Meet Justin Fiorillo

My name is Justin Fiorillo. I’m a freshman Kinesiology major at Penn State Berks. I want to get a degree in Kinesiology and one day become a personal trainer. My hobbies include exercise, playing video games, writing, and hanging out with my friends. I chose Penn State Berks because when I took a tour the first time, I fell in love with the campus, how it was set up, and the people here.

Meet Darrell Marrow

Open House, October 2012

Hello world! My name is Darrell Marrow, I’m a junior, Communication Arts & Sciences major here at Penn State Berks. I live in the residence halls, and I absolutely love it. I am involved a many different things on campus and because of this, I have got to meet so many other students. I am a Lion Ambassador, Orientation Leader assistant captain, peer mentor, multicultural mentor, teaching assistant, student library aid, and dedicated THONer (THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world which helps raise money for pediatric cancer treatment and supportive services for families). I was also a rider for the Penn State Berks Equestrian Team.

I am also an ASPIRE student. ASPIRE is an educational opportunity program that familiarizes incoming freshmen with the campus and available community resources. This past summer, I was able to work as a mentor for the ASPIRE program; assisting students in the same program that had a positive impact on my college success thus far.

THON 2012

Katie Eggert - Commuting

The other day, I had a fellow Lion Ambassador ask me where I live on campus.  To her surprise, I responded by saying, “I commute from home!”  Most people come up to me thinking that I live on campus because of how involved I am, and it is one of the greatest feelings!  My mom will often say to me, “Are you ever going to be home?”  Most days I feel like I should bring a pillow in the library and just stay here.  Lately, some of my closest friends have even let me stay with them over night or over the weekend. 

When I first came to Berks, I was a little nervous about making friends because I am a commuter.  For the first few weeks of my first semester, I was always by myself and would leave campus as soon as classes were over.  As soon as I decided to get more involved with campus, I made many friends and became a part of the campus.  Now when I walk to class, I pass by at least 5 people that I know.  I feel so proud to be a part of the campus, I am proud to be a Penn State student, and I am proud to bleed blue and white! 

James McCarty - Homecoming 2012

This year has seemed almost like a dream for me, and this past weekend was the icing on the cake in a sense. I was asked by Chancellor Hillkirk of Penn State Berks to represent our campus during a halftime ceremony this past weekend during the Penn State vs. Ohio State football game. The ceremony was intended to highlight the academic achievement of our students throughout the University. Having played football for the majority of my life, it has always been a dream of mine to hear my name being announced, echoing from the speakers at Beaver stadium, and I can now say that my dream has now become a reality. It was a breathtaking sight to walk down the Penn State sideline and hear the roar of the crowds. The stadium seemed to be packed to its brim with a sea of white. I was truly left speechless. I stopped a few times just to focus on my surroundings and take everything in. It was truly an honor to be able to represent Penn State Berks to the University as a whole. Once back inside the pathway under the stadium, I stopped to thank Chancellor Hillkirk, and as I turned around President Rodney Erickson was standing next to me. I also had my picture taken with him. This weekend was truly a highlight of my life.

One of the best parts about everything was that I was chosen because of how hard I have worked in the classroom as well as around campus, but I feel as though I was undeserving of such an honor. I have been driven to do well academically in order to achieve my goals, which I personally set for my education. I have also done extra-curricular activities because I have enjoyed helping other people, and I believe that I got as much from helping others as they have. I feel as though I was rewarded for doing nothing more than achieving my goals and doing what I set my mind to do. I am truly appreciative and humbled from this event and my experiences. Thank you Chancellor Hillkirk!!! 

Meet Katie Eggert & James McCarty

Katie Eggert

Hi, my name is Katie and I am a sophomore, Applied Psychology major from Reading, PA. I commute from home, and am very involved in campus activities, serving as an Orientation Leader and a Lion Ambassador, a student representative for the campus that gives tours, and many other duties. 

I am also very involved in THON. Short for the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, THON is a year-long effort to raise funds and awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer. THON's fundraising helps offset the cost of a child's cancer treatment and helps establish research endowments aimed at increasing the cure rates of pediatric cancer treatments.


I am also a member of the Campus Activities Board which organizes campus events. Even though I am an Applied Psychology major, I'm also a member of the Hotel Restaurant Society, which helps to serve events on campus. I was asked to join because I love baking!

James McCarty

Hi, my name is James and I am a senior here at Penn State Berks, majoring in Applied Psychology with a minor in Business. I've commuted from home for all four years, and am extremely involved on campus. For example, I am the president of the Lion Ambassadors, a group that gives campus tours, assists with open houses, and performs many other duties. 

I was also an Orientation Leader Captain this past fall, assisting and welcoming the incoming freshman class. I am also a member of the Honors program at Berks. I work in both the Admissions Office, as well as the Campus Life Office, and also serve on many student committees.

When I graduated high school, I looked at a lot of colleges, but I fell in love with Penn State Berks. Here I’m earning the big University degree, and still enjoying one-on-one interaction with my professors. The Applied Psychology degree program includes multiple internships, giving students a lot of real-world experience. The college has given me so many leadership opportunities. Choosing Penn State Berks is the best decision I ever made.