Department Updates

Welcoming the Newest Members of Allegheny College’s Omicron Delta Epsilon Honor Society

By April 29th 2026

Omicron Delta Epsilon Honor Society 2026 induction lunch

We’re excited to welcome the newest members of the Allegheny College chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon Honor Society.

Omicron Delta Epsilon (ODE) is the international honor society recognizing excellence in economics. ODE honors outstanding academic achievement while encouraging scholarship, leadership, and service, supporting members as they grow in their studies, careers, and communities. Membership is more than an accolade—it’s a lifetime credential that reflects dedication to economics and connects students to a global network of peers, faculty, and professionals.

Here are this year’s newest members:

Hemani Alaparthi
Charlie Hutton
Emmet Fluharty
Sydni Junker
Tanner Miller
Dyllan Mbane
Christian Hilliard
Aiden McGrory
Duru Akbas
Gasparo Porco
Miguel Orti Vila
Grant Miller
Jared Swisher
Emily Hildreth
Griffin Cates
Ritesh Ojha
Samantha Mura
Nicholas Banez
Mikko Horlsey
Kylie Upton
Owen Nelson
Shayan Colabawalla
Cole Litman
Faculty Advisor: Jill Waugh, Assistant Professor of Accounting

Why Join Omicron Delta Epsilon?

Becoming a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon (ODE) is more than an academic achievement. It’s a lifetime credential that showcases your dedication to the field of economics and connects you to a global network of top students, faculty, and professionals.

With over 700 chapters worldwide, ODE offers opportunities to publish your work, apply for exclusive scholarships, attend academic events, and gain recognition that sets you apart in your academic and professional journey.

Leadership Lessons from Gettysburg: Logan Lee ′26 Takes the High Ground

By January 20th 2026

Left, Britt Isenberg, Gettysburg Foundation Vice President of Community and Civic Engagement with Logan Lee

The Internship experience that inspires research, professional growth, and a deeper appreciation for preservation.

Logan Lee ′26, a Business major and Communications & Media minor, spent an unforgettable summer at Gettysburg—the site where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his iconic Gettysburg Address. Through the Higher Ground Leadership Experience, Logan combined his academic interests with hands-on leadership development.

As part of his internship, Logan authored “The Economic Ramifications of the Gettysburg Battle,” published in the December 2025 edition of Preservation & Progress, a Gettysburg Foundation publication. His research revealed the staggering economic toll on local citizens, who filed hundreds of damage claims for livestock, crops, tools, clothing, and homes. Logan writes, “As the smoke cleared on Independence Day in 1863, Gettysburg faced an uphill battle to reach normalcy, reconciliation and peace.” 

Carol Reardon ′74, Adjunct Professor of Civil War Era Studies at Gettysburg College commented, “During a quiet period for the Higher Ground Leadership Program that Logan helped to run this summer, the Gettysburg Foundation’s senior leadership challenged him to apply his economics and communication interests and skills to produce this [article]. Looks like he’s developing some history vibes, too!” 

Logan Reflects on His Experience

"The Economic Ramifications of the Gettysburg Battle" by Logan Lee '26
“The Economic Ramifications of the Gettysburg Battle” by Logan Lee ’26 – read the full article on pages 7-8 at this link

What inspired you to apply for the Gettysburg internship? 

“I was encouraged by Professor Ishita Roy, who believed the program would be an excellent fit for me, and a valuable step in my professional growth. Their confidence in my potential really motivated me to apply, and I’m incredibly grateful that I did.”

What surprised you the  most about spending the summer in Gettysburg? 

“Honestly, looking back, the biggest surprise was the abundance of deeply passionate individuals who both work and live in Gettysburg. Their dedication to preservation, education, and public history was inspiring. Being surrounded by people who truly embodied the idea of ‘never working a day in your life’ because they love what they do made a lasting impact on me”

Would you recommend the internship to other Allegheny students?

“Definitely, my summer in Gettysburg helped me grow both professionally and personally. The combination of meaningful work, mentorship, and the historical environment shaped my skills, confidence, and long-term career interests. I would strongly recommend this internship to my fellow peers.”

About the High Ground Leadership Experience @Gettysburg

The Higher Ground Leadership Experience, offered by the Gettysburg Foundation, transforms historic lessons into modern leadership strategies. Through legacies from the Civil War, participants discover enduring lessons in leading under pressure, navigating change, aligning missions, and turning historical insight into actionable leadership strategies.

