Second Sheetz Fellows Class Inducted at Penn State Altoona

ALTOONA, Pa. -- Six Penn State Altoona students have become the second class of Sheetz Fellows, an advanced business program founded by Stephen G. Sheetz.

Sheetz is a 1969 Penn State graduate and former Penn State Altoona student. He is the family council chairman of Sheetz Inc., an Altoona-based convenience store chain.

The second class of Sheetz Fellows was inducted during a ceremony in the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence on Feb. 16. All six inductees share an academic focus on management and marketing. Five of the six are also pursuing a course of study in entrepreneurship, according to Penn State University.

"Just as you must blaze your own trail to professional achievement based on personal goals, ambitions, and dreams, in the final analysis, you are the only individual who has the right to judge the degree to which you have achieved success," Sheetz said during the event. "Some day, when contemplating your impact as a professional, as an engaged citizen, as an involved parent, or as a community volunteer -- perhaps all of these -- you will be most true to yourself if you measure your success by your own standards."

Sheetz and his wife Nancy launched the Sheetz Fellows Program with a $3-million gift to the university in 2009. Program members must meet established academic standards and complete a study abroad experience, credit-bearing internship, ethics course, one-year community service commitment, and a self-sponsored research or creative project. As seniors, the Sheetz Fellows will be paired with successful business executives and entrepreneurs who will serve as mentors, as CSNews Online previously reported.

"I express sincere gratitude to Steve and Nancy for continuously demonstrating their support for our students and the interests of our college through word and deed," said Chancellor Lori J. Bechtel-Wherry. "I congratulate each of our Sheetz Fellows for pursuing this extraordinary opportunity and express best wishes for continued academic success."

Penn State Altoona inducted the first class of eight Sheetz Fellows in early 2012.