Small Honors College, Large University Why Schreyer?

The Schreyer Honors College is truly unique. Our position within Penn State means that we can give our students access to the amazing resources of a major research institution while providing the support and community of a small liberal arts college. It's really the best of both worlds.

Joining the Honors College means that you will join a group of students who define the best in academic achievement, but who are also committed to changing their communities, their workplaces, and the world for the better.

Apply Now Life at Schreyer Academics
Neha Gupta receiving the International Childrens Peace Prizes

What Sets Us Apart The Schreyer Advantage

The Schreyer Honors College is widely and consistently recognized as one of the top undergraduate programs in the United States. With access to distinguished faculty, smaller honors class sizes, and individualized support, the honors experience at Penn State is designed to position students for success.

Schreyer Honors College Scholars Medals

Top Honors College

Penn State's Schreyer Honors College is one of seven public university honors programs that received a top rating from PublicUniversityHonors.com.

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300+ Honors Courses

A vibrant learning experience led by captivating instructors. These small, enrollment-capped classes are driven by lively, challenging discussions and energetic debate.

IUG Programs

Earn a bachelor's and a master's degree within five years.

Schreyer Scholars chatting during Founders Day

Our Community

Live among motivated students who are committed to making the most of their undergraduate experiences both inside and outside of the classroom.

Live, Learn & Lead
Schreyer Scholar Alejandro Cuevas working on his thesis

Honors Thesis

As a Scholar you are required to complete an undergraduate honors thesis representing the culmination of your honors experience.

About Your Thesis

Priority Registration

Schreyer Scholars are able to schedule classes first — well before course registration begins for most Penn State students.

$7,900,000+ Awarded

Over 7.9 million dollars is awarded to Scholars in grants and scholarships on a yearly basis to support our mission.

Schreyer Scholar Markea Dickinson on a cliff in Argentina

Signature Study Abroad

We believe a well-developed and experience-based global perspective is critical to your success, wherever your path might lead after graduation.

Go Global

Start Here, Go Anywhere Where Our Graduates Go

Recent Graduates (2023-24)

Graduating with honors from Penn State opens up a world of opportunity. Scholar alumni can be found working, serving, and learning on six of the seven continents and all around the United States at top-tier graduate schools, leadership positions in commerce and industry, and some of the most esteemed public service initiatives.

Wherever you want to go from here, the Schreyer Honors College will help you get there.

Employers Graduate Schools
Outcome Type Percent of Graduates
Industry/Workforce 52%
Graduate/Professional School 48%

Sharing Their Experiences Scholar Ambassadors

Scholar Ambassadors represent the college, especially as part of admissions events. Ambassadors provide tours of campus and honors housing, meet with visiting families, and share their experiences as Schreyer Scholars.

Executive Team

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Michael Carroll Co-Executive Director Finance (BS) Accounting (BS) mmc6678@psu.edu

Hi! I’m a third-year scholar from Yardley, PA double majoring in Finance and Accounting with a minor in Information Systems Management. I’m very involved in Smeal as a Teaching Assistant in the Accounting department for three semesters, a member of Smeal Student Mentors, and through completing the Smeal Ethical Leadership Challenge. I’m also part of the Corporate Finance Boot Camp and Phi Beta Lambda, a professional co-ed business fraternity. When I’m not busy with classes or those activities, I like to play drums, watch Phillies baseball, or binge watch with free trials of streaming services. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

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Katherine Marakovits Special Events Director Industrial Engr (BS) kmm7872@psu.edu

Hi everyone! I'm a third-year student majoring in Industrial Engineering, and I love Penn State and Schreyer! Along with my involvement as a Schreyer Scholar Ambassador, I am the Treasurer of Penn State No Refund Theatre (NRT), an Impact Scholar for the College of Engineering, and a member of Penn State Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE). In my free time, I love reading, traveling, paddleboarding, rock climbing, and hanging out with friends! I have studied abroad in Switzerland and Italy through embedded courses and Maymester programs. I also have worked three internships in supply chain and consulting. I love meeting new people and sharing my Schreyer experience, so feel free to reach out and connect with any questions!

