DUNMORE, Pa. — Penn State Scranton is highlighting the campus' student marshals who will lead their fellow graduates during the 58th commencement ceremony procession on May 9 at The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple.
Andrew Scott Harshe, majoring in business, with a concentration in financial services, shared insights about his Penn State Scranton journey, future plans and advice for incoming students.
Q: What are your post-grad plans?
Harshe: I am working at Citywide Home Mortgage as a Mortgage Loan Officer.
Q: What was your favorite memory at Penn State Scranton?
Harshe: I really enjoyed getting involved in campus activities. I was able to become a senator in SGA, a tutor on campus and a member of the SFF Committee. All of these experiences allowed me to build lasting relationships with other students.
Q: What was your favorite learning experience?
Harshe: I would say when my professor, Dr. Sorokina, brought in guest speakers in our finance classes. This came to be one of the most hands-on learning experiences that I benefitted from. Our class got to hear about real life experiences from a real estate investor, a portfolio manager, a retirement planning agent and an insurance agent. It allowed myself and the class to get a peak at what was to come.
Q: What experience prepared you the most for what is next?
Harshe: I would say that being in FIN409: Real Estate Investments prepared me the most for my next steps. This class was based around mortgages and investing in different types of real estate so it really coincides in the career path that I have decided to take on.
Q: Who at Penn State Scranton has supported you and how?
Harshe: Dr. Sorokina has supported me through multiple different occasions. She nominated me to be a finance tutor for her class FIN301. This was an invaluable experience as I was able to extend on my own previous knowledge while helping others. An honorable mention would be my classmate Matthew McNichols who assisted me in getting an internship opportunity at Fidelity Bank in Dunmore, this action was a huge help in getting my internship requirement completed.
Q: Do you have any advice for incoming students beginning their Penn State journey?
Harshe: Get involved on campus and get out of your comfort zone. Treat college as a networking opportunity but also have fun while you're doing it. There are so many good opportunities around campus to learn and build relationships with others. If you do not take up any campus activities, you will be wishing you did!
Meet the Marshal series
Stay tuned for as we continue to highlight our student marshals for their outstanding accomplishments. Each individual represents the dedication, talent and spirit of excellence that define the Penn State Scranton community.