Engineering

College of Engineering, ROTC student named Joint Services Student Marshal

Brennan Manns Credit: College of Engineering/Penn State. All Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Brennan Manns has been named the fall 2025 Joint Services Student Marshal for Penn State. Manns will receive a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in military studies at the University’s undergraduate commencement ceremony, which will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Bryce Jordan Center at University Park. 

Student marshals are selected for their outstanding academic achievements and their significant contributions to the University community. 

A graduate of Frank W. Cox High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Manns is the son of Tanya and Mark Manns. He has been named to the dean’s list for eight semesters. 

During his time at Penn State, Manns was recognized with multiple honors and scholarships, including the Morrow End Scholarship, the Army ROTC Scholarship, the Nale Scholarship of Engineering Excellence, the Award for Excellence in Engineering from the Society of American Military Engineers and the Schiring Memorial Scholarship for Engineering. 

Outside of the classroom, Manns is deeply engaged in the campus military community. He has been an active member of Penn State Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and the Penn State Army ROTC Tactics Club, developing his leadership skills and tactical knowledge. 

Manns also completed an internship at MIT Lincoln Laboratory during the summer of 2024, working as a military liaison intern. There, he gained radar systems knowledge and conducted a study related to counter–unmanned aircraft systems operations. 

“My first thoughts were that I would be honored to be able to represent not just the College of Engineering, but also the engineers within the different ROTC services,” Manns said upon learning of his selection as student marshal. 

Reflecting on his Penn State experience, Manns shared, “The most important lesson I have learned during my time at school is that there is always something you can learn from everyone. Do not be quick to write someone off because you know something they do not — there will come a time when that person has something to teach you as well.” 

After graduation, Manns will be commissioned as an active-duty officer in the United States Army, continuing his commitment to service and leadership. 

Last Updated October 20, 2025

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