neil C. Patel Memorial Changemaker Honors Scholarship. He also participated in the BLUEprint peer mentoring program, where he served as both a mentee for one year and a mentor for three years and received a scholarship from the program recognizing his mentorship, leadership and service. He was involved in GLOBE, the living learning community for Schreyer Scholars, from 2019–20 and Scholar Ambassadors from 2019–22. Rocker participated in the Korea-America Student Conference for two years, one of which he planned, and led a global conference. He served as a prominent student volunteer and leader for the Korean American and greater Asian community at Penn State through assisting in the promotion of Korean and Asian cultural and professional events. After graduation, Rocker plans to take a gap year to expand the relationships he has fostered through the Korean American Scholarship Foundation, International Student Conferences, and other organizations that have helped him throughout his college career.
“My Penn State Liberal Arts education will continue to benefit me in the future by providing me with two highly versatile bachelor’s degrees,” Rocker said. “As I eventually enter the field of U.S.-Korea relations and/or international affairs, I will also be backed by the incredible alumni network of Penn State across the world and connections I have made through the University’s support.”
Labor and Human Resources
Olivia Cordano is the daughter of Gina and Eugene Cordano of Far Hills, New Jersey. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with bachelor of science degrees in finance and labor and employment relations, as well as a minor in the legal environment of business. Cordano was the vice president of finance and administration for the Nittany Lion Consulting Group. She also served as director of operations and senior adviser for the Penn State Asset Management Group. After graduation, Cordano plans to move to Dallas, Texas, to work full-time for Goldman Sachs as a global markets legal analyst before attending law school.
“Explore courses outside of your set discipline,” Cordano said. “See what else is out there! You will never know what the perfect combination to satisfy your intellectual palette is until you try.”
Law and Society
Elena Ferro grew up in Florence, Italy, but currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, and is the mother of Vienna, Gemma and Sabina Ferro. She is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in law and society. She was involved in online learning assistance student groups as a Penn State World Campus student and recognized on the College of the Liberal Arts Dean’s List for multiple semesters. After graduation, Ferro plans to take a semester off to care for her three children, before studying for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and eventually applying to and attending law school.
“My education at Penn State has taught me diligence and sparked my ambition,” Ferro said. “It has given me not only knowledge but a true passion and interest for the subjects I studied.”
Linguistics
Vincent Mariani is the son of Christine and Anthony Mariani of Levittown, Pennsylvania. A Schreyer Scholar, he is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in linguistics. Mariani was involved in writing an Erickson Discovery Grant-winning honors thesis on adverbials in Anii — a language spoken in Togo and Benin — which was presented as a poster at the 2023 Linguistic Society of America Annual Meeting. He also served on the executive boards of the University Choir, the Penn State Glee Club and the Liberal Arts Ambassadors. After graduation, Mariani plans to attend graduate school to pursue a doctorate in linguistics.
“The most beneficial part of my education at Penn State has been the ability to really explore and find what my calling is,” he said. “The connections I made with the faculty and the research and professional experiences I was able to take part in, gave me a sense of confidence and support that I can carry with me moving forward.”
Medieval Studies
Adam Babetski is the son of Renee and Frank Babetski of Sterling, Virginia. He is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in medieval studies and broadcast journalism. Babetski was involved in Onward State as an associate editor. He served as an interpretive operations and visitor services intern at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park through the Penn State Richards Civil War Era Center. While at Penn State, Babetski studied abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland, and Tallinn, Estonia. He is also a member of the Phi Eta Sigma honor society. After graduation, Babetski plans to attend graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in investigative journalism.
“My liberal arts education has pushed me to be a better student in both of my majors,” Babetski said. “I have now learned from groups of professors in different fields, which has given me a unique perspective.”
Organizational Leadership
Jenny Brunson is the daughter of Paul and Mischelle Patterson of Greybull, Wyoming. She is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in organizational leadership. Brunson is an emergency operations center manager for an influx care facility for unaccompanied children in the process of sponsor reunification. She was involved in Penn State’s Online Leadership Development Institute (OLDI) and awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal from the United States Navy for her 22 years of volunteer service. After graduation, Brunson plans to attend graduate school next year to pursue a master’s degree in human resources and employment relations.
“As a current employee in a culturally diverse environment, I find the skills and education I’ve gained are very beneficial to the community I serve as a manager,” Brunson said. “I expect to further hone my skills as I grow in professional experience.”
Organizational and Professional Communication
Trina Ethier is the wife of Darique Ethier and daughter of Pamela Dodson of Brighton, Tennessee. She is graduating with a bachelor of science degree in organizational and professional communication. She currently works as a travel manager for the U.S. Navy Logistics Command. After graduation, Ethier plans to continue working at the U.S. Navy Logistics Command for four more years, after which she will explore the possibility of becoming a certified yoga and meditation instructor.
“I plan to use what I have learned to further my career and aid me in my journey to fulfilling my post-retirement ventures,” Ethier said.
