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Zoe Stauffer’s fondness of lacrosse brought her to Lycoming College, but after meeting with Mike Smith, Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematical science, she was certain that Lycoming was the place that could provide her with the small-college experience she was seeking. Topped with a Skeath Scholars award to help cover the costs of an internship, the offer was irresistible.
During the past several years, Lycoming has deepened its long-standing commitment to STEM programs and facilities to help ensure our nation’s youth are prepared to research, analyze, and solve some of the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. The Frances Knights Skeath STEM Scholars Program advances these ideals by awarding merit-based scholarships to select students planning to major in a STEM field. Skeath Scholars are awarded a stipend of up to $5,000 in support of a STEM-based enhanced academic experience; housing in the first-year STEM Residential Community; enhanced career advising; and mentors.
Stauffer’s parents both work in the insurance industry, and recognizing their daughter’s love of mathematics, suggested she look into actuarial science. She soon discovered how closely aligned math is with Lycoming’s actuarial science program and decided to combine the two for a double major, with minors in Spanish and quantitative economics – a unique combination made possible by Lycoming’s curricular flexibility.
"My Skeath scholarship definitely helped me achieve my academic and career goals. The money that came with the award offset the costs of gaining professional experiences and helped pay for actuary exam study materials and exam fees, which can be very costly."
As an aspiring actuarial analyst, and one who was coming into her senior year, Stauffer decided to get some real-world experience during the summer of 2023. After applying to a number of internships, she landed an interview and then a summer position with Benecon, a leading developer and manager of self-funded medical benefit programs, in her hometown of Lititz, Pa. As an intern in the company’s actuarial department, Stauffer job-shadowed for the first few weeks in positions ranging from underwriting up through actuary. She completed specialty projects, such as creating Excel workbooks, and used her education to work through hurdles to job completion.
All of this led to a job offer at the same company, which Stauffer will begin following commencement exercises. The next step toward a career as an actuary is to pass a series of exams, for which Stauffer has already begun studying.
“My Skeath scholarship definitely helped me achieve my academic and career goals. The money that came with the award offset the costs of gaining professional experiences and helped pay for actuary exam study materials and exam fees, which can be very costly,” explained Stauffer. “That cushion has allowed me to focus on studying for exams without the financial stress that often accompanies it.”
Stauffer has remained highly active on campus since her freshman year, playing on the women’s lacrosse team, tutoring students in Spanish and math, serving on Student Senate, and working as a course assistant and as an orientation guide. She is currently treasurer of the Class of 2024, and is a current member of several honor societies, including Chi Alpha Sigma (athletics); Phi Sigma Iota (languages); Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership); Omicron Delta Epsilon (economics), where she also previously served as treasurer; and Kappa Mus Epsilon (math), where she is current treasurer.
“I’m grateful for the Lycoming small school experience because it’s allowed me to play lacrosse while still pursuing other cocurricular activities, all while maintaining a high grade point average,” said Stauffer. “None of this would have been possible at a larger school.”
“I came to Lycoming for Lacrosse, but with the Skeath Scholarship, it was obvious that I was going to get more bang for my buck,” she added.