Major: Political Science
Minors: Legal Studies; Applied Economics; Crime, Law, and Psychology
Hometown: Fairfield, Connecticut
On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend for the smaller class sizes and for all the great opportunities the School of Humanities and Social Sciences offers for Political Science majors. Behrend has a small, but very close, community in which I have met lifelong friends and colleagues.
Scholarships: Allyn and Alice Wright Leadership Scholarship (2024), Heintz Family Scholarship for Economics (2023-2025), Lindsay Anne Graygo Trustee Scholarship (2022), Ethel and Irvin Kochel Scholarship for International Studies (2022).
Awards: Zachary T. Irwin Humanitarian Award (2024), Penn State Provost Award (2021-2025)
On choosing his major: I have always been fascinated by the operations and efficiency of our state and national government, as well as the various policies that affect all Americans. I have dreamed of working in the federal government, and working toward a Political Science degree has fostered an interest in working in the legislative branch. My academic career has helped me get five different internships, most notably one in the United States House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.
His proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Becoming chapter president of my fraternity, Sigma Tau Gamma. It was an honor to serve an organization dedicated to brotherhood, philanthropy, and innovation. In the two years I served on the executive board, three-fourths of that time as president, we achieved historic recruitment numbers, community outreach, and fundraising goals. In the summer of 2024, I was proud to receive four awards on behalf of our chapter at a national conference in Houston, Texas. The fraternity has had a lifelong impact on my personal and professional career, for which I will always be proud and grateful.
On overcoming challenges: The biggest challenge I had to overcome was stress from time management. During multiple semesters, I was managing an internship, serving on the executive boards of various clubs, and being a full-time student all at once. Occasionally, it was overwhelming.
Campus involvement: Sigma Tau Gamma (former president, current member), Pi Sigma Alpha (current vice-president), The National Society of Leadership and Success (member), The Behrend Political Society (former executive board member)
What people might be surprised to know: I fenced for about five years growing up. It’s a great sport.
Advice for first-year students: Get involved on campus. It can be nerve-wracking coming to a new school with new people, but the faster you get involved, the easier everything gets. Joining organizations, going to events, and networking are essential for an exciting professional and social life at Behrend.
Justin hopes to work in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.
Behrend has a small, but very close, community in which I have met lifelong friends and colleagues.
—Justin Lopez-Beltran