CENTER VALLEY, Pa.— For IT major George Mamary, a lifelong passion for technology isn’t just an interest—it’s the foundation of his future career.
“Growing up, I was always fascinated with new technology, software — all of it. In high school, my senior graduation project was holding a technology course for underclassmen. I taught them how to code and how to apply those different IT skills in future careers. That’s where my interest really grew,” he said.
In May, Mamary, an information technology major from Whitehall, will lead the graduate procession as student marshal during Penn State Lehigh Valley’s spring 2026 commencement ceremony. A first generation college student, Mamary says this honor is a testament to his various life experiences.
“I’m honored to have been selected,” he said. “Through my experience at Penn State, I’ve been able to grow both academically and personally. It’s also a testament to the faculty and students I’ve been able to work with. I’ve been able to gain a lot of practical experience and help make an impact on future generations. I think that really encapsulates what the student marshal title represents.”
Mamary chose Maung K. Min, teaching professor of business and director of business programs at Penn State Lehigh Valley, as the faculty marshal.
“I had a few management classes with Dr. Min, and he really expanded my understanding of different leadership and management practices,” Mamary said. “Through class discussions and conversations with Dr. Min, I’ve been able to grow as a leader. He’s inspired and motivated me to reach for the stars and pursue my career interests.”
Mary Kotch, lecturer in cybersecurity analytics and operations, is another professor who’s made a positive impact on Mamary’s Penn State experience.
“Mary was my professor for a few courses, but she was more than a professor — she was a CIO of an insurance holdings company and I completed an IT risk internship at her company, Core Specialty Insurance Holdings Inc.," said Mamary.
During his internship, Mamary learned how the insurance industry operates in the areas of IT compliance and cybersecurity.
“It really allowed me to develop new technical skills and learn more about the legal field while I was still in college,” he said.
Mentoring and guiding underclassmen has been important to Mamary, who was very active with Penn State Lehigh Valley's chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) honor society for first generation college students.
“I spent a lot of time talking to first-generation students and recruiting them for participation in the honor society,” he said.
Mamary was also a student worker in PSU-LV’s Strategic Communications department where he was able to put his IT skills to work.
“I enhanced the website, helped edit articles and sharpen the message of some of the stories and refined technical practices to enhance communication,” he said.
Post-graduation, Mamary said he plans to gain some work experience in the IT field while studying for the law school admission test (LSAT), with the intention of starting law school in the next academic year. His long-term goal is to blend his interests of technology and the legal field.
PSU-LV has left a deep and profound impact on Mamary, he said.
“It’s meant a lot to me personally. I went to a small high school, so the transition to Penn State Lehigh Valley was seamless. The transition allowed me to comfortably pursue my next level of education," Mamary said. "I’ve been able to build a lot of positive relationships with professors and learned how I can apply my skills to both my education and professional career.”
He said he encourages underclassmen to work hard and form the types of strong relationships he’s been able to build with faculty and peers: “Put in a lot of effort and get involved on campus. This journey has allowed me to grow. Stay committed, work hard, and it will pay off in the long run.”