Penn State Altoona has announced the student marshals for fall 2023 commencement. Student marshals are chosen to represent their academic division based on outstanding academic achievement.
ALTOONA, Pa. — Penn State Altoona has announced the student marshals for fall 2023 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 fall 2023 commencement ceremony at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, in the Arena of the Adler Athletic Complex.
Below are testimonials from each of the four student marshals:
Jordan Alwine
Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art Studies
Student marshal for the Division of Arts and Humanities
I am honored to be named the student marshal for the Division of Arts and Humanities for the graduating class of fall 2023.
I would not trade my time here for anything. From my first day four years ago to now, I hold onto these memories dearly — the people, the professors, the classes, the experiences, all of it. From my very first art class, I saw myself being both supported and challenged, and I saw myself and my art grow in ways that I adore — a boost in confidence that I needed, concepts and materials I had not thought to work with before. I am grateful and proud of where I am today, and I know I will look back on my time here fondly for years to come.
Dominic Tornatore
Bachelor of Science in Business
Student marshal for the Division of Business, Engineering, and Information Sciences and Technology
I knew I wanted to go to Penn State Altoona when I was a junior in high school. During that time in my life, I had a manager who was a Sheetz Fellow. She inspired me through her leadership to pursue the same path. Penn State Altoona held me to a high professional standard. I learned public speaking, networking, critical thinking, idea generation, and effective collaboration. The Sheetz Fellows program imbued me with the essential qualities that business leaders seek. I am profoundly grateful to Mr. Sheetz and the business department for challenging me. Throughout my four years of studies, I discerned my true calling: to be a leader who profoundly impacts others through both my work and character. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to every professor at Penn State Altoona for teaching me how to be a transformational leader in the community.
Taylor Kalke
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Student marshal for the Division of Education, Human Development, and Social Sciences
I am honored to have been selected as the student marshal for the Division of Education, Human Development, and Social Sciences for the fall 2023 graduation ceremony.
Although starting at Penn State during a pandemic was a unique and certainly challenging college experience, I had the privilege of undergoing personal growth, becoming more independent, making lifelong friendships, and obtaining an education that will significantly help me achieve my future professional goals. During these last few years of my life, as I have struggled and encountered bumps along the way, I have developed a particular appreciation for the supporters in my life. I could not have done this without my family, friends and professors. I am proud to be a Penn State student, and I consider myself extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to further my education at Penn State Altoona.
We Are!
Vincent Restauri
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Student marshal for the Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
I want to communicate my deepest appreciation for being selected as the Student Marshal for the Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences to the Penn State staff and faculty. I am standing here because of the accomplishments I have had at Penn State. Yet, many of these achievements are milestones that WE all have shared.
WE all came to Penn State as a decision to better ourselves. WE attended classes for our futures. WE listened and followed along during lectures. WE studied for numerous hours. WE finally learned to stop procrastinating. WE had professors who forced us out of our shells. WE presented information that WE researched ourselves. WE persevered despite the challenges ahead of us. WE had incredible opportunities opened to us. WE participated in clubs where WE met others with common interests. WE showed our pride at Penn State football games. WE had research opportunities available, and WE took them. WE were inspired by our professors. WE were encouraged to ask questions, and WE had those questions answered. WE were given the tools to succeed in life, and WE are here now because of it. WE have willpower. WE have grit. WE are powerful. WE are proud.
WE ARE … PENN STATE.
