UNIVERSITY PARK – Two graduates of the Penn State DuBois Wildlife Technology program served as student marshals during commencement ceremonies at University Park on May 17.
Both Nicholas Moore and Scott Laudermilch earned their Associate’s degree in Wildlife Technology at Penn State DuBois, then went on to further their education at University Park in Wildlife and Fisheries Science.
They each graduated from that program this semester, and were honored as student marshals. The honor of student marshal is bestowed to the graduating senior with the highest grade point average in a program and from the College of Agriculture overall.
Moore, a native of Brockway, graduated with high distinction, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science. He was student marshal for the entire College of Agriculture. He had the highest grade point average out of approximately 500 graduates.
“Being selected as the College marshal was a real honor,” Moore said. “My time at DuBois helped to prepare me for University Park by giving me the confidence to approach my faculty with any questions I had, while the class sizes were small and manageable, before taking larger classes at University Park.”
Moore is the son of Alan Moore and Nancy Chamberlin. He held leadership roles in the Penn State DuBois ECO Club and was an active member of the Penn State DuBois Green Team and DuBois Delta Mu Sigma.
While at University Park, he was inducted into Gamma Sigma Delta and Phi Kappa Phi in addition to being an active member of the Penn State Chapter of the Wildlife Society.
He is the recipient of numerous scholarships and participated in an internship at the Elk County Visitor Center. Upon graduation, he is pursuing a career in wildlife conservation and education.
Laudermilch, of Annville also graduated with high distinction with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science. He was named department student marshal for the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management. He chose Penn State DuBois Instructor of Wildlife Technology Keely Roen as his faculty escort, as well.
“I honestly did not realize how much of an honor it was until I was sitting in the front row with my chosen faulty marshal, Keely Roen,” Laudermilch said, crediting Roen for the guidance she provided to him and fellow students.
“She was the perfect person to have there because she meant so much to my academic and professional career and she set the perfect example of what the DuBois campus represents. The DuBois campus was vital for my continuing success as a professional. I am proud to be a Penn State DuBois alum.”
Laudermilch is a member of the Wildlife Society club and completed an internship at the Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center. His plans following graduation are to pursue employment as a wildlife biologist, working with bats or bears. He is the son of Kathy Lippi and David Laudermilch.