Penn State Altoona announces spring 2024 student marshals

April 24, 2024

ALTOONA, Pa. - Penn State Altoona has announced the student marshals for spring 2024 commencement. Student marshals are chosen to represent their academic division based on outstanding academic achievement.

At Penn State Altoona, student marshals lead graduating students from their division during the commencement procession. Penn State Altoona will hold its spring 2024 commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, in the Arena of the Adler Athletic Complex.

Below are testimonials from each of the four student marshals:

Aidan Jacob Pellegrino

Bachelor of Arts in English and History
Student marshal for the Division of Arts and Humanities

I am honored to be chosen as the Division of Arts and Humanities Student Marshal for the spring 2024 graduation.

My first year at Penn State Altoona was filled with anxiety about COVID-19 and trying to thrive in a new environment. I will be a first-generation college graduate, but I couldn't have done it on my own. At Penn State Altoona, I learned how to read, write, and listen critically, but the experiences have shaped who I am. Without the support of my loving family, caring friends, and an amazing faculty that guided my every step, I wouldn't be where I am. It's terrifying to call this the end, but the future holds treasures that can't be found in the past. As my time concludes at Penn State Altoona, I find it important that we remind ourselves that …

We are Penn State!

Jackson Darius Boyer

Bachelor of Science in Business
Student marshal for the Division of Business, Engineering, and Information Sciences and Technology

I am honored to serve as the Student Marshal for the Division of Business, Engineering, and Information Sciences and Technology during spring 2024 graduation.

Transferring to Penn State and subsequently deciding to stay at Penn State Altoona were the greatest decisions I made in my educational journey. At Penn State Altoona, I was met with a community of faculty and students that were willing to help me succeed. I had the privilege of being the president of the Sheetz Fellows Program, which allowed me to develop rich friendships and the competencies to be a leader. I thrived on the small class dynamic of Penn State Altoona; however, I was also able to make the most of the University's vast resources to build a thorough education. For this, I am thankful to my amazing academic adviser, Professor Hommer. Moreover, I could tell that my teachers wanted to invest in my success, and I am grateful for their endless support. I am very pleased with the life Penn State Altoona has allowed me to build, and I am grateful for all the people who helped me on this long journey. I have stood on the shoulders of tremendous professors and mentors, and for that I am thankful.

Lauren Young

Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Early Childhood Education
Student marshal for the Division of Education, Human Development, and Social Sciences

It is such a privilege to be the Student Marshal for the Division of Education, Human Development, and Social Sciences for the spring 2024 Graduation!

I am so appreciative of my time at Penn State, and I have enjoyed growing as both a person and a future educator. I am thankful for my professors, classmates, and my family and friends who have made this journey possible and memorable. I have learned so much here, and while I am excited to start my new adventure, it is bittersweet to move on. I look forward to becoming a teacher and making a difference in the community. I am proud to say I am a part of the Penn State family, and I wish the best of luck to all of the other graduates!

We Are!

Elle Katherine McGregor

Bachelor of Science in Biology
Student marshal for the Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

I am honored to have been chosen as co-marshal for the Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. My time as a biology student at Penn State Altoona has been entirely gratifying. I am extremely grateful for the faculty who have made each day enjoyable and have ultimately guided me towards my long-term goals. Science and math courses are certainly challenging, but the community here was nothing but encouraging and supportive.

Outside of coursework, I had opportunities to present research with Dr. DePasquale. Our project utilized zebrafish to study Alzheimer disease behaviors. While participating in research indeed strengthened my scientific skills, it also feels very fulfilling to have contributed insight towards this prevalent disease. I also spent time volunteering in a healthcare setting, in which I directly communicated with patients regarding resources in the community. I am confident that these experiences, amongst others, have helped to prepare me for my next step in attending medical school this coming fall. Above all, my time with friends and family throughout these undergraduate years has been most memorable. I will fondly look back at my time spent at Penn State Altoona. Congratulations to my fellow classmates for graduating and beginning a new chapter of their lives!

Philip Michael Chamberlin

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
Student marshal for the Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

I am honored to serve as a student marshal for the Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

Starting college in 2020 was … nontraditional, to say the least. I planned to attend Penn State Altoona pursuing a degree in meteorology and moving to University Park to finish. When the time came to switch, I couldn't resist the charm of Penn State Altoona and decided to stay here all four years, becoming a mathematics major. This was one of the best decisions that I could have made. Altoona has been a place where I felt like I was truly a part of campus, serving as vice president of the Math Club for two years and being heavily involved in materials science research. Through the support of many people, I have learned more about myself and my subjects of interest than I could have ever learned at University Park. Our professors care about their students. They pushed me out of my comfort zone, forcing me to confront challenging problems, and shaping me into the mathematician and researcher that I am today.

I am grateful for this community, my family, and the professors that have made my college experience unique and unforgettable. Thank you for everything!