05/08/2026
Congrats to our student marshal Olivia Byrnes, valedictorian Maddie Pitts, and elected student speaker Jake LeVan 🎉
🔵 Olivia has served as vice president of the PRLA Student Chapter, a Disney Programs Ambassador, and a member of Phi Sigma Sigma sorority. In these roles, she has led events, mentored students, and collaborated with recruiters to connect peers with career opportunities. Olivia is also a member of Eta Sigma Delta, the international hospitality honor society, and a recipient of the William F. and Constance B. Snyder Scholarship. Her professional experience includes working in front office operations with Marriott and completing the Disney College Program at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Following graduation, Olivia will join the Disney Hospitality Leadership Program in the Rooms Division at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World.
🔵 Maddie is a member of the NCAA Division I Track and Field team, earning All-American honors, serving as a team captain, and setting the school record in the pentathlon. She worked as an undergraduate research assistant and served as co-president of the Hospitality Honor Society Eta Sigma Delta. Through this role, she led service initiatives, events, and professional development opportunities. After graduation, she plans to continue her education at Penn State in a graduate program, while competing on the Track and Field team.
🔵 Jake has served as the two‑term president of the Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society (PSHRS), after previously holding leadership roles within the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Penn State Chapter as treasurer and vice president. Jake also conducted undergraduate research focused on gamification in active learning, while serving as a learning assistant for several courses. He has worked remotely as a revenue coordinator for Marriott International HQ and will be moving to Bethesda after graduation to continue supporting revenue management advisory services.
