This semester, the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) at Penn State has chosen Krista Krebs to represent the graduating class as student marshal at the 2015 fall commencement on December 19. She’ll carry the flag of the College as a representative of all graduating IST students at the ceremony in Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus, accompanied by faculty marshal Lee Erickson.
Krebs was chosen from graduating seniors of the college because of her academic achievement, participation in extra-curricular activities, character, leadership and future potential. She said she was surprised and delighted to be chosen for the honor of representing IST, since the College of IST has afforded her so many opportunities for growth during her time as a student.
“It’s an incredible honor to represent the college that has given me so much over the years,” said Krebs. “I have grown tremendously and IST has had a significant impact in shaping who I have become personally and professionally.”
Krebs says she has received numerous warm reactions from family, friends and classmates who have approached her with congratulations. “In fact, it’s really those who are closest to me expressing their excitement that has helped me grasp how much of a tremendous honor it truly is to be chosen as student marshal,” she said.
In addition to the duty of leading the procession of IST graduates at commencement, Krebs was also tasked with choosing a faculty marshal to join her in representing the college, an easy decision for her, she said.
“Lee Erickson is wonderfully influential to the Penn State entrepreneurship community and generously gives her time as a valuable resource to the countless entrepreneurial initiatives on campus,” said Krebs. “She is always there to be of service to any student who wants to move their idea forward. I am proud to not only have her as a mentor, but also as a friend.”
Ericskon, lecturer and undergraduate studies entrepreneurship academic program coordinator for the College of IST, said this will be her first time acting as faculty marshal at commencement. She was delighted by Krebs’ invitation, and has been equally impressed with Krebs’ dedication to her studies, adding that Krebs has been an inspiration to her.
“Krista is an exceptional woman who has overcome a chronic brain injury she received playing basketball,” said Erickson. “She is an excellent student, goes the extra mile at everything she does, has started her own business, works with students and the local community to promote and create events for entrepreneurs and does all this with a smile on her face and no complaints.”
In addition to maintaining a 3.99 grade-point average, Krebs is the co-founder and design director at MangoPair, where she and a partner developed an app called Snapview – allowing users to browse photos in one place from the popular website Reddit.com. She’s accomplished this despite chronic pain caused by her injury, but says her passions give her purpose and the fuel to keep going, one day at a time.
“Krista embodies the entrepreneurial mindset and get-it-done attitude,” said Erickson.
That purpose has spurred her on to create a future that is sure to be productive. She has happily accepted a position as a mobile application developer at DICK’s Sporting Goods, where she interned this past summer, and will return in January to learn from talented professionals who are committed to building supportive, quality relationships within that organization, she said.
As for graduation day, Krebs says she plans to celebrate with a small group of friends and family after the ceremony.