UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — TJ Sullivan will serve as the student marshal for the College of the Liberal Arts at Penn State’s fall 2015 commencement. Sullivan will graduate from Penn State with dual degrees in psychology and French and Francophone studies. He is a Paterno Fellow and a Schreyer Honors Scholar.
As college marshal, Sullivan will represent all students graduating from the College of the Liberal Arts at commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 19, in the Bryce Jordan Center. He will participate in the academic processional representing his classmates along with the faculty marshal, Amy Marshall, associate professor of psychology.
As a student, Sullivan studied abroad in Montpellier, France. He also served as a research assistant and lab coordinator for the relationships and stress lab in the Department of Psychology. Outside of the classroom, Sullivan spent a good portion of his time as a crisis hotline counselor and training instructor for the Community Help Centre. He was also an active member in the Penn State Outing Club and a leader for the ORION Wilderness Orientation Program.
Sullivan also participated in the alumni mentor program through the College of the Liberal Arts. He was paired with Lou Poloni, a 1978 psychology graduate. He also held an internship in Montgomery County that focused on social work. Following graduation, Sullivan plans to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology.
“My liberal arts education has provided me with profound opportunities to diversify my professional experiences and develop the skills necessary to excel in a variety of future roles,” Sullivan said. “Whether analyzing data, speaking a different language, or teaching others, I know that the breadth of my education will set me apart from others.”