In This Issue
- What's New with the BECON and Economics Majors?
- Economics Majors Benefit from Scholarships
- Faculty Spotlight
- Alum Spotlight
- Student Spotlight
- SUE Club Update
What’s New with the BECON and Economics Majors?
The fall semester got off to a great start. Two events organized by Professor Travis Yates, “The Power of Real Estate” and BECON Day, were well attended and provided students with some great information and advice. The real estate event featured two Erie locals who shared their stories on why they chose to invest in income properties and how they eventually became so successful. BECON Day featured five alumni speakers on the topics of data analytics, economics in the public arena, leveraging an economics degree, investments, entrepreneurship, and law.
In news from the Economic Research Institute of Erie (ERIE), research assistants continue to work hard updating and improving the ERIE website while also compiling and analyzing data for the Erie Leading Index (ELI), the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Index, and the ERIE Guide to the Erie Economy. Visit the ERIE website to learn more.
Finally, students should keep in mind that the annual spring business trip will be in Charlotte, North Carolina, this year! Faculty and staff are working hard to put together a great lineup for site visits, so keep this trip in mind as you begin making plans for the spring semester.
Dr. Kerry Adzima, Discipline Lead, Business Economics and Economics programs, Associate Professor, Economics
Economics Majors Benefit from Scholarships
Penn State Behrend offers two scholarships for students pursuing a degree in Economics.
- The Heintz Family Scholarship for Economics was started in 2020 and is for full-time undergraduate students who are majoring in, or who plan to major in, Economics at Penn State Behrend. The fund has supported one student with a $2,130 scholarship this academic year.
- The Larry D. Neizmik (Class of 1984, 1994) and Charlotte A. Neizmik Scholarship in Economics was established in 2021 and is for full-time undergraduate students who are at least in their third year who are pursuing a degree in the Black School of Business at Penn State Behrend. Preference is given to students who are majoring in Economics or Business Economics. The fund has supported two students with a total of $5,500 in scholarships this academic year.
Faculty Spotlight: Travis Yates
Professor Travis Yates is a lecturer of economics at Penn State Behrend. He is also a business owner and real estate investor.
What inspired you to pursue a career in your field of expertise?
My teacher highlighted my strengths, and I realized I was gifted in economics. It’s rewarding to see students progress and apply their learning in real-world decision-making.
What advice would you give to aspiring students or individuals considering a career in your field?
Work for something other than the paycheck. Focus on learning and understanding, as good economic decisions, especially during downturns, can lead to success, including in real estate.
What skills or competencies do you hope your students will develop or improve upon in your courses?
Reading comprehension is a challenge for many students. Understanding the discipline-specific language is key. Making good decisions, both in and out of the classroom, is a crucial skill for success.
Alum Spotlight: Brian Craig
Bryan Craig is a senior IT analyst at Erie Insurance. He graduated from Behrend with a B.S. in Business Economics in 2010 and an MBA in 2011.
How did your time at Penn State Behrend prepare you for your career path?
My most memorable experiences at Penn State Behrend were the Black School of Business spring trips to New York and Chicago. Visiting major companies and seeing the business world firsthand played a big role in shaping my career aspirations. Additionally, joining Delta Sigma Pi, the business fraternity, was crucial for building friendships and connections when I switched from a science major to Business Economics.
What were some of your most memorable experiences or activities from your time at Behrend?
Although I work in IT, I frequently apply economic principles like opportunity cost, marginal benefit, and sunk costs in decision-making. The skills I gained in Excel and other business applications have been invaluable, especially early in my career when the ability to contribute effectively was essential.
Were there any specific skills or knowledge you gained at Penn State Behrend that have been particularly useful in your job?
In my role as an IT Analyst, I work closely with different business areas to ensure we make sound decisions on hardware, resources, and project budgets. My Business Economics background provides a strong foundation for this, allowing me to approach projects with a clear understanding of cost-benefit analysis. As a senior analyst, I also mentor interns and apprentices, guiding them through the decision-making process and helping them develop the skills necessary for success in the field.
Student Spotlight: Owen Kagle
Owen Kagle is a junior at Behrend with a dual major in Business Economics and Finance. He is involved in various clubs and is the fundraising chair for Delta Sigma Pi.
What inspired you to attend Penn State Behrend, and how did you choose your major?
Behrend’s business school and its student-teacher ratio appealed to me. I chose Business Economics because I love applying economic theories to real-world problems. It’s also a great complement to Finance, offering more career opportunities. My favorite class, Marketing Research, confirmed my aspiration to specialize in market research, due to its focus on data analysis techniques vital for marketing strategies. I eagerly anticipate studying Econometrics, which aligns with my analytical nature and interest in applying statistics in business.
How have you grown or developed since starting at Penn State Behrend?
I’ve grown both professionally and personally through my roles as a resident assistant, fundraising chair of Delta Sigma Pi, and a Student Government Association senator. These experiences have helped me build leadership skills, network with professionals, and become a more empathetic and driven individual ready for the workforce.
What are your future aspirations or goals for after graduation?
My goal is to complete my CFA certification and start working as a financial adviser or analyst. I’m passionate about helping people improve their finances and investing strategies.
SUE Club Update
The Society of Undergraduate Economists (SUE) Club is assisting with the planning of the Student Spring Business Trip. This year's trip is scheduled for March 26-29,2025, and will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina. More information will be made available after January 1.
Students who are interested in joining SUE should reach out to Dylan Donitzen for more information. The club meets monthly and is open to any student interested in economics.