Justin Dorneman
DUNMORE, Pa. – Penn State Scranton is shining a spotlight on the campus’ student marshals who will be leading their fellow graduates during the campus’ 56th commencement ceremony procession on May 4 at The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple. In this series, we’ll feature students who have been selected as student marshals for their respective academic programs. Join us as we delve into their academic journeys, insights, and advice for future students.
Student Marshal: Justin Dorneman
Major: Corporate Communication, B.A., minor in Business
Scranton: What are your post-grad plans?
Dorneman: After graduation, I will be working as a Producer Relations Advisor at Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies.
Scranton: What was your favorite memory at Penn State Scranton?
Dorneman: I have a lot of great memories during my time at Penn State Scranton, possibly too many to name. However, this past February, I had the incredible opportunity to attend THON with our campus, to support our campus' dancers and my friends, Abby, Ashley, and Mahek. Additionally, having the opportunity to write a feature story for the campus' website highlighting the commitment and dedication of our dancers were memories I will cherish forever.
Scranton: What was your favorite learning experience?
Dorneman: I admittedly have too many to just name one. However, I would say that my favorite learning experiences came in my Corporate Communication classes, especially those where we were tasked with creating real-world communication plans and documents for companies and businesses. Doing this was not only fun and insightful, but also helped prepare me for the next chapter of my life. I also want to highlight Mr. Hart's CAS100A and CAS250 classes, both of which helped me become a more polished and professional public speaker, something that I admittedly was not great at prior to those courses. I also enjoyed taking Dr. Bassani's ACCTG211 class, where I discovered that sometimes working with numbers can actually be fun and enjoyable.
Scranton: What experience prepared you the most for what is next?
Dorneman: The experience that prepared me most for what is next would have to be the year that I spent as the Public Relations Officer of our Student Government Association. Through the ups and downs, I learned what it means to be a part of something bigger than myself, and how to effectively run and lead a team all while serving the student body.
Scranton: Who at Penn State Scranton has supported you and how?
Dorneman: I have had a near innumerable number of people support me during my four years at Penn State Scranton. I would like to sincerely thank the Corporate Communication department, Mr. James Hart, Mrs. Kelly Conlon-Mazzucca, and Dr. Stephanie Longo for their immense support and guidance, especially during this current school year. The three of them have been an incredible support system for me on campus, and a large amount of my academic success can be attributed to their guidance and care I have received in their classes and advising. I would also like to thank every professor whose classes I sat in, and staff members I crossed paths with since I became a Penn Stater in August of 2020. Last but certainly not least, I want to give a special thanks to my fellow Student Government Association executive board members, Aayushi, Abby, Celeste, Gavan, and Mahek (and Anya from afar), for their support and friendship during this school year. To say that it has meant the world to me would be an understatement, I truly enjoyed working with and getting to know you all, I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
Scranton: Do you have any advice for incoming students beginning their Penn State journey?
Dorneman: Get involved. Go to events, join clubs, talk to people, and make friends. I was not the most involved person until my fourth year, and that would be the year I met people who I am certain will be lifelong friends of mine. Also, from an academic perspective, ensure to instill good study and work habits such as time management, and going to your professor's office hours if needed. For as much as it will help you achieve a better grade, it will help make your professors just as happy.
Meet the Marshal series
Stay tuned as we continue to highlight our student marshals for their outstanding accomplishments. Each individual represents the dedication, talent and spirit of excellence that define the Penn State Scranton community.
