The first graduating class of the Schreyer Honors College will leave Penn State with an armory of knowledge and experiences.

A $30 million gift from William and Joan Schreyer transformed the University Scholars Program into the Schreyer Honors College in 1997. The seniors graduating this month will be the first students graduating who have been in the college for the duration.

Many of the graduating seniors have received assistance and opportunities from the college to aid them in their education.

One student, Kelly Devlin (finance and international business) had a semester-long internship in Ireland. Devlin received money from the college covering her transportation costs.

Devlin received the money through the Schreyer Ambassador Travel Grant program. The program pays for Schreyer scholars' international transportation expenses up to $1500. Students can participate in any type of educational opportunity abroad, including internships, service opportunities and research, said Richard Stoller, coordinator of selection and international programs for the Schreyer Honors College.

Devlin wanted to study abroad but did not want to participate in a regular study abroad program. She found the program of her choice on the Internet, offered through Marist College. The internship consisted of working in security lending for AIG Insurance. She worked 30 hours a week and then took night classes on Irish politics. The travel grant covered the cost of her plane ticket and it covered her daily commute to work by train.

The college awards about 200 students each year travel grants, depending on where students go. The programs do not necessarily have to be Penn State programs, like in Devlin's case. Schreyer scholars apply for the grant and write an essay making their case. They need to show how their travel plans incorporate into their time of study at Penn State, Stoller said.

The program does not have to correlate with the student's major.

Stoller recounted how one student who was an engineering major spent a summer in China studying calligraphy.

Marc Hoecker (senior-industrial engineering) spent a year in Germany with an internship with Deutsche Bahn AG, Germany's leading railroad company.

Hoecker came back from his year in Germany with broader perspective of the world and a proficiency in German, after only a little instruction in the language in high school.

"The experience will last a lifetime, both professionally and personally," he said.

Hoecker said that the college has "consistently encouraged students to push beyond their comfort zones through things like study abroad."

Both Devlin and Hoecker find that the requirement of completing an honors thesis is beneficial to Schreyer scholars, though it takes a lot of time and hard work. Devlin said she feels that it is advantageous for students to have the opportunity to do a project like a thesis.

"The nature of the work is different than class work at Penn State. It's more independent, self-directed and prepares you for the kind of work you'll do when you start working," Devlin said.

Hoecker also discovered that writing a thesis will help him in the future.

"I think the rewards of completing a project you're proud of make it all worthwhile," he said.

Ben Heller (senior-management science and information systems) is grateful for the opportunities the college has given him in terms of having closer contacts with professors. The college also gives him the chance to take different courses with smaller class sizes, which make class discussions easier.

"Certain honors courses are really interesting," he said.

Heller also said he has the chance to interview with some companies that only recruit through the honors college. He added that the college often brings in many speakers and visiting professors and holds programs focusing on specific topics for Schreyer scholars.

Heller acknowledges it is the time he has had in the Schreyer Honors College that will stay with him on his future path.

"It's the experiences I've had in the college that will help me — getting to know the professors and the opportunity to write a senior thesis."