Academics

Rost named fall 2014 Smeal student marshal

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Smeal College of Business has named Daniel Rost as the student marshal for fall 2014. He will lead the college’s procession of graduates during the Penn State Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on Dec. 20 at the Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus.

Rost will graduate with a 4.0 GPA after earning two bachelor’s degrees, in accounting and finance, and a master’s degree in accounting. He completed the Smeal Integrated Master of Accounting Program (MAcc) in four and a half years instead of the typical five.

“I added finance classes so I could graduate with another bachelor’s degree,” Rost said. “In the MAcc program, you have the option of interning in spring or summer. Most people choose spring, which pushes everything back one semester. I elected to take my internship in the summer and then study for the CPA exam and get that done before I start working next summer.”

Rost has accepted a risk advisory position with EY in Pittsburgh.

“Risk advisory covers a number of different functions within the firm. I will be working with clients from around the country and will be assisting them with internal audits and helping them to improve company performance and internal controls,” he said.

Rost has received the President’s Freshman Award, the President Sparks Award, the Evan Pugh Award, and a Smeal Senior Award.

He was the founder and president of the One Heart Campaign, a student group dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the prevention of sexual abuse of children. The group organizes the Penn State football team’s annual Blue Out game, in which all fans are encouraged to wear blue. He also was the president of the Smeal Finance Society.

“One of the things I loved about being in Smeal is that it cultivates an environment in which it is expected your learning doesn’t stop in the classroom,” Rost said. “Smeal gives you the resources to do well in the classroom and also challenges students to take on other activities.”

He will be escorted by faculty marshal Ed Babcock, director of the Integrated MAcc and accounting instructor.

Rost, who is from Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, said he expects numerous friends and family members will attend commencement to help him celebrate.

“I recently got engaged, so my fiancé and her family from Pittsburgh will be coming in addition to most of my immediate family. All of them have had a tremendous impact on my life and I am honored and excited to be spending this special day with them. Mom and dad have been a big part in helping me get to where I am.”

Rost earned bachelor's degrees in accounting and finance, as well as a master's degree in accounting. He maintained a 4.0 GPA in the process. Credit: Photo providedAll Rights Reserved.

Last Updated December 16, 2014

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