UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing student Stephanie Kling was selected as the college’s student marshal for the spring 2025 commencement ceremony.
Originally from Broomfield, Colorado, Kling is a dedicated nursing student who earned a 4.0 grade point average and made the dean’s List each semester since beginning her collegiate career at Penn State. She earned awards, honors and scholarships such as the Fisher House Scholarship in 2021 and 2023, the Evan Pugh Scholar Award in 2024 and 2025, and the President Sparks Award in 2022 and 2023.
In addition to her studies, she served as a teaching assistant for the courses "NURS 251" in 2024 and "NURS 225" in 2025. Kling worked as a research assistant for faculty member Abby Hackenberger, contributing to a research paper that was published to the Journal of Nursing Education.
Outside of the classroom, Kling volunteered as a student ambassador for the college, was involved in organizations such as Penn State THON through a Dance Relations Committee, Student Nurses’ Association at Penn State and Student Red Cross Club. She also worked as a student nurse extern at St. Luke's University Hospital in Bethlehem.
Upon graduation, Kling will pursue a career as an intensive care unit nurse in Philadelphia, and said she has hopes of one day returning to Penn State as a professor.
“This recognition is not just a reflection of my efforts, but also of the unwavering support from my professors, friends and family," Kling said. "I am beyond grateful, and it is a privilege to serve as the representative of this college.”