UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State College of Education has selected Elizabeth Scalise to serve as student marshal for the University’s summer 2023 commencement ceremony, which will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at Bryce Jordan Center.
Originally from Pittsburgh and a graduate of Chartiers Valley High School, Scalise is graduating with a 3.73 grade point average with a bachelor of science in rehabilitation and human services with minors in child maltreatment and advocacy studies, and psychology.
Scalise said she was pleasantly surprised upon learning that she had been selected as the College of Education summer 2023 student marshal.
“I was excited and proud of myself,” she said. “I feel that I accomplished a lot here at Penn State and was so thankful to be getting recognition for it.”
During her college career, Scalise made the dean’s list for four semesters and received numerous scholarships, including the Provost Award, Penn State Alumni Association Trustee Scholarship, Allison Family Open Doors Scholarship, J.S. & R. Lee Open Doors Scholarship and Beckwith Family Trustee Scholarship.
Her extracurricular activities included Occupational Therapy Club, Best Buddies, Friendship Circle and National Society of Leadership and Success.
In spring 2023, Scalise was an intern at the Centre County Child Access Center, which aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for monitored custody exchanges and supervised visitations. This summer, she is interning at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center as a rehabilitation aide, working with physical and occupational therapists in an outpatient rehab setting.
“It’s important to step out of your comfort zone and take risks,” Scalise said. “By doing this, I gained confidence not only in myself as a student but as an individual. I involved myself in activities that were important to me and that would allow myself to meet new people. I learned more about myself and others through these experiences I had and met amazing people who left an impact on me. I will continue to push myself out of what I am comfortable with as I move onto graduate school in hopes that I keep learning and experiencing new, impactful lessons.”
Scalise’s plans post-graduation are to obtain her doctorate in occupational therapy and work with people with disabilities.
Scalise’s father, Chris Scalise and his wife, Shannon, along with her mother, Becky Scalise and her partner, Dave, plan to attend the commencement ceremony. Her four siblings, two grandparents and boyfriend will also be in attendance.