I am Stamatis Zeris and I will be graduating this spring with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Religion. I was recently accepted at Penn State University College of Medicine in Hershey, PA. I chose Lycoming College because of the great opportunities that it affords in the field of biology. The encouragement and support given to pre-medical students at Lycoming is a key to our success.

At Lycoming I have performed research with Dr. Morrison on the development of neurons in the brain known as Purkinje cells. While completing this research I was able to utilize Lycoming's state of the art equipment such as the sterile tissue culture room and new Nikon research-grade microscope. I have also gained experience as an endoscopy technician at Morristown Memorial Hospital and volunteered as an emergency medical technician for my local ambulance squad in New Jersey. As an endoscopy technician, I assisted the physician and the nurse during endoscopic procedures and played an important role in the care of the patients who passed through our halls. All these experiences have reaffirmed my commitment to science and medicine.

Community service is an important part of Lycoming College student life. As a Community Service Scholar I am the student leader in charge of Hand in Hand. Hand in Hand is an event in which Special Olympics athletes participate in a day of fun with Lycoming students. What impressed me most about the event is that everyone leaves with a smile, including students and Special Olympics athletes. I have also been a Search leader on campus. Search is a Christian retreat held annually. These experiences have instilled within me a sense of responsibility to the community that I will never forget. At Lycoming I have been able to integrate my love of science, religious beliefs, and humanitarian goals in my college experience.

Hello! My name is Kelli Beitler, and I am from Coatesville, Pennsylvania. I am currently completing my junior year of study at Lycoming, and I am a pre-med biology major with a chemistry minor. I am working toward my ultimate goal of becoming a physician specializing in obstetrics and women's health.

For me, the choice to pursue a career in medicine has been essentially instinctual. My parents can attest to my gauze-wrapped teddy bears and bandaged Barbies in earlier days of youth. Although my educational training has progressed, my focus has never wavered. Throughout high school and during summers, I have volunteered extensively at the Veterans Association and local hospitals in my hometown. The practice of combining my intellectual love of the sciences with my deeply-rooted desire to connect with other people has brought me great fulfillment and only emphasized medicine as my career choice. During my senior year of high school, I searched for a college that would help me develop my personal strengths and grow as a young adult. Upon visiting Lycoming College, I knew I had found the perfect fit.

The decision to attend Lycoming College has been the wisest decision I have ever made. The professors in both the biology and chemistry departments have helped me grow as a student, person, and future physician. My fellow students are not only my classmates, they are my closest friends. Bonding over organic chemistry in the wee hours of the morning only strengthens these unique friendships. Intellectually, I am constantly being encouraged by my professors and peers to expand my knowledge and seek out new ways of solving problems. My extensive work in both the library and the laboratory has made me confident in my scientific ability and eager to begin the next step of my medical journey.

I am optimistically anticipating my future as a physician, knowing that Lycoming College has provided me with a firm foundation upon which to build my future medical career.

Hello! I am Steve Hawley, a biology pre-med major with a minor in Spanish. Not too long ago I was looking for a college that would help me achieve my goals and a place where I would feel comfortable. The first time I visited Lycoming in person, I liked what I saw and the people I met. After I enrolled here, my eyes were opened to the endless opportunities that our campus offers.

Our faculty promotes experiences not only inside the classroom but also within the community. All four years at Lycoming, I had the opportunity to act as an usher at the Little League World Series. This was not only a community service, but I had an enjoyable time while helping others. During my sophomore and junior years, I had the opportunity to participate in several internships, one at a medical school in Cleveland, Ohio, and another in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which helped to solidify my desire to pursue a career as a physician. The hands-on experience at the two different medical schools confirmed my initial interest and strengthened my desire to pursue a career in Podiatric Medicine. Another opportunity made available to me at Lycoming, which I took advantage of, was spending my summer in Cuenca, Ecuador. In Cuenca, I was able to use the Spanish that I had learned in college, as well as experience the medical care of a different country while volunteering at a public hospital. This trip was partially funded by a scholarship that I was awarded through Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society.

In addition to these interesting off campus activities, Lycoming offers many on campus activities. For example, I am a member of the varsity swimming team and have achieved NCAA qualifying standard times along with Academic All-American status. I have been president of the Pre-Health Society and have been able to bring in members of the medical community, including many Lycoming graduates, to speak about their experiences in the medical field. I have also lead fundraisers to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation as well as Operation Christmas Child.

My experiences here at Lycoming have been nothing short of amazing! These experiences have given me a solid foundation that will continue to aid me in medical school as well as when I become a physician. The choice to continue my education at Lycoming was one of the best choices I have ever made.