Business and Economics Review – Summer 2025 Edition

By September 2nd 2025

We’re proud to share the latest issue of the Business & Economics Review, highlighting student achievements, alumni impact, and faculty excellence.

Inside this issue:

  • Leadership & Law: Executive in Residence Karen Skarupski ’83 shares career insights

  • Innovation in Action: Students compete for $30,000 at the Zingale Big Idea Competition

  • Career Preparation: Internships that offer mentorship, culture, and compensation

  • Global Learning: Study away in Germany, economics research at the Cleveland Fed

  • Community Impact: VITA program prepares $158K in tax refunds for Meadville

  • Faculty Excellence: Peer-reviewed publications on food policy, credit flows & inequality

  • Student Honors & WiBE Relaunch: Celebrating academic excellence and inclusive leadership

Download the full Summer 2025 issue here:

Business & Economics Review (PDF)

Lauren Schuch ’26 Discovers Confidence, Culture, and Connections Abroad

By August 26th 2025

This past summer, Lauren Schuch '26 spent a semester studying abroad in Germany—an experience that was both academically enriching and personally transformative. From advancing German language skills to taking courses ranging from AI in German business to Indigenous Studies, the opportunity expanded perspectives far beyond the classroom.
Lauren poses with her student cohort group in Germany

This summer, Lauren contintued her study away journey in Cologne, Germany. She is rejoining us on campus this fall and resuming her service as a CBE Fellow – we had to ask…

What was it like spending the summer in Germany?

Lauren Schuch '26Lauren: This past summer, I was overseas studying for a semester in Germany. It was a wonderful opportunity both academically and personally. Not only did I improve my German language skills, but I was also able to take a variety of courses in different disciplines. The experience allowed me to grow in an unfamiliar environment and meet new friends from around the world.

How did you discover this opportunity?

Lauren: Allegheny! I always knew I wanted to study abroad, and Allegheny provided that opportunity.The study abroad department was a great resource in making this experience happen.

What were your duties, or what did you study/learn/discover?

Lauren: As I mentioned, I took a variety of courses while abroad. These ranged from AI in German business to doing Indigenous Studies. I was also able to continue my studies in the German language, interacting with it firsthand with native speakers and those at my level. I also learned the culture and history of the city I lived in and the places I traveled to.

Would you recommend this opportunity to another Allegheny student?

Lauren: Definitely! It was not only a valuable academic endeavor but also a meaningful personal experience. I had to live on my own in a whole new culture, and I was able to grow because of it. It was very daunting at first, but I am so glad I took the chance and went. My advice is to do it if you are able to. It doesn’t matter where in the world you go, the experience and the people you meet are invaluable.

Lauren Schuch ’26 is an International Studies and Business double major. She serves as a CBE Fellow, Co-President of the Women in Business and Economic Club and an active member of the International Club.

The Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business and Economics (CBE) prepares Allegheny College students to succeed in a diverse, global economy.

Turning Conferences into Careers: How Gabriel Saccoccio ‘27 Found His Internship Abroad

By August 18th 2025

Gabriel Salvatore Xavier Saccoccio '27
Gabriel Salvatore Xavier Saccoccio ’27

A chance meeting at a student conference opened the door to a summer at Latin America’s largest investment bank.

Gabriel Salvatore Xavier Saccoccio, a rising junior majoring in computer science and minoring in economics, spent his summer interning at BTG Pactual in Brazil after connecting with recruiters through the Brazilian Student Association’s annual conference. We asked Gabriel:

Where did you intern this summer?

This summer, I interned at BTG Pactual, the largest investment bank in Latin America. I worked with the IT Legal team to help modernize systems that manage thousands of legal cases involving the bank.

How did you discover this opportunity?

I discovered the opportunity through BRASA, the Brazilian Student Association, during its annual conference at Columbia University in October 2024. The event included a career fair that connects Brazilian students studying abroad with top companies, and it was a great chance to speak directly with recruiters from BTG.

What were your duties and what did you study/learn/discover?

I supported the IT Legal team on projects focused on improving how the bank manages its legal cases. My work helped streamline internal processes, making it easier for teams to track case updates, deadlines, and financial information. I collaborated with different departments and contributed to tools that made the bank’s legal operations more efficient and accurate. This experience gave me valuable insight into how technology supports legal and compliance work in a major financial institution.

