The IUP Eberly College of Business and Information Technology is pleased to announce that IUP graduate Bethany Barefoot was recognized in the August 28-September 2020 issue of the Pittsburgh Business Times as a recipient of the 30 Under 30 award. Barefoot was recognized as a young professional who is making a difference and excelling in her career.

Bethany BarefootShe is currently serving as a financial specialist senior for PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. She recently joined PNC's Retail Distribution Finance team. Prior to this she was project manager for PNC Grow Up Great, a $500-million initiative established to help prepare children from birth to age five for success in school and life.

Barefoot graduated in 2016 from IUP and received her BS in both finance and marketing. She was extensively involved in leadership roles as a student, including being a member of both the Cook Honors College and Eberly's Business Honors Program; serving as president of PGN (a professional development organization); serving as president of the College of Business Student Advisory Council; and participating as a member of the IUP Finance Association. Bethany also worked in Eberly's Student Services Office as an undergraduate. Bethany was selected as a Student Gallery winner for the class of 2016, recognized for her academic achievements and extracurricular involvement.

"I'm honored to be recognized among the impressive winners of the Pittsburgh Business Times 30 Under 30 2020 cohort," Barefoot said. "This recognition has been abrightspot in a year filled with much uncertainty and many challenges. It's a reminder that there are people in your community working hard to make a difference, and I'm personallygrateful for each and every one of them. I would like to send my congratulationsto all the winners!

"I am so appreciative of the experiences that I had as a student in the Eberly College," she said. "Faculty, staff, and alumni of Eberly were always there to listen and help me in any way possible. They provided me with learning opportunities and experiences outside the classroom, introduced me to their connections, and supported me in my leadership activities."

Cyndy Strittmatter, associate dean of the Eberly College, has remained in contact with Bethany since graduation. "Bethany was an outstanding student, and her recognition for the PBT 30 Under 30 is a testament to the exceptional young woman that she is. Her energy, commitment, and genuineness are qualities that she displayed at IUP on a daily basis, and she clearly continues to do this in the workforce and community. I am especially pleased that Bethany has stayed connected with IUP and Eberly. She has played a key role in mentoring young business students as they navigate their way through college and into the workforce."

"Because of my great experience at IUP, I always wanted to represent IUP well," Barefoot said. "Now, as an alumna myself, I try to pay it forward as much as possible and lend my help to current business students. I hope this cycle of mentorship and support will continue for years to come!"