Students take many paths to studying at Penn State Wilkes-Barre. During National Transfer Student Week, October 17-21, we are sharing the stories of three students who have transferred to Penn State Wilkes-Barre to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
After earning an associate degree in music recording technology, Virginia Gugliotti transferred to Penn State Wilkes‑Barre to pursue a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology. She hopes to use both of her degrees to work in audio electronics and make music.
Andrew Zimmerman came to Penn State Wilkes-Barre with the intention of moving on to University Park after two years. But after getting immersed in his information technology major, he decided to stay at the local campus to complete his degree.
Gabriela Gronkowski wants to study veterinary science in the Caribbean and chose to start at Penn State Wilkes-Barre to help her get there. An animal lover ever since she can remember, she began taking care of others’ pets and realized she wanted to spend her career caring for animals. Gronkowski is majoring in animal sciences and chose Penn State’s 2+2 Plan to give her a smoother college transition.
First-generation college student Hailey Carey thought Penn State Wilkes-Barre’s smaller size would be ideal for making the move to college—and she couldn’t be happier with her decision to attend.
“I didn’t know what to expect from college. I wanted to be more comfortable and have an easier transition. That’s why I chose a campus close to me,” said Carey, a first-year student.
Faisal Altwaim, a surveying engineering student at Penn State Wilkes-Barre, is separated from his family and home in Saudi Arabia by more than 6,000 miles. He has found the campus community “extremely helpful” and “like family.”
“At a smaller campus like Penn State Wilkes-Barre, you are treated more on an individual level. They truly care about your learning and overall academic experience,” he said.
Cloe Mazzatosta is no stranger to getting involved in clubs on campus. She is a participant in six different organizations at Penn State Wilkes-Barre and serves as treasurer for four of them. She also found the local campus to be a great way for her to transition between a smaller high school and a large university.
Though their paths and chosen engineering disciplines are different, Penn State Wilkes-Barre students Bettina Dorow (left) and Verena Lake encourage other women interested in engineering to follow their hearts and study what they love.
Greg Ellsworth, a fourth-year student at Penn State Wilkes-Barre, has found working with engineering faculty on projects outside the classroom to be a benefit for the career he plans to undertake in surveying engineering.
A major and a minor offered at Penn State Wilkes-Barre provided just what two students were seeking to build their future careers.
Friends Ryan Price and Brandon Steidinger are both seniors who opted for a major in administration of justice with a minor in rehabilitation and human services (RHS)...