Political Science
Jacob Roth is the son of Jennifer and Michael Roth of Allentown, Pennsylvania. A Schreyer Scholar, he is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in political science. Roth was involved in the McCourtney Institute for Democracy’s Student Advisory Board, served on the advocacy committee within Lion Caucus and completed a congressional internship in Washington, D.C., for U.S. Rep. Fred Keller. After graduation, Roth plans to attend the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law and continue to serve as a township commissioner on the South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners.
“My Penn State Liberal Arts education will benefit me in the future in that it sparked my interest in a wide variety of fields beyond my major,” Roth said. “I have no doubt that the interdisciplinary interests I developed at Penn State will continue long into my career.”
Psychology
Moe Kawasaki is the daughter of Mizuho and Kazuhiko Kawasaki of State College, Pennsylvania. She is graduating with a bachelor of science degree in psychology with minors in child maltreatment and advocacy studies and sociology. Kawasaki was involved as a mentee in the Liberal Arts Alumni Mentor Program, vice president of the Penn State Centre Helps Club, secretary of the Minorities in the College of the Liberal Arts and a research assistant in the Cole Emotion Regulation Lab. She was also a member of the Psi Chi Psychology honor society and involved with the Friendship Group within the Department of Psychology. After graduation, Kawasaki plans to take a gap year while working and volunteering as a case worker at Centre Helps, in preparation for applying to graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in social work.
“My Penn State Liberal Arts education has given me numerous tools for success in the future,” Kawasaki said. “The large selection of multidisciplinary classes has equipped me to think more broadly and develop future critical thinking skills, while also helping me to gain a diverse background and greater cultural awareness and education.”
Russian
Ryan Zalewski is the son of Karen and Bill Zalewski of Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania. He is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in Russian with minors in military studies and linguistics. Zalewski was involved in the Penn State Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Honor Guard. He also served as the vice president and event coordinator of the Penn State Russian Club and secretary of the Penn State Rifle Club. After graduation, Zalewski plans to be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force and will serve as a force support officer at the Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota.
“I hope to use my Russian degree and experience in the military to eventually serve as a regional coordinator for a charitable organization,” Zalewski said.
Social Data Analytics
Thomas Schindler is the son of Dana and George Schindler of Fairfax, Virginia. A Schreyer Scholar, he is graduating with bachelor of science degrees in economics and social data analytics. Schindler was involved with Alpha Kappa Psi as the professional business fraternity’s social chair. He also played the trumpet in the Penn State Blue Band. After graduation, Schindler plans to work as a business analyst for the consumer and commercial banking division of TD Bank.
“Penn State College of the Liberal Arts has exposed me to a wide variety of fields including data science, economics, political science and statistics,” he said. “Having this experience will help me in my job as I now bring multiple perspectives to problems that need to be solved.”
Sociology
Margaret “Maggie” Bond is the daughter of Carolyn and Eric Bond of Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology with minors in education policy studies, social justice in education and French and francophone studies, as well as a master of arts degree in educational theory and policy. At Penn State, Bond participated in the D.C. Social Justice Teaching Fellowship and was vice president of the Students Restorative Justice Initiative. She worked as a research assistant for the Criminal Justice Research Center; the Department of Educational Psychology, Counseling, and Special Education; the Department of Education Policy Studies; the Social Science Research Institute and the Social Science Princess Project. She also served as a teaching assistant for “Sociological Theory” and a resident assistant. After graduation, Bond plans to work in educational research or policy.
“My Penn State Liberal Arts education gave me opportunities to explore my interests and gain experience that will help me throughout my career,” Bond said. “I will continue to draw upon the skills I have developed through the College of the Liberal Arts in my future life and work.”
Spanish
Maria Smereka is the daughter of Oksana and Ivan Smereka of Carnegie, Pennsylvania. A Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish and a bachelor of science degree in biology. Smereka was recognized as a 2023 Rock Ethics Institute Stand Up Award winner this spring, involved with Schreyer Honors College’s SHO TIME orientation, and worked as an English as a Second Language (ESL) tutor for the Mid-State Literacy Council. She was also a chemistry teaching assistant, volunteered for the Centre Coalition for Ukraine and Centre Volunteers in Medicine and served as the president of the Penn State Ukrainian Society. After graduation, Smereka plans to attend medical school to pursue her goal of becoming a physician for underserved populations.
“I hope to use my language skills I have fostered with the opportunities provided to me by the College of the Liberal Arts, in order to work with immigrant and refugee populations in the future and advocate for more linguistic support in healthcare,” she said.
Women’s Studies
Sarabeth Bowmaster is the daughter of Sharon and Rob Bowmaster. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in women’s studies and a certificate in labor and human resources. Bowmaster was the founder and first president of the League of Women Voters at Penn State. She also served as a Lion Ambassador and worked as a peer educator for the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity. After graduation, Bowmaster plans to work as a business strategy analyst/consultant for Deloitte Consulting LLP.
“Penn State College of the Liberal Arts has empowered me — through scholarships, resources, alumni connections and intellectually stimulating courses — to be a more conscious individual in all aspects of my life,” Bowmaster said. “I believe that the lessons I learned here — such as problem-solving, critical thinking, people-based approaches and having a diversity-based focus in my life and work — will continue to serve me and allow me to be a more well-rounded employee, friend and person.”
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