Alexa Morley will graduate with highest honors from Penn State Abington during the summer/fall 2024 commencement ceremony.
ABINGTON, Pa. — Alexa Morley’s role at the Penn State Abington summer/fall 2024 commencement this week sums up the last three-plus years of her life: She will co-lead the senior class into the ceremony as a student marshal, an honor reserved for the most accomplished new graduates.
Morley leaned into opportunities to lead and collaborate throughout college, and the depth and breadth of her experiences have prepared her to make an impact using the skills she developed as a business major with a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation.
“One of the highlights of my time at Abington has been the practical experiences I've had through hands-on projects such as being a Lion Ambassador, a Welcome Peer Leader, and a teaching assistant,” Morley said. “I've be able to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing my skills in event planning, resource management, and human resources. College has equipped me with academic knowledge and leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.”
She earned dean’s list honors every semester, induction into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society, multiple academic awards, and she received the campus Margaret Germer/Ruth Taub Business Leadership Scholarship. Her required internship at Sesame Place led to her selection for the Pennsylvania Amusement Parks and Attractions Barbara Knoebel Memorial Scholarship.
Morley credits some of her success to Peter Hornberger, who teaches business management and leads the entrepreneurship and innovation minor and the Abington LaunchBox innovation hub. He also serves as her academic adviser.
“Peter encouraged me to graduate early, and I’ve been fortunate enough to take most of his classes,” Morley said. “The entrepreneurship minor has helped me prepare for my career by allowing me to tap into my creative side. It provided me with the security and encouragement to know that I could open my own business one day. He often reminds us that there are three components to success: show up, be consistent, and behave as expected.”
In the coming months, she plans to travel and examine different opportunities in the hospitality industry and eventually earn a master's in hospitality management or business administration. Looking further ahead, she wants to work as a hotel general manager or in guest relations.
“I'm particularly interested in roles that allow me to blend my academic knowledge with innovation and creativity. I believe that effective management in this industry goes beyond logistics and classes; it's about fostering a sense of community, promoting environmental protection, and ensuring that everyone can access and enjoy recreational spaces,” Morley said.
Morley has faced challenges including living with hearing loss, but with support from the campus Student Disability Resources, it hasn’t slowed her down.
“They did a great job helping me with my accommodations,” she said. “They were able to create a 504 Individualized Education plan tailored to my needs, which allowed me to receive additional time, if needed, on exams. My professors also assisted by wearing my wireless FM transmitter in the classroom and providing a seat in the front so I could lip read.”
Alexa Morley's successful internship experience helped her advance her business skills and led to a scholarship from the hospitality industry.
As she prepares to move on to the next phase of her life, Morley encourages students to savor their college years, make new friends, and take advantage of every opportunity.
"Always remember, It doesn’t matter how long the journey is, you will get there. My motto is to be friendly to everyone since you never know where that can lead you. As a Penn State Nittany Lion, I’m ready to roar!" Morley said.
About Penn State Abington
Penn State Abington provides an affordable, accessible and high-impact education resulting in the success of a diverse student body. It is committed to student success through innovative approaches to 21st-century public higher education within a world-class research university. With more than 3,100 students, Penn State Abington is a residential campus that offers baccalaureate degrees in 25 majors, accelerated master's degrees, undergraduate research, the Schreyer Honors College, NCAA Division III athletics and more.
