Discovery is what college is all about. You’ll begin to understand the connection between head and heart, information and knowledge, experience and wisdom. You’ll find your passion for a career, and in the process, you’ll make lifelong friends. On the following pages are some stories about students who have attended Penn State Lehigh Valley. Not so long ago, they were standing where you are, asking themselves: What’s next?
“ I’VE ALWAYS HAD THIS
”
ENTREPRENEURIAL ITCH.
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Penn State LEHIGH VALLEY
NICHOLAS MILLER, Finance major, Smeal College of Business
IT IS THIS DRIVE TO DO AND EXPERIENCE MORE THAT HAS INSPIRED NICHOLAS MILLER TO COMPLETE FOUR INTERNSHIPS, TRAVEL TO 20-PLUS COUNTRIES, AND LAUNCH HIS OWN COMPANY BEFORE THE START OF HIS JUNIOR YEAR.
“When I was growing up, my grandfather and uncle got me interested in business and how to manage money. In fifth grade, my uncle and I had a business grading, buying, and selling coins. I knew then that I wanted to work in finance. To get there, I needed a college degree, and Penn State Lehigh Valley allowed me to start my education close to home.” Once enrolled, Nick applied himself not just to his classes, but to seeking out experiences that could augment the academics and add impact to his résumé.
“My freshman year, I signed up for a short-term study abroad trip to Peru and was officially bitten by the travel bug. It’s not just that you get to see amazing places, but with my career goals of working in investment banking and moving into hedge funds and venture capital, global knowledge is essential.” Nick immediately began searching for an international summer internship and secured one with a private equity firm in Tunis, Tunisia. He also seized the opportunity to bookend his internship with an ambitious plan to travel to over 50 destinations throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the British Isles.
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Nick saw a demand in this emerging market, and didn’t want to wait until he returned from the trip to get it started. He has since received a micro grant from Lehigh Valley LaunchBox, Penn State Lehigh Valley’s innovation hub for early stage entrepreneurs. Besides utilizing the mentorship and support of Lehigh Valley LaunchBox, Nick has used the grant to cover attorney fees when he filed for an LLC, and for his company’s website costs. He’ll finish his degree at University Park as part of the Smeal College of Business and, by that time, hopes to have even more experience—and stamps in his passport—to poise him for the next personal and professional adventure.
Penn State LEHIGH VALLEY
“It was amazing, inspiring ... and exhausting. I saw wonders of the world, made friends and connections, and even launched my first major venture, a drone accessory company.”
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Penn State LEHIGH VALLEY
MANDY MARQUARDT ‘14, Business, Marketing, and Management
MANDY MARQUARDT IS A CYCLIST, RECENT GRADUATE, AND THE CAMPUS’S CYCLING CLUB COACH. SHE ALSO HAS TYPE 1 DIABETES.
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Penn State LEHIGH VALLEY
She has not let that slow her down. In fact, she has taken her cycling to a new level: She is now serving as a coach for the Penn State Lehigh Valley cycling team, after graduating in May 2014. While still a student at Lehigh Valley, Mandy was president of the team and a mentor to Monica Volk, a student in her first year of competitive racing. Mandy just can’t help combining cycling and education, as she showed a few years ago by spending Thanksgiving break in Rwanda helping others with diabetes.
But on this trip, Mandy was not racing. The goal was not crossing the finish line; it was helping the communities across Rwanda to build hope and confidence.
“We gave out supplies and I shared my story of not allowing diabetes to keep me from doing something that I love.”
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“I love racing. It’s my passion.”
Penn State LEHIGH VALLEY
Cycling through the hills of Rwanda each day for a week, Mandy met with healthcare providers and patients in each district, empowering communities with information about diabetes management and personal experiences.
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“I like working with something tangible to solve problems. In the Army, I learned airplane engine repair. I then had an internship with Air Products, a Fortune 500 company based in Allentown. The collaboration between the Lehigh Valley campus and area businesses helped me get this internship, which helped me gain experience to land my first job.” Kevin, who served in the U.S. Army for four years after high school, still serves in the National Guard. He now combines his Penn State education in IST, his military experience, and skills from his internship in his new job as a Business Technology Analyst at Deloitte in Arlington, Virginia. Kevin and his family came to the United States from the Philippines when he was 12 years old, living in Chicago for three years and then moving to Pennsylvania.
“It was a cultural shock, coming here from the Philippines. But you learn to adapt, and I moved forward from that point. When I got out of the Army, I came to Lehigh Valley thinking I would relocate to another Penn State campus after two years, but I really fell in love with it and finished my degree here.”
