UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — It is fitting that Emily Waschenko chose Robert Novack, associate professor of supply chain and information systems, to be her faculty escort for commencement. It was in his class, after all, that she discovered the interest in the field in which she will work after graduation.
The Penn State Smeal College of Business has named Waschenko as the student marshal for spring 2016. She will lead the college’s procession of graduates during the baccalaureate and associate degree ceremony on Sunday at the Bryce Jordan Center.
Waschenko will graduate with a 4.0 GPA after earning a bachelor’s degree in supply chain and information systems, and a minor in information systems.
“Dr. Novack has been an instrumental part of my Penn State experience. He taught my introductory supply chain class where I first discovered interest in the field, and has since been an invaluable resource, mentor and adviser,” Waschenko said. “His enthusiasm for supply chain, genuine support for his students, and strong connections within the industry have enriched my education and overall experience at Penn State.”
Waschenko has accepted a position in global supply management at Intel Corporation and will be moving to Scottsdale, Arizona.
“As someone who loves the outdoors and staying active, hiking is one of my favorite pastimes,” she said. “I am particularly excited to soon have Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Camelback Mountain in my backyard.”
Waschenko was a Schreyer Scholar, and she was involved in the Presidential Leadership Academy, the Sapphire Leadership Academic Program, and the Global Microfinance Brigade. She has received the Evan Pugh Scholar Award, the President Sparks Award, and the 2016 MIT Supply Chain Excellence Award.
In addition, Waschenko was director of student mentorship for the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, team lead for Students Consulting for Non-Profit Organizations, and she interned at Procter & Gamble.
Smeal has also named student marshals for each academic department, along with the corresponding faculty marshal. They include:
- Accounting: Jesen Gunawan, escorted by Scott Collins
- Finance: Christopher Loggia, escorted by J. Randall Woolridge
- Management and Organization: Kayla Bracall, escorted by Lisa O’Hara
- Marketing: Katelyn Smink, escorted by Fred Hurvitz
- Risk Management: Timothy Koenig, escorted by Ron Gebhardtsbauer
- Supply Chain and Information Systems: Lauren Eckert, escorted by John Spychalski