Abigail VanPelt selected to be a member of Penn State's Orientation Team

Abigail VanPelt, a Beachwood native and sophomore at The Pennsylvania State University, is part of a select group of individuals serving on the school’s New Student Orientation (NSO) Team.

After completing a rigorous application process, VanPelt took a credit-bearing course and received 50 hours of training in preparation for the program.

As an orientation leader, VanPelt will help first-year students learn about academics, diversity and inclusion efforts, social life, and other key components that create the Penn State experience.

VanPelt will act as a vital and engaging bridge between the university and the incoming freshman class, said Katie Motycki, NSO assistant director.

“We look for students like Abigail who want to make a difference at Penn State, who are diverse, dedicated, enthusiastic, resourceful and motivated,” Motycki said.

For 10 consecutive weeks this summer, VanPelt will be responsible for leading small groups of students in a variety of educational activities during the two-day sessions.

The NSO program is beneficial to orientation leaders, as they develop real-world leadership, teambuilding and communication skills.