Juniata Junior Studying Geology Receives Finnegan Fellowship
(Posted March 27, 2017)
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HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- David Welsch, a junior at Juniata College from State College, Pa., studying environmental geology, received a Finnegan Fellowship from the James