Kevin also studied in Peru for one of his courses—an opportunity he called “amazing.” At the campus, among many other activities, he served with the Student Government Association and the Veterans Club. Through his college experiences, Kevin has built strong ties with Lehigh Valley students, faculty, and staff as well as alumni. Now in his new job, he helps clients in their efforts to create and implement effective business solutions that can improve their company’s business performance and value.
Penn State LEHIGH VALLEY
He was active at Penn State Lehigh Valley in a variety of areas, including advocating for fitness. He strongly believes in setting the bar high for good health and leads by example to share his enthusiasm with the student community, participating in activities such as Tough Mudder, an annual high-energy fitness event.
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KEVIN MITRA, Information Sciences and Technology ‘16
FROM THE PHILIPPINES TO THE ARMY TO AN INTERNSHIP AT AIR PRODUCTS, AND NOW A JOB AT DELOITTE, KEVIN’S PLANS HAVE COME TOGETHER.
YOU HAVE GREAT POSSIBILITIES
The way your story unfolds is up to you. We can help you get a Penn State degree that will match your life, expectations, and aspirations.
TOP 50
RANKED
WORLDWIDE
PENN STATE has been ranked in
the top 50 in the Center for World University Rankings, a ranking that includes quality of faculty, student education, and professional future of alumni.
650,000+ ALUMNI
NETWORK
When you graduate, you have access to thousands of alumni who can lend a hand. The University has been ranked No. 1 by corporate recruiters for producing workforce-ready graduates. Our Career Services office at PENN STATE LEHIGH VALLEY offers internship and career counseling, workshops, career fairs, and much more.
START EARLY
2+2=4 GREAT YEARS
You can start your college career before leaving high school with our Dual Enrollment Program. Exceptional high school seniors can enroll in a maximum of eight college credits per semester specializing in engineering, health care, arts and leadership, or general educational options. Eligible students should contact both their high school guidance counselor and our admissions office to launch their college career.
There’s more to Penn State than University Park. You can spend your first two years at one campus, then transition to another of Penn State’s twenty undergraduate campuses, including University Park, for the remaining two years. We call this approach the 2+2 plan, and it’s the most common path to a Penn State degree:
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Penn State LEHIGH VALLEY
STAY ALL FOUR YEARS Depending on the way you want your story to move forward, you can choose from a variety of baccalaureate majors that allow you to earn your Penn State degree at the Lehigh Valley campus. Our four-year programs emphasize academic excellence while providing the marketable skills needed to succeed in the twenty-first century.
About 60 percent of students choose this option.
Starting at a location other than University Park can be a more affordable option, and at every campus you’ll take the same classes and find the attentive, experienced faculty that make Penn State a great place to learn.
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We offer educational opportunities across the lifespan including Summer Youth Camps for children, SAT prep courses for high school students, the Arts Project for teens and adults, and a practical nursing program plus a variety of lecture series for adults. Working professionals and organizations can obtain a competitive advantage through professional certificates and corporate trainings. Plus, budding entrepreneurs have access to Lehigh Valley LaunchBox, an innovation hub with dynamic resources to help new ideas flourish.
Penn State LEHIGH VALLEY
STAY SHARP
IN THE LEHIGH VALLEY
Our location in Center Valley puts you in the heart of the Lehigh Valley’s thriving art, culture, athletic, and recreational attractions. Show off your talents at open mic night at the ArtsQuest Center, or gaze at masterworks at the Allentown Art Museum. Root for our home teams at a Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs baseball or Allentown Phantoms ice hockey game. Join fellow students for dinner and a movie at the Promenade Shops across the street from our campus, or try one of the thrill rides at Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom. If that’s not enough to satisfy your intellectual and social curiosity, New York City and Philadelphia are both less than two hours from campus by car or public transportation. The presence of many nationally recognized healthcare networks, Fortune 500 companies, and more than 13,000 Penn State alumni make the Lehigh Valley a desirable region to find an internship, network with mentors, and start your career. WORLD-CLASS OPPORTUNITIES
We offer students a Penn State degree—and all of the world-class opportunities that go along with one—right here in the Lehigh Valley. Budding entrepreneurs have access to our innovation hub, Lehigh Valley LaunchBox, which is a business-accelerator with dynamic resources to help new ideas flourish. Adventure-seekers are encouraged to expand their horizons and study abroad. Data enthusiasts collaborate with firstclass faculty on advanced research projects.
