The Department of Finance and Economics is pleased to announce its departmental graduation award recipients. Eligible for consideration were IUP undergraduates who have a declared major in finance or economics and who will have graduated in December 2025, January 2026, May 2026, or August 2026. Each selection process follows distinctive faculty nomination criteria and may include a vote by the permanent teaching faculty of the respective program’s upper-level classes.
We congratulate the following undergraduate student recipients of the 2025–26 annual FIEC departmental graduation awards!
Additionally, the department congratulates the following FIEC majors who were selected for inclusion in the college-wide 2026 Eberly Student Gallery:
- Allison P. Johnson (graduating in May 2026 with a BS in finance and an economics/honors double major)
- Katelyn E. Krish (graduating in May 2026 with a BS in management/entrepreneurship and small business and accounting double major with the Eberly Business Honors Concentration and the BA, economics/honors dual degree)
- Brayden Landherr (graduating in May 2026 with a BS in finance with the Eberly Business Honors Concentration and a minor in economics)
Economics program Dr. Jack D. Julian Memorial Award (sponsored through IUP Foundation gifts made in honor of the late Jack D. Julian) and Finance program Academic Excellence Award (sponsored through IUP Foundation gifts)
Ryan E. Little
Graduating in May 2026 with the BS, finance degree with the economics double major and the Economics Honors Concentration
“As I reflect back on my career at IUP, there are a variety of choices I made that I may have made differently given what I know now. However, one thing I would not change is my involvement in the FIEC department.
“While many extracurriculars provide extreme value at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, taking advantage of what the FIEC department offers through its professors is what sets you apart from your peers in this competitive job market. To mention specific examples, one instructor helped me prepare for an intensive technical job interview, which I am extremely grateful for, as I successfully received an employment offer. Another faculty member provided me with valuable opportunities to present coursework at the IUP Scholars Forum, build strong alumni connections, and gain hands-on data analysis experience. A different faculty member provided encouragement during my junior year, when I was attempting to land an internship, which I eventually did. Yet another faculty member helped me add Honors Economics to my finance degree, allowing me to add another major during my time here at IUP, providing me with inexplicable value, as without her, I likely would be leaving the extra credential on the table.
“While it’s hard to exactly pinpoint the best decision I made in college, I believe the value of the professors is what makes the FIEC department so valuable. If you are willing to make connections with these professors, they are willing to help you excel. Life is about connections, and these are some of the best ones you can make in your undergraduate career.”
Economics program Bright Dismal Scientist Award (sponsored by Pearson Higher Education)
Anna C. Horvath
Graduating in May 2026 with the BA, economics degree with the Economics Honors Concentration, the Eberly Business Honors Concentration, a minor in business administration, a minor in dance, and a minor in marketing
“During my time at IUP, I was able to challenge myself and engage in organizations across campus. Through the econometrics course, I was given the opportunity to present my research at the IUP Scholars Forum. Additionally, I held a leadership role in the Economics Club, where I was able to help reestablish the club after its absence and expand my professional network. I was also involved in the IUP Dance Team, as it gave me community while allowing me to continue my passion for dancing.”
Finance Program Service and Leadership Excellence Award (sponsored by IUP Foundation gifts)
Gabriel E. Kengersky
Graduated in December 2025 with a BS, finance degree with the economics double major, the Eberly Business Honors Concentration, and the Economics Honors Concentration
“IUP provided the platform to turn my interest in markets into a profession. Whether it was navigating the markets as president of the Student Managed Investment Portfolio, overseeing the Bloomberg Lab as student lab manager, or helping fellow students as an economics tutor, each role taught me the value of leadership and technical expertise. These involvements, as well as my classroom experiences, all played a role in preparing me for the next step in my professional career at BNY. I am very grateful to the faculty and mentors within the Eberly College of Business for providing the resources and opportunities that allowed me to excel both in and out of the classroom.”
Economics program Dr. Brewer Award (sponsored as part of the Drs. Jozefowicz Department of Economics Scholarship fund through the IUP Foundation)
Emily B. L. Schumacher
Graduating in May 2026 with the BA, economics degree with the Economics Honors Concentration, a minor in applied statistics, a minor in business administration, a minor in finance, and a minor in mathematics
“My time at IUP has been nowhere close to linear, but I know I made the most of my opportunities and enjoyed every second of it. Coming in as a finance major, I didn’t know what I wanted to do or be, but the one thing I was sure about was adding an economics major on my first day of class because of Dr. J’s persuasive, encouraging words. Little did I know the impact, the experiences, the friends, and the connections that it would bring me. Although I left Eberly for a semester or two looking for another passion, I returned knowing, without a doubt, that I belonged in the Finance and Economics Department. I decided to tack on three minors, none of which would have been possible without my academic advisor. It is truly an honor to receive the Dr. Brewer Award.”