Would you recommend this opportunity to another Allegheny student?

While the internship is tailored for Brazilian students, BTG does have branches in New York and Miami. I strongly recommend attending conferences that resonate with your interests, as they’re a powerful way to connect with recruiters and professionals face-to-face, which can lead to opportunities you might not find otherwise.

Gabriel serves the department as a CBE Fellow, speaks four languages and is a first place winner in the Financial Literacy Challenge.  He will study away during the fall 2025 semester in Madrid, Spain.

The Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business and Economics (CBE) prepares Allegheny College students to succeed in a diverse, global economy.

New for Fall 2025: Microcredentials!

By July 29th 2025

Starting this fall, the Business and Economics Department is offering a new series of microcredentials designed to help students stand out in today’s competitive job and graduate school markets.

These digital badges recognize verified skills and competencies earned through existing coursework and hands-on experiences. The first four microcredentials — Accounting, Finance, Investing, and Tax Fundamentals — offers students tangible proof of their expertise in high-demand areas, from financial analysis to real-world tax preparation. By earning these credentials, students can demonstrate their readiness to employers and admissions committees alike, boosting their visibility and credibility in application processes that increasingly rely on data-driven hiring tools.

Accounting

The accounting microcredential provides foundational knowledge of accounting processes and methodologies. Students develop an understanding of accounting principles such as recording transactions, presenting financial information, and analyzing costs.

Finance

Finance equips students with the tools and methodologies employed by finance professionals. Upon completing this microcredential, students will understand the role of financial markets in the economy, how interest rates are determined, how risk affects the price and expected return of a financial asset, and will be able to analyze investment decisions. 

Investing

Investing equips students with the tools and methodologies employed to value assets. Upon completing this microcredential, students will understand how risk and interest rates influence the pricing of financial assets, and will be able to generate reports on firms, including equity recommendations employed to value assets. Upon completing this microcredential, students will understand how risk and interest rates influence the pricing of financial assets, and will be able to generate reports on firms, including equity recommendation

Tax Fundamentals

The tax fundamentals microcredential provides a working knowledge of accounting fundamentals, tax law, and tax preparation. Students receive training and hands-on preparation experience by preparing individual tax returns and reviewing those returns over two semesters of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Internship. The first time the students take the internship, they are certified as Preparers, and the second time they are certified as Preparers/Reviewers.

For more information on our full list of microcredentials and their course requirements, visit the Academic Bulletin for 2025/2026

Allegheny College Research Seminar Series (ACRoSS) Sets the Stage for Bringing Ideas to Life: Student Uses Visual Storytelling to Illustrate a Graphic Novel to Promote Understanding of Economic Theory

By July 15th 2025

Allegheny College ACRoSS summer research luncheon features presentations from student researchers. Aldrich Simon (’27) discusses “The Paper Bell: Graphic Noveling Economic Fiction,” July 8, 2025. Photo by Ed Mailliard.
Assistant Professor Chris Finaret and Aldrich Simon ’27

Aldrich Simon ’27, a studio art and communication major, presented a short overview of his creative project, The Paper Bell: Graphic Noveling Economic Fiction at this year’s summer research seminar program (URSCA). The book he is illustrating blends storytelling with economic theory to create an illustrated companion novel for the course ECON 256: Economic Development.

Mentored by CBE Co-Director and Assistant Professor of Economics Chris Finaret, Aldrich is illustrating a 77,000-word work of second-world magical realism written to complement Why Nations Fail, the acclaimed book by 2024 Nobel Laureates Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson.

“In an effort to celebrate reading and reinforce course themes, I’m using a companion novel to enhance the understanding of Why Nations Fail,” said Finaret. “Entire passages in The Paper Bell are inspired by specific case studies from the text. It’s more than supplementing coursework with historical fiction—it’s reimagining how students engage with complex global issues.”

Set in a richly imagined world, The Paper Bell follows Kedi, a younger sibling who learns he’s not the main character, and the Witches of Lorango, the true heroes of a family saga rooted in survival, power, and change. According to Prof. Finaret,  “Again, URSCA has created an opportunity for a student and I to enrich a project centered around teaching and art. Where else are students treated to bespoke economic fiction, tailored for their course and brimming with classy art by a student peer? Truly another expression in Allegheny College’s liberal arts tradition. I can’t wait to teach The Paper Bell in Economic Development this Fall.”