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Ava Nociforo Engagement Director Comm Arts & Sciences (BA) Advt/Publ Relations (BA) agn5131@psu.edu

Hi everyone! My name is Ava Nociforo (Spring '26) and I am from Horsham, Pennsylvania. At Penn State, I serve as the Treasurer for my a cappella group Blue in the Face, serve as a Peer Leader on the logistics team of SHO Time, and serve as a captain for THON. In my free time, I love to watch Broadway musicals and sports, drink coffee, play videogames, watch documentaries, and hang out with my friends. I am so excited to meet you all!

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Emily Sanchez Communications Director Biomedical Engneerng (BS) efs5549@psu.edu

Hello! My name is Emily, and I am a third-year from Bergen County, New Jersey, majoring in Biomedical Engineering. I am on the pre-medical track, but I am also interested in pharmaceutical manufacturing and will continue to explore this field through my Summer 2023 internship at Merck. Outside of being a Scholar Ambassador, I am involved in undergraduate research, the Biomedical Engineering Society, and I also serve as an undergraduate representative on the College of Engineering Academic Integrity Committee. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, going to the gym, and traveling. Please feel free free to reach out if you have any questions or want to learn more about my Schreyer experience!

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Kira Smith Co-Executive Director Psychology (BA) Criminology (BA) kxs5250@psu.edu

I am a third-year scholar majoring in Psychology and Criminology with a minor in German. I grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania. Here on campus, I am involved with Penn State Mock Trial, German Club, and I am a research assistant in Dr. Newman's Depression and Anxiety Lab. In my free time, I enjoy painting and getting coffee with my friends. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions! I would be delighted to share my experiences with you!

Ambassadors

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Anjoreoluwa Adegboyo Biology (BS) aoa5927@psu.edu

Hello everyone! My name is Jore Adegboyo and I am a third-year student majoring in biology and minoring in neuroscience. I am also a Millennium Scholar, I am part of a research lab, and I have participated in a study abroad opportunity at Penn State. After graduation, I plan on pursuing an MD/PhD and would love to answer any questions you may have about a similar track (or about any experiences I have had)! I am involved in the Minority Association of Pre-health/medical Students, Global Medical Brigades, Alpha Epsilon Delta, American Medical Student Association, and gymnastics clubs here at Penn State, and during my free time, I love listening to music, hanging out with friends, and playing sports/working out! Please feel free to reach out to me for anything!

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Gabrielle Cooper Telecommunications (BA) gxc5351@psu.edu

Hi my name is Gabby Cooper and I am junior from Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Outside of ambassadors, I am involved in Women's Club Basketball, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and research to educate jury members about racial injustices. In my free time, I love to workout, watch T.V., and play the piano.

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Morgan Dawkins Architectural Engr (BAE) mqd5980@psu.edu

I'm from Raleigh, North Carolina, with an expected graduation year of 2027. Beyond my role as an Ambassador, I'm deeply involved in various campus organizations, including living on the GLOBE floor in Simmons, Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP), Women in Engineering Program (WEP), the National Society of Black Engineers(NSBE), the Student Society of Architectural Engineers (SSAE), Student Society of the Partnership for Achieving Construction Excellence (S:PACE), and State of State. Excitingly, I'll be a design assistant for MEPO this summer and a First Year in Science and Engineering Program Assistant in the upcoming school year. When I'm not busy with academics and extracurriculars, you can find me indulging in my hobbies of sleeping and painting.

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Mya Handelman Biology (BS) mah7271@psu.edu

Hello! My name is Mya Handelman, and I am a second-year scholar from Melville, New York. I am majoring in biology with a neuroscience focus and minoring in psychological science and neuroscience. In addition to being a Scholar Ambassador, I am involved in an independent research study working toward my thesis and several other Schreyer clubs, such as Schreyer for Women and The Communicators Power Tools. When I am not busy with academics and extracurriculars, I enjoy watching movies and shows, listening to music, reading, the beach, and eating downtown! Please do not hesitate to contact me, as I would love the opportunity to share my experiences as a Schreyer Scholar!