VISIT US
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Penn State LEHIGH VALLEY
We want you to know more about the opportunities that await you at Penn State Lehigh Valley. We invite you to visit our campus and speak to our faculty, staff, and students. Discover how we can help you create your own Penn State story.
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Penn State LEHIGH VALLEY
$29K
RAISED FOR OUR
THON
PENN STATE LEHIGH VALLEY raised
more than $29,000 in 2017, the seventh highest total out of the 19 commonwealth campuses, for the no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon, known as THON, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world that helps fight pediatric cancer.
Penn State pride is alive throughout the Lehigh Valley community. Shown here at the ArtsQuest Center, in the shadow of the former Bethlehem Steel site, supporters put their “diamonds up� in support of THON.
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STUDENT CLUBS
PENN STATE LEHIGH VALLEY has 30
clubs and organizations for students to participate in as they balance life with studies. The groups range from Fitness Club to Student Government Association to varsity, intramural, and club sports.
ABOUT PENN STATE LEHIGH VALLEY
In our more than 100-year history, Penn State Lehigh Valley has continued to grow and change to meet our students’ needs. Our campus offers multiple ways for you to earn your Penn State degree and provides a dynamic, fun, and supportive environment. Penn State Lehigh Valley offers the value of a major university, from cutting-edge science and engineering labs where students conduct undergraduate research to new art and music spaces that let creativity soar; from world-class faculty mentors to worldwide travel opportunities; and a myriad of student activities and athletic teams.
Enrollment 877 undergraduate students
Academics Student/faculty ratio: 18:1 Average class size: 25
Admission Average high school GPA (4.0 scale): 3.0 Average SAT (combined): 1060
Tuition* Pennsylvania Residents Tuition and fees: $13,174 Non-Pennsylvania Residents Tuition and fees: $20,608 *This information is based on fall 2016 and spring 2017 tuition figures
Student Aid Percentage of full-time undergraduates awarded financial aid: 79%
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Penn State LEHIGH VALLEY
Student Life Student clubs/organizations: 30 Varsity athletic teams: 5 Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) teams
Programs of Study BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
Arts Administration Biobehaviorial Health
Business Corporate Communication Health Policy and Administration Information Sciences and Technology Project and Supply Chain Management Psychology Rehabilitation and Human Services
NON CREDIT PROGRAMS
ASSOCIATE DEGREES
PRECOLLEGE
Business Administration MINORS
Business Civic and Community Engagement Criminal Justice Entrepreneurship Health Policy and Administration Information Sciences and Technology Psychology Rehabilitation and Human Services Sustainability Leadership CREDIT PROGRAMS
Specialist Certificate: Teaching Writing and Literacy Penn State Lehigh Valley Writing Project: • Invitational Leadership Institute • Advanced Institute: Creating College Ready Writers
Arts Project Certified Medical Assistant Practical Nursing Program Project Management (PMI) SAGE (Senior Adults Gaining Enrichment) Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) Workforce Development
High School Dual Enrollment (credit) Emerging Health Professionals (credit) Discovery Series (credit) SAT Prep Courses Summer Youth Camps More information about Penn State Lehigh Valley programs can be found at lehighvalley.psu.edu. Or, complete the first two years of nearly any of Penn State’s more than 160 majors. A complete list of majors can be found at admissions.psu.edu/majors. While there are no residence halls on campus, housing opportunities are available in the local area. For more information, please visit lehighvalley.psu.edu/ housing.
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FIND OUT MORE Penn State Lehigh Valley Admissions Office 2809 Saucon Valley Road Center Valley, PA 18034 Phone: 610-285-5035 Email: admissions-lv@psu.edu
Facebook /PSULehighValley Twitter @PSULehighValley Instagram @PSULehighValley
Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact us at 610-285-5035 in advance of your participation or visit.
Flickr /PSULehighValley YouTube /PSULehighValley
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, genetic information, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status and retaliation due to the reporting of discrimination or harassment. Discrimination, harassment, or retaliation against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries regarding this Nondiscrimination Policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-2801: tel. 814-863-0471/TTY. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS—The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and Pennsylvania Act of 1988 require that crime statistics for Pennsylvania colleges and universities be made available to applicants upon request. Penn State’s combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings owned or controlled by the University, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You may obtain this information for the Penn State campus to which you are applying by accessing the website at www.police.psu.edu/clery/ A printed copy of the report may be obtained by writing to University Police & Public Safety, The Pennsylvania State University, Eisenhower Parking Deck, University Park PA 16802-6703 or by calling 814-865-1864. This publication is available in alternative media on request. Produced by the Penn State Department of University Marketing U.Ed. LVO 17-99