Student marshal, co-captain of women’s soccer team followed her passion

READING, Pa. -- When Elizabeth Mummau was selecting a college, she wanted academic excellence and the ability to play soccer at the college level. Penn State Berks offered both. Mummau pursued her academic and sports passions, becoming co-captain of the Women’s Soccer Team. On Dec. 16 she will graduate as student marshal, an honor awarded to the student with the highest grade point average.

Wanting to stay close to her hometown of Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, Mummau chose to attend Penn State Berks in part for the college’s reputable applied psychology baccalaureate degree program, which includes four internships. All applied psychology students are required to complete 525 internship hours to graduate. Mummau completed her internship hours at the guidance department of Mount Penn Elementary School, the Grisolano Center for Neurodevelopment, and as a research assistant to Nathan Greenauer, assistant professor of psychology, assessing variables of distance estimation.

Her fourth internship was completed conducting her own research study, evaluating the impact of mobile phones on romantic relationships. In addition to her work in the major, she also completed a minor in criminal justice.

Mummau also found time to pursue her passion as a member of the Women’s Soccer Team. Serving as co-caption of the NCAA Division III team was a highlight of her college career. From a young age, she was interested in playing soccer and had intended to continue the sport into college. She was appointed co-captain with two other teammates for the 2016 season. The trio led the Women’s Soccer Team to the most successful season in the team’s history. After winning the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC), the team made it to the third round in the NCAA Division III national tournament. With their impressive run, the team became the first program at Penn State Berks to earn a spot in the national rankings as they earned the No. 19 spot in the final NSCAA poll of the 2016 season.

“I think I’ve been successful here at Penn State Berks because I’ve found a career that I’m passionate about. If your heart is dedicated to something you love to do, then it’s never just work,” states Mummau. She also attributes much of her success to the faculty who have assisted with her academic studies.

In addition, Mummau was a Peer Academic Leader (PAL), providing hands-on assistance during anatomy and physiology laboratories under the supervision of Jacqueline Caporin, instructor in biology. She was also a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), where she participated in several community service initiatives, including helping to raise funds for breast cancer awareness, organizing food food drives, and volunteering once a month at the Greater Berks Food Bank.

During her time at the college, she has received the Chancellor's Scholarship, and academic awards for applied psychology research and excellence in anatomy and physiology. Mummau also made the Dean’s List every semester during her time at the college.

When asked about her future plans after graduation, Mummau states that she would like to pursue her doctorate in Clinical Psychology with the hopes of eventually working in a career in neuropsychology. She is currently applying to several graduate schools.