Leadership, research and love of the game drive student's success

ABINGTON, Pa. — When Laurie Flemming visited Penn State Abington from her home in Northeast Philadelphia, she was looking for more than just a place to earn a degree — she wanted a community that would challenge her and support her growth so she could achieve her goals. She found all of that in her second home just outside the city.  

“I could go home whenever I wanted, but I was also far enough away that I could experience being on my own,” she said, also citing affordable tuition as a factor in enrolling at Abington. “Living with and meeting different types of people at the Lions Gate residence hall forced me out of my comfort zone, which helped me develop as a person and gain new skills.”. 

The third element that led her to choosing Abington was Matt Levy, the head coach of campus's NCAA Division III tennis team.

"He thought I would be a great addition to the team," said Flemming, who majors in finance. "After meeting with him and a few members of the team, I was excited to go to Abington,” the  continued. 

But the wealth of opportunities for students and Flemming’s drive to get involved defined her time at Abington. Her story illustrates the power of leadership development and undergraduate research — two pillars of the Abington Experience, a roadmap designed to launch students from campus to career success. With her additional role as a student-athlete, Flemming quickly became laser-focused.

“I’ve been able to take on multiple extracurricular and leadership roles while still competing in both the fall and spring seasons," said Flemming, who earned all-academic and conference honors. "Of course there were challenges, especially on match days, but these experiences pushed me to stay disciplined and organized.” 

As a representative on the campus Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, she advocated for her teammates and worked closely with other student-athletes, coaches, athletics staff and faculty, which she said helped her succeed both on and off the court. 

Thanks to a Penn State Commonwealth Campus Undergraduate Community-Engaged Research Award that supports student career growth and community impact, Flemming and five other students worked as research assistants for Roxanna M. Senyshyn, associate professor of applied linguistics and of communication arts and sciences at Abington. They studied the state of heritage languages in the Philadelphia region and translated the yearlong project into action by hosting a conference on language, identity, and cultural preservation. 

Flemming's work with Senyshyn aligned with the University’s and Abington Chancellor Gary Liguori’s priorities.  

“Dr. Senyshyn provided these students with undergraduate research experience that will be invaluable to their futures while positively impacting local communities," Liguori said. "Faculty-led undergraduate research is a keystone of the Abington Experience." 

Her academic journey began with a recommendation from her father to explore finance, a field that aligned with her love for math.  

“Through coursework and extracurricular experiences, I’ve developed a real passion for the field. I’ve come to appreciate how essential finance is in helping both companies and individuals make informed decisions that maximize profit, minimize risk and create long-term value,” she explained.  

As a change-of-campus student now studying at University Park, Flemming continues to seek out new opportunities such as joining the Business Ethics Bootcamp and competing in the Business with Integrity case competition. 

Flemming credited her mentors — Levy, assistant coaches, professors and peers — for guiding her through her academic and personal journey. Their support helped her grow into a confident leader and aspiring professional. 

Currently, she’s seeking a summer internship to kickstart her professional career in finance. After graduation, she plans to pursue a graduate program to deepen her expertise and ultimately secure a role ideally within the sports industry, where she can combine her expertise with her passion for tennis.  

Flemming said she hopes her experiences can inspire others to pursue similar paths. 

“My biggest piece of advice for students is that it’s never too early to get involved and start thinking about your future,” she said. “At the same time, don’t overwork yourself. Take the time to enjoy college, explore new experiences, and make the most of the opportunities and time you have.” 

About Penn State Abington 

Penn State Abington provides an affordable, accessible, and high-impact education to its 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 bachelor’s degrees in 25 majors, undergraduate research, the Schreyer Honors College, NCAA Division III athletics, and more.