Accolades
Alumni
And, she’s leaving with a top award: being named one of two Outstanding Seniors.
“Most of my proudest accomplishments stem from the incredible leadership opportunities I have been fortunate enough to take part in, especially the roles through the Student Government Association,” said Brenner. “Throughout my time here, I have served the student body as the treasurer, vice president, and currently as the president. These roles have taught me how to become a better leader and how to voice opinions to better a community.”
“Hearing my name called as one of the two Outstanding Seniors selected almost felt unreal in the moment, and I am incredibly humbled to be receiving this award along with Sam."
It was well-earned, those who know her said.
She was Vice President Fall of 2021 for the organization Women in STEM — an empowerment group on campus to promote representation of women in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields — and received a Golden Gorilla and the Dr. Tom Bryant Leadership Scholarship.
As treasurer of SGA during the start of the pandemic, she assisted in the establishment and implementation of the organization’s Covid-Relief Grant, which awarded a total of $5,000 to students affected by the unexpected shift in their everyday lives.
“I have continued to advocate for students on the local level, meeting with faculty and staff to voice students’ opinions on multiple fee councils and university committees, in addition to advocating at the state level pushing for increased funding towards higher education, mental health and counseling, and retention rate initiatives,” she said.
She also immersed herself in several other organizations including the Panhellenic Council, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Order of Omega, PEERS, Pitt CARES, Society of Women in Engineering, Society of Plastics Engineers, and Crimson Club.
Brenner found time for community service with The Big Event, Alzheimer’s Walk, Fostering Connections, Salvation Army bell ringing, Polar Plunge, Trunk or Treat, and as member of the PSU Move-In Crew, and completed an internship at the Kansas Polymer Research Center.
What's next?
Armed with what she's learned in PSU's innovative and unique plastics engineering technology program, she’s accepted a job with Textron in their Leadership Development Program in Integrated Supply Chain.
The two-year program consists of three, 8-month rotations at their various business units promoting leadership and further developing her skills.
Brenner is the daughter of two former Gorillas, Brandi Brenner who attended in 1996, and Justin Brenner who attended from Fall '95 to Spring '97.
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