DUNMORE, Pa. — Penn State Scranton is highlighting the campus' student marshals who will lead their fellow graduates during the 57th commencement ceremony procession on May 10 at The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple. In this series, we will feature students selected as marshals for their academic programs. Join us as we explore their academic journeys, insights and advice for future students.
Student Marshal: Brandon Shotto
Major: Integrative Science, B.S.
Q: What are your post-grad plans?
Shotto: I'll be applying to medical school, working, and spending time with my wife and son.
Q: What was your favorite memory at Penn State Scranton?
Shotto: Being inducted into the Penn State Scranton’s Chapter of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society.
Q: What was your favorite learning experience?
Shotto: Learning to read research. I was always intimidated by scientific journal articles, but my 400 level courses have taught me how to parse them out and understand the meaning, even if the methods or statistical analysis go over my head. This has made me much more confident in the idea of continuing my education and reaching higher.
Q: What experience prepared you the most for what is next?
Shotto: My organizational skills have improved dramatically in my time at Penn State Scranton. Balancing work, school and fatherhood has been one of the greatest challenges I've overcome, and I feel like I could take on the world with proper planning.
Q: Who at Penn State Scranton has supported you and how?
Shotto: All of my professors have been incredible, but I have to specifically mention Associate Professor of Biology Megan Van Etten. She always pushed me to be the best I could be, while at the same time giving me grace when my schedule got the better of me. After my family, Van Etten has been my biggest supporter.
Q: Do you have any advice for incoming students beginning their Penn State journey?
Shotto: Take it seriously. Go to class and do the work that is assigned to you. Your professors want to see you succeed, and it will be easy if you do what they ask you to do.
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.