My Road to Commencement: Aiden Beiler

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — Aiden Beiler, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, will receive a bachelor’s degree in finance as part of the Penn State Harrisburg Class of 2026. Here, he shares his journey through higher education:

“My time at Penn State Harrisburg has been focused on taking what I learned in class and using it immediately. I am a finance student, but I also have a passion for entrepreneurship. Because of the supportive environment here, I have been able to grow my two businesses, Pillar Cabins and Beiler Stoltzfus Marketing, while completing my studies. I enjoy learning about principles in the classroom and then applying them to my companies to gain value right away. This practical approach is a great part of the education at this campus.

“A major part of my development here has been through the outstanding opportunities provided by the Harrisburg LaunchBox. The LaunchBox hosted many events that helped me grow my passion for business and provided a platform to gain expert feedback for my startups. It was through these campus resources that I was able to bridge the gap between being a student and a business owner. I am grateful for the way the school provides these spaces for students to test their ideas.

“This professional growth also extended to the ProSales Club. When I first came to campus, I was not even aware the club existed, but thanks to the faculty and student leadership, it became a central part of my college experience. The club helped me develop a system for sales calls and learn how to better connect with people, which I believe is a crucial skill. I am thankful for the faculty and the connections I made with other students that I know will last beyond my years in college.

“Penn State Harrisburg also provided opportunities to test my skills on a larger scale. Taking what I learned in the classroom and through other educational opportunities provided by the ProSales and FBLA clubs, our teams were able to finish strong in many national competitions. This was a significant milestone for me personally that was made possible by the resources at this school. Penn State Harrisburg also allowed me to learn about business beyond the U.S. by organizing a trip to London to study their financial system. It was my first real look at what global finance looks like, and it showed me how the financial foundation built in Harrisburg can be applied anywhere.

“The biggest surprise of my education has been how much I was able to learn both inside and outside the classroom by getting involved with these different groups. Penn State Harrisburg pushed me to grow faster than I expected. Even though I am graduating in May, I am staying here to finish my education as an (integrated undergraduate-graduate) student. I will be pursuing my MBA with plans to graduate in the spring of 2027. My plan is to continue running my businesses full time while I finish my degree, and I am looking forward to this next chapter at Penn State Harrisburg.”