UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Hundreds of students graduate from the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications each semester, and while academics are important to all of them, it’s often what happens outside the classroom that sets some of those students apart.
Bryn Malizia differentiated herself with her passion and work ethic. Malizia, an advertising/public relations major, will represent the Bellisario College as its student marshal during fall 2024 commencement exercises Dec. 22 at the Bryce Jordan Center.
Paying for part of her tuition led Malizia to focus on working from the beginning of her college experience. Jobs at the commons desk and Panera occupied most of her time. However, a meeting with Julie Miller, the Bellisario College’s manager of internships, inspired Malizia to pursue her passions as well.
She joined several student organizations — the Ad/PR Club, Happy Valley Comm and the Penn State Ski Club — and found career and social opportunities across the University.
Networking trips with the clubs and connections formed in the Bellisario College created lasting industry connections, even leading to internships with the Penn State Berkey Creamery and the Tribeca Festival in New York.
Assistant Dean for Internships and Career Services Bob Martin referred to Malizia as “the triple threat,” referencing her academic skills, career and campus involvement and, most importantly, her drive to succeed.
Malizia credits that determination as the key to her achievements. She said the work ethic comes naturally. “It's just something in me. I'm very competitive with myself,” she said. “I set a very high bar for myself.”
Malizia loaded up on AP credits prior to college and completed a summer semester. So, she’s graduating a semester early, with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average.
“I am just so proud of myself because I worked so hard, and it's awesome to be recognized for all the hard work,” she said.
While her accomplishments are her own, Malizia said she regularly benefited from a strong support system in the Bellisario College. She said the college’s community and family feel were instrumental in her success. She especially credited Del Schwab in the advising office who Malizia said was always available for a meeting or ready to provide encouragement.
“I love the people. The professors are amazing,” Malizia said. “I love my adviser. Del has been my emotional support.”
Malizia’s goal after graduation is to start working for an advertising agency.
She aspires to someday start her own agency. She knows such a goal requires hard work and she’s determined to keep working to make that a reality.