Former Penn State Beaver student Samuel R. Wilton, a senior in engineering science, has been selected to serve as the Student Marshal for the Engineering Science Department, 6:30 p.m., Friday, May 13, at the Penn State University Park commencement in the Bryce Jordan Center. In addition, Wilton has chosen James A. Hendrickson, instructor in engineering at the Beaver campus, to serve as his Faculty Marshal. Hendrickson was one of Wilton’s instructors at Beaver.
Faculty marshals for commencement ceremonies at University Park are usually chosen from University Park faculty, but Wilton received permission to request that his faculty marshal be one of his former Beaver instructors. Upon learning that Hendrickson was Wilton’s choice, University Park officials agreed that an exception could be made.
"I couldn't possibly think of any other professor I've had at Penn State who I feel would be more suited to represent me at commencement," Wilton said. "The vast majority of the engineering knowledge I have today came directly from instruction at Beaver campus. I’m proud to be a product of the campus, and I feel that Mr. Hendrickson’s presence at commencement will symbolize my regard for the immeasurably high quality of the faculty at Beaver campus."
"To say that this is an honor for me would be quite understated," Hendrickson said. "Sam was one of the most gifted students that I have ever had the privilege to work with. This is a most significant achievement for Sam, and I believe it speaks volumes about the quality of the academic rigor of the campus and faculty."
In addition, Wilton’s academic success was recognized by the University last spring when he received the prestigious Penn State Evan Pugh Scholar Award. These scholars are juniors and seniors in the upper 0.5 percent of their respective classes at the end of the fall semester of the academic year the award is given. Awardees must have cumulative grade-point averages of 3.99 and above.
Wilton can be contacted at srw5086@psu.edu and Hendrickson can be contacted at jah64@psu.edu or 724-773-3859.