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Oluwaseni Johnson Humn-Cntrd Dsign & Devel (BS) opj5058@psu.edu

Hello! I'm a first year from Staten Island, New York majoring in Human Centered Design and Development in the College of IST. Outside of being a Scholar Ambassador, I'm a research assistant in the Human Computer Interaction Lab at Penn State, the National Society of Black Engineers and Blueprint, a mentorship organization for POC first years and transfer students. In my free time I enjoy reading, exploring campus and downtown, and traveling. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

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George Kadavil Psychology (BS) Biology (BS) gsk5152@psu.edu

Hey everyone, my name is George Kadavil and I’m a senior majoring in psychology and biology and I’m aiming to become a medical doctor. I’m super stoked to be representing Schreyer as a scholar ambassador! Other things I’m involved with around campus are theatre, research into mild traumatic brain injury in the Arnett lab, and volunteering as a firefighter with the local State College fire company: Alpha. In my free time, I love to skateboard, go to the gym, and hang out with my friends. Catch you guys on campus!

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Shannon Keane Science (PMAJ) sak6439@psu.edu

Hello! My name is Shannon, and I am a Forensic Science and Biochemistry double major, as well as a Spanish minor graduating with the class of 2028. On campus, I'm involved with Volé (dance company), THON, Alpha Omicron Pi, and undergraduate research in the Zarzar lab. I am also Vice President of the GLOBE LLC. Please feel free to reach out with any questions!

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Dalima Lappia Comp Sci - Univ Park (BS) djl6365@psu.edu

Hi! My name is Dalima Lappia, and I am a second-year scholar from Bucks County, PA majoring in Computer Science. Outside of being a Scholar Ambassador, I am involved in undergraduate research at The Human in Computing and Cognition Lab. Some clubs I’m involved in include the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the University Park Allocation Committee (UPAC), and Penn State ACM. In my free time, I enjoy going on nature walks, reading, and movie nights with friends. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at djl6365@psu.edu!

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Katherine Miller Statistics (BS) Data Sciences (BS) kmm8841@psu.edu

Hi! My name is Kate, and I am a second-year from Pittsburgh, PA, double majoring in Data Science and Statistics. I also have minors in Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Psychology, and Math. Outside of being a Scholar Ambassador, I am a statistics tutor for Penn State student athletes and a student receptionist for the Eberly College of Science Advising Office. I am also a Research Assistant for a project involving shoulder surgery data analysis. I am involved in Nittany Data Labs and Schreyer Student Council, where I serve as a Public Relations Chair. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, playing tennis, and playing the piano. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have!

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Adedayo Olorunnisola Internationl Affairs (MIA) International Poltcs (BA) aeo5178@psu.edu

I am a third-year scholar from State College, Pennsylvania! Aside from being a Scholar Ambassador, I am a member of French club and a Resident Assistant in East Halls. I also enjoy reading, weightlifting, and creative writing.

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Maya Pagano Biochem & Molec Biol (BS) mlp6012@psu.edu

Hello there! My name is Maya, and I am a first-year Scholar from Hawley, PA, majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Other than being a Scholar Ambassador, I participate in Schreyer Student Council, and I am also a Soprano II in University Choir. When I'm not busy studying, I enjoy reading, playing my guitar, or crocheting stuffed animals! Please never hesitate to reach out and connect with me-- I'd be delighted to share my experiences as a Scholar!

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George Papoutsis Economics (BA) English (BA) gjp5380@psu.edu

Hello! I am a second-year scholar from Mechanicsburg, PA double majoring in Economics and English. In addition to being a Scholar Ambassador, I am involved in Lion Ambassadors, Phi Beta Lambda professional business fraternity, THON Dancer Relations committee, the Hellenic Student Association, and I also work within the economics department as a grader. In my free time, I love playing and watching all sports and spending time with friends and family. Feel free to contact me with any questions!

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Sathvika Rajkumar Biomedical Engneerng (BS) sbr5787@psu.edu

Hi! My name is Sathvika and I am a second year scholar from Allentown, PA, majoring in Biomedical Engineering. Outside of class, I am involved in the United Nations Association of USA, the Women in Engineering Program, Humanitarian Engineering and Social Entrepreneurship, as well as several Schreyer organizations. In my free time, I love to be outside, bake, and hang out with my friends! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!