The novel will be privately published for classroom use, with a limited number of copies available at Tattered Corners bookstore in Meadville during the Fall 2025 semester.

This opportunity for student/faculty collaboration has been made possible through the Office of Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities (URSCA).  URSCA’s mission is to promote student research, organize on-campus presentations of student projects, and provide information and support to students who present their projects off-campus. Learn more about URSCA at https://sites.allegheny.edu/undergraduate-research-scholarship-creative-activities/

Your Career Roadmap: Exploring Business and Economics at Allegheny College

By July 7th 2025

Your Career Roadmap: Exploring Business and Economics at Allegheny CollegeWhat can you do with a degree in business or economics? At Allegheny College, the answer is — more than you might imagine.

To help students explore the wide range of opportunities available—both during their time at Allegheny and after graduation—the Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business and Economics has developed a comprehensive Roadmap for Business and Economics Students.

This guide isn’t just about choosing a major—it’s about building a life. It’s designed to help students assess their skills and interests, set meaningful goals, connect with mentors, and make informed choices about internships, research, graduate school, and career paths.

Whether you’re a prospective student, a current Gator, or a proud alum looking to mentor the next generation, the Roadmap is filled with insights and tools to guide the journey.

Download the full guide to start planning your future today.

Colin Elder ’25 spent the summer as a Data Science Intern on the Business Intelligence team at Sheetz, Inc.

By September 11th 2024

Colin Elder ’25, an  Economics and Data Science double major spent the summer as a Data Science Intern on the Business Intelligence team at Sheetz, Inc. a top-tier convenience and customer service retail company with 675 locations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina.

We asked Colin…

How did you learn about this opportunity?

Colin: It’s pretty simple – I found this internship on LinkedIn.

What are your duties?

Colin: I do data analysis on both the product and store level for Sheetz. Some projects I worked on include evaluating how price changes of goods have affected sales, as well as a store segmentation project. Grouping stores with similar characteristics allows Sheetz to target marketing towards specific segments as well as optimize pricing and distribution of products.

Would you recommend this internship to other students?

Colin: Absolutely. Sheetz is a fantastic family-owned company that cares about their employees and makes sure their interns get involved. If Data Science is not something you are interested in, there are plenty of other opportunities for students- there were almost 50 interns throughout the company this summer.

Colin Elder is a CBE Fellow, scheduled to graduate in May 2025. He serves as the service/philanthropy chair for the Allegheny chapter of Delta Tau Delta and plays the position of winger on the Allegheny men’s soccer team.

The Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business and Economics (CBE) prepares Allegheny College students to succeed in a diverse, global economy.

CBE Fellow Nick Tysiachney Attains Specialized Knowledge of Supply Chain Management at Acutec Precision Aerospace

By September 4th 2024

Nicholas Tysiachney '25
Nicholas Tysiachney ’25

Nicholas Tysiachney ’25, an Economics major and Data Science minor at Allegheny College, is participating in an ongoing internship in the Supply Chain department at Acutec Precision Aerospace, an award-winning, family and employee-owned manufacturer of critical components and subassemblies for aerospace and defense applications.

We asked Nick…

How did you learn about this opportunity?

Nick: I connected with Acutec’s Human Resources Director and Allegheny alumnus Austin Rock ’14, through my advisor,  Professor of Economics Russ Ormiston.

What are your duties?

Nick:  I assist with  purchasing consumables, basically anything that doesn’t end up inside of a part. Since I started in October 2023, I’ve purchased more than $2 million worth of goods. I also work on automating business processes to make them more efficient for everyone in the department. In that area of responsibility, I’ve developed more than 28 separate automations across 10 automation families.

Would you recommend this internship to another student?

Nick: Absolutely, if not this internship, then there are many others at Acutec. I feel that Acutec is good at giving people what they can handle in an internship. If you show promise, you can do more, if you are younger or less experienced, they will work with you. I will be happy to talk to anyone about internship opportunities.

Nicholas Tysiachney is scheduled to graduate in May 2025.  A commuting student, he serves as a CBE Fellow and takes advantage of the Wise Center Athletics Center while on campus. Off-campus, he’s continues to work at Acutec in Meadville.

The Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business and Economics (CBE) prepares Allegheny College students to succeed in a diverse, global economy.