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. This series will feature the students selected as marshals for their academic programs.
Rowan Mulligan, majoring in English, shares insights about her Penn State Scranton journey, future plans and advice for incoming students.
Q: What are your post-grad plans?
Mulligan: I plan to begin the teaching certification process in hopes of teaching English and literature to secondary students. Eventually, I plan to pursue a masters' degree so that I might begin teaching at the college level as well.
Q: What was your favorite memory at Penn State Scranton?
Mulligan: My favorite memory was made at the 2025 Undergraduate Research Fair. I led my first judged oral presentation in collaboration with one of my very best friends, Ellie Allen. When it was announced that our work won the 2nd place prize, we were overjoyed. Even after securing 1st place for the same category at this year's research fair, that initial victory remains my favorite because I got to share it with someone who means the world to me.
Q: What was your favorite learning experience?
Mulligan: As a writing center tutor, one of my assignments was to interview a faculty member on their personal philosophies on writing education. I interviewed the late Dr. Michael Pavese, who has remained a steadfast influence on my academic career even after his passing in the summer of 2025. The best bit of advice he gave me during that conversation was "Praise, praise, push;" in other words, find the good in your students' work, make it known, and then take their potential even further.
Q: What experience prepared you the most for what is next?
Mulligan: I'm incredibly grateful that I was given the opportunity to work as a tutor in our writing center. Working one-on-one with students on their English papers and helping them toward their individual goals has truly set the tone for what my future may look like as an educator.
Q: Who at Penn State Scranton has supported you and how?
Mulligan: I am beyond grateful for our English faculty, who have inspired and supported so much of my research and writing over the years, no matter how ambitious or unorthodox. I owe much to everyone at the Learning Center and the Library for providing me with the resources for success. And I am so utterly thankful to our student government and to Student Engagement; I was late to get involved in campus activities, but I achieved so much in such a short time thanks to their help and encouragement.
Q: Do you have any advice for incoming students beginning their Penn State journey?
Mulligan: My advice to incoming students is to never be afraid to ask questions and to pursue what intrigues them to every end. I would not have been half as successful in all my endeavors on this campus if I never wondered how or asked where to begin. Curiosity and interest are some of our greatest strengths as students; let those feelings motivate you to leave each place better than you found it.
Meet the Marshal series
Stay tuned for more stories highlighting Penn State Scranton student marshals for their outstanding accomplishments. Each individual represents the dedication, talent and spirit of excellence that define the Penn State Scranton community.