Penn State Scranton's Information Technology student marshal, Jake Kalinowski
DUNMORE, Pa. — Penn State Scranton is highlighting the campus' student marshals who will lead their fellow graduates during the 57th commencement ceremony procession on May 10 at The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple. In this series, we will feature students selected as marshals for their academic programs. Join us as we explore their academic journeys, insights and advice for future students.
Student Marshal: Jake Kalinowski
Major: Information Technology, B.S. with a Cybersecurity Option
Q: What are your post-grad plans?
Kalinowski: I am currently employed at Universal Printing Company in Dunmore, Pennsylvania, as an IT Development Specialist.
Q: What was your favorite memory at Penn State Scranton?
Kalinowski: My favorite memory at Penn State Scranton is collaborating on projects with my peers, especially conducting a research study with a fellow student using data we each collected during our internships at Toyota of Scranton. Our research, which examined whether phishing threats could be mitigated through employee awareness programs, was presented at the campus Undergraduate Research Fair and Exhibition.
Q: What was your favorite learning experience?
Kalinowski: My favorite learning experience was completing the Flix2You project in Fred Aebli’s, lecturer of IST, database course. The project was not only fun, but it also taught me in-depth database skills that I now use daily as an IT Development Specialist at Universal Printing Company.
Q: What experience prepared you the most for what is next?
Kalinowski: The experience that prepared me the most for what’s next was my internship at Toyota of Scranton. My mentor, Pat Gallagher, provided valuable insight into the day-to-day realities of working in the IT industry. In addition to my internship, the countless hours working with professors prepared me to become the developer I am today.
Q: Who at Penn State Scranton has supported you and how?
Kalinowski: I’m grateful for the support and guidance of the entire Information Technology faculty at Penn State Scranton, especially Aebli, whose encouragement pushed my peers and me to reach our full potential—preparing us to become the next generation of IT professionals.
Q: Do you have any advice for incoming students beginning their Penn State journey?
Kalinowski: My advice to incoming students is to get involved as much as possible in your courses and build connections with your professors and classmates. The relationships you build will make college more meaningful and give you the support and confidence you need when it’s time to move into the working world.
Meet the Marshal series
This concludes the 2025 ‘Meet the Marshal’ series. Throughout this series, Penn State Scranton’s student marshals have been recognized for their dedication, achievements and contributions that define the campus community.
Stay tuned for more coverage about Penn State Scranton’s 57th commencement ceremony, as we continue to highlight all of our graduates for their outstanding accomplishments.
