“Penn State has always been my first choice,” Betti said. “The business program’s strength and reputation, along with internship opportunities and real-world experience, made it the ideal place to begin my studies.”

He said the Scranton campus appealed to him because of its close-knit atmosphere and personalized student support.

“I was drawn to the strong sense of community on the Scranton campus and to the University’s commitment to student support. I value starting at a smaller campus where faculty will know me, invest in me, and genuinely want me to succeed,” Betti said.

Betti hopes to use his education to make a difference in northeastern Pennsylvania.

“As I pursue a degree in finance, I aim to develop the expertise to support small businesses, expand access to financial services, and contribute to community development,” he said. “Ultimately, I want to apply what I learn to help strengthen the local economy and create opportunities for the next generation.”

Looking ahead, Betti plans to continue building on the values that have guided his academic and community involvement.

“Lackawanna County has many strengths — small businesses that form the backbone of our towns, families working hard to build stability, and local organizations committed to helping our communities grow,” Betti said. “With a finance degree, I hope to contribute meaningfully to that growth.”