Senior Spotlight

Meet Marc Hershey

 

Class: 2019

Major: math (4+1 Engineer program w/ Villanova)

Fun Fact: Marc is related to Milton Hershey!

Marc Hershey, a senior from Mechanicsburg, PA is a Math Major at Eastern University. Graduating a semester early in December of 2019, Marc currently participates in a joint 4+1 engineering program with Villanova University to help further his postgraduate studies.

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How did you become involved with the joint program at Villanova University?

I first heard about the joint program from freshman tours and events to help
underclassmen decide their majors. I always knew I wanted to study math, and that it was God’s calling. I have heard about how engineers can use their work for the Kingdom. Through this program, I am working towards a Masters in Mechanical Engineering with a focus in dynamic controls.

What is it like being a student at 2 colleges?

This is currently my third year of the Nova program. It is my 2nd semester of being a dual enrolled student at both Eastern and Villanova. I am a studying math at Eastern and engineering at Villanova. Each college has presented me with a unique experience. While the Christian culture of Eastern has been greatly influential, the professors at Villanova have provided me with resources and networks to further my studies.

What have you learned from your experience in the Villanova program?

This has shaped me into being bold. It gave me the courage to dive in and to really engage in things that are new. Part of who I am is who I am called to be and I received the affirmation for what I want to do with my life from participating in this program. I am also grateful for the support I received from my professors in Eastern’s math department as well as from my peers.

How have you been involved on campus at eu?

Currently, I serve as Small Group Coordinator for LFP, play drums and minister on a Wednesday Night Worship team. I also work for the athletic department by announcing home games and running stats, participate in Ultimate Frisbee, and am a member of Sigma Zeta. In the past, I was also a hall chaplain as well as a small group leader.

Can you tell us a bit more about your Founding role as SG coordinator?

As LFP Small Group Coordinator, I helped orient the fall small group leaders, helped adjust the small group curriculum based on experience, kept track of attendance, and managed our budget. I worked with Dr. Stutzman to help develop this role into a formal LFP board position.

How has your involvement in LFP and role as SG Coordinator influenced you?

I met my best friends in LFP. Having fall orientation together and small group has massively benefited towards developing a culture of unity. It has also given me the opportunity to lead as a small group leader and small group Coordinator. I have learned a lot about leadership in general by working with other leaders. It is truly an amazing learning experience. Being a part of LFP has taught me about Courage, such as courage in being a pioneer for Villanova’s 4+1 program.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I will graduate from Eastern this December, along with another course in the spring. Then I will continue on to Villanova to obtain my Masters in Mechanical Engineering. In the future, I would like to work towards using my engineering skills to work in a hospital and help improve doctors’ abilities to heal patients by developing treatment technology and ultimately aid in saving lives. Also, I would like to do Missions work and help bring sustainable and sufficient hospital resources to communities in need.