Marketing Major
“Eberly has been a place for me to excel academically while
simultaneously grow as a leader. Having a large community with a small school
feel has allowed me to take on a great job on campus, a prestigious leadership position,
and still allow me to focus on my studies. The faculty have supported me
tremendously and the other students have been great to work with.
“I am originally from Orange County, New York, and if you had told
me I would end up going to college in Western Pennsylvania, I would have told you that
you were crazy. I never imagined attending IUP until my senior year of high
school when I visited IUP. I was not looking for a brand name diploma. I wanted
a quality education at a reasonable price in a place I enjoyed being, and that
is exactly what I got when I chose IUP and the Eberly Business Honors Program.
“I was hired for a student worker position in Eberly’s
Academic Services Office during my first semester at IUP. The next semester I
pledged Phi Gamma Nu and became a pledge officer. Later that semester, I
was accepted as an IUP Ambassador. These two organizations helped me through
some of the hardest times in college. I have great support systems and met some
of my best friends through these groups. I would not change a single
experience.
“Because I’ve been so involved in Eberly and IUP, it’s
difficult to choose just one activity that defines me. I think PGN is a good
representation of me because I have been an active member since my freshman
year and an executive member for two years. First, I was pledge educator, where
I had the opportunity to nurture and teach new members. I introduced about 50
people into the organization through this position. I loved having a mentorship
role. After that, I was elected president.
“During my tenure as president, PGN members completed over
half of the total community service hours documented by the College of Business
Student Advisory Council, 51 members attended a trip to Nashville, and
we implemented completely new processes to streamline our new membership
protocol. I like to think that I have made an impact on the organization by
creating a place for members to find friends, improve professional acumen,
realize career goals, give back to the community, and grow the organization
through fundraising initiatives. Of course, to do these things, I needed an
outstanding group of officers.
“I also improved my leadership skills, learned how to work
with and motivate different kinds of people. I networked with distinguished
members of the alumni group, and maintained friendships that have lasted since
my very first semester in PGN. I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.
“Eberly has truly given me so much these past few years. It
has made me appreciate the faculty, administration, and alumni that put so much
effort in to make our time at IUP matter.”
After graduation, Katie was awarded a full scholarship to
the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.