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Caroline Riley History (BA) International Poltcs (BA) Russian (BA) cpr5602@psu.edu

Hi everyone! I am a second-year scholar from Ardmore, Pennsylvania, triple majoring in History, International Politics (with an International Relations focus), and Russian. Outside of Schreyer, I base my Penn State involvement on interests, career goals, and academics. I'm an active member of the Russian Studies Club and you can typically find me at most Germanic and Slavic Languages Department events! I also serve on the Standards Committee of Kappa Alpha Pi pre-law fraternity, as I aim to attend law school after graduation. Outside of the classroom, I am a huge sports fan and found a great outlet for that passion as a sports reporter on the Daily Collegian, Penn State's oldest student-run news outlet! If you have any questions about Schreyer, my academic path, or just want to chat about sports, feel free to reach out. I'd love to connect! 

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Naeema Salau Mech Engr - Univ Park (BS) nzs5762@psu.edu

Hi everyone!! I'm Naeema, a second year from Allentown, Pennsylvania, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. At Penn State, I'm involved with the Nittany Lion Consulting Group, the National Society of Black Engineers, Phi Beta Lambda (a Co-Ed Professional Business Fraternity), and several Schreyer organizations. In my free time, I love going to the gym, hanging out with friends, making TikToks, and taking much-needed naps. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions—I'd love to chat!

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Cassandra Schmidt Political Science (BA) English (BA) cas7536@psu.edu

I am a Political Science and English double major from Allentown, PA looking to graduate in May 2025. I'm the Outreach Captain for the Student Red Cross Club, Secretary for Three Broomsticks Club, and involved in soccer through the IM program at Penn State. I also came from the Lehigh Valley commonwealth campus where I was involved with Lion Ambassadors and the women’s volleyball team. Outside of my studies and extracurriculars, I enjoy reading, writing, playing soccer and volleyball, watching television, singing, and spending time with my friends and family.

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Madeline Shanafelt Political Science (BS) Educ & Public Policy (BS) mms8193@psu.edu

I am a second-year scholar from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania and hope to graduate in 2027. At Penn State, I am a member on the Executive Board for the College Democrats, work as a Peer Educator, am a Group Fitness Instructor, and am a student advisory board member for the McCourtney Institute for Democracy. Outside of my school commitments, I am really into running, hiking, and reading. I also love to travel when I get the chance!

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Christopher Stauffer Political Science (BA) Economics (BA) cjs7913@psu.edu

Hey everyone, my name is Chris Stauffer and I am a Economics and Politcal Science student who plans to graduate in 2027. Outside of my role as a Scholar Ambassador I am involved in Schreyer Student Council, Peer Educating, DASH (THON Org), and German club! I have strong interests in politics, law, and foreign culture.

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Rayna Varma Data Sciences (BS) rmv5300@psu.edu

Hi! My name is Rayna, and I am a junior at Penn State planning to graduate May of 2026. I am originally from Horsham, PA. At Penn State, I am involved in numerous clubs and organizations. For example, I am in a co-ed business fraternity called Alpha Kappa Psi, I am in the Schreyer Consulting group, I am in the Association of Women in Computing, and I am in the Engineering Consulting Collaborative Club. Outside of school, I enjoy playing and watching tennis, baking, traveling, and hanging out with my friends.

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Kahlie Wray English (BA) Journalism (BA) kaw6568@psu.edu

Hi, I'm a first-year scholar double majoring in Digital Print Journalism and English; I'm also pursuing a minor in Spanish. I'm from Montego Bay, Jamaica and spend the majority of my free time crocheting and writing. I'm a news reporter for The Daily Collegian as well as a member of the Caribbean Students Association and Schreyer’s SDA Mentoring Program. I'm always up for a chat, so please don't hesitate to reach out.

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Carissa Yu Data Sciences (BS) cby5187@psu.edu

Hello! My name is Carissa and I am a third year Scholar majoring in Applied Data Sciences with minors in Economics and Statistics. In addition to being a Scholar Ambassador, I also currently serve as the Assistant Director for IST Diplomats. In my free time, I like to go on picnics, watch esports and kdramas, and try new recipes. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions!

Schreyer Scholar Alison Roby

The Schreyer Honors College allows its students to reach their full potential and challenges them to be even better. More importantly, when we achieve our dreams, we have a fantastic community behind us that wants to celebrate our accomplishments along with us.

Alison Roby ' 18 Bioengineering

Small Honors College, Large University Why Schreyer?

Apply Now Life at Schreyer Academics