UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Ian Button’s decision to major in finance isn’t a surprise considering his parents’ finance-related professions. However, a series of unrelated events led to his decision to add another major and two minors.
The Penn State Smeal College of Business has named Button as its student marshal for fall 2015. He will lead the college’s procession of graduates during the baccalaureate and associate degree ceremony on Dec. 19 at the Bryce Jordan Center.
Button will graduate with a 3.97 GPA after earning dual bachelor’s degrees in finance and German (with the business option) and minors in international business and international studies.
“I traveled to Germany a few years ago with my family and quickly developed a keen interest in German language and culture. What started as meeting the 12-credit Smeal foreign language requirement soon turned into a complete second major. With the business option, it was a natural add-on to my finance degree,” Button said.
“After taking IB 303 my sophomore year with Dr. (Vernis) Welmon, I realized my passion for all things international. It was then and there that I decided to pursue the IB minor. The natural next step was studying abroad, which helped me meet the requirements for both minors and complete a large portion of my German degree. I enjoyed the challenge of studying in a foreign country and improving my language abilities.”
Button has accepted a position with the United States Department of Defense. As a student, he interned with The Heritage Foundation and with the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute.
Button was a Schreyer Honors Scholar and a Paterno Fellow. He has received the President’s Freshman Award, the Evan Pugh Scholar Award, and a faculty senate scholarship. Additionally, he received the German Academic Exchange Service Scholarship.
He will be escorted by faculty marshal Brian Davis, a clinical associate professor of finance.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Davis on my Schreyer honors thesis. He inspired and challenged me to research more intensively than I ever had before,” Button said. “I owe him a great deal for helping to steer me in the right direction — both academically and professionally.”