Schuylkill Speaks! graduating student profiles shine the spotlight on our newest Penn State Schuylkill alumni. These exceptional students include athletes, scholars, givers of time, and campus leaders. All of these students have distinguished themselves during their time on campus, and they embody the proud tradition of Penn State graduates making a difference in the world – locally and globally. We expect amazing things from this cohort, and we wish them great success as they continue on to their next endeavors!
Mariam Sylla reflects on her journey to nursing and the power of community
Mariam Sylla, a graduating nursing student at the Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing on the Penn State Schuylkill campus, reflects on her transformative academic journey marked by growth, mentorship and a strong sense of community.
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Stephan Spolski reflects on growth, mentorship and his path to orthopedics
Stephan Spolski, who will graduate this spring, transferred to Penn State Schuylkill seeking a supportive and engaging environment — and found exactly that. He immersed himself in academics and campus life, serving as a tutor, mentor, lab assistant and student leader in multiple clubs. His biology major was inspired by personal experiences with orthopedic surgery, leading him to conduct research and shadow orthopedic physicians.
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Ava Clauser builds connections, seizes opportunities
Ava Clauser, an accounting major at Penn State Schuylkill, has balanced academics, leadership roles, and internships while discovering the power of networking. Her involvement in campus life and research, along with multiple internships, helped her build strong connections and gain valuable experience. Now, with a full-time role secured at the firm RKL, Clauser said she is confident in her career path and grateful for the mentorship and opportunities she found at Penn State Schuylkill.
Malak Mowafi: Balancing athletics, academics and advocacy at Penn State Schuylkill
Malak Mowafi, a double major in criminal justice and cybersecurity analytics and operations, is making a lasting impact at Penn State Schuylkill. An athlete and student leader, she captains multiple sports teams, co-founded the Pickleball Club, and serves as vice president of the Criminal Justice Club. Her research spans cybersecurity awareness, AI in law enforcement, and crime perceptions among college students.
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Leading the way in cybersecurity, criminal justice and campus involvement
Kyle Kaminski, a double major in cybersecurity and criminal justice, has embraced leadership and campus involvement at Penn State Schuylkill. As president of the Criminal Justice Club, founder of the Winter Sports Club and a key force behind intramural sports, he has worked to enhance student engagement. His research on artificial intelligence in global law enforcement, along with internships in law enforcement and cybersecurity, showcases his commitment to bridging both fields and preparing for a dynamic career.
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Student-athlete reflects on leadership, academics, growth at Penn State schuylkill
Kaely Walshaw, a dedicated student-athlete at Penn State Schuylkill, has balanced her leadership roles in academics, athletics and research while pursuing her passion for medicine. As the president of Tri-Beta, captain of the softball team, and a participant in undergraduate research, she has developed discipline, accountability and leadership skills.
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Finding family and opportunity: A transformative journey at Penn State Schuylkill
Arabi Chavira chose Penn State Schuylkill for its close-knit community and affordability, a decision that shaped her college journey in ways she hadn’t anticipated. Immersing herself in campus life, she joined numerous organizations and gained hands-on experience through an internship at the Schuylkill County Coroner’s Office, which solidified her career path in forensic pathology. As she prepares to graduate, Chavira reflects on the invaluable support from faculty, lifelong friendships, and the personal growth she experienced, encouraging future students to embrace their own unique journeys.
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Tiffany Bohner reflects on her journey, opportunities at Penn State Schuylkill
Tiffany Bohner, a Child Psychology major with double minors in Communications, reflects on her enriching journey at Penn State Schuylkill, where she embraced every opportunity to grow academically and personally. As a student-athlete, club leader, and researcher, she credits faculty mentors for shaping her success, particularly through her award-winning research on book bans and her internship at the Schuylkill County Courthouse. Bohner cherishes the close-knit campus community and friendships she formed, emphasizing that Penn State Schuylkill provided her with invaluable experiences that will stay with her for a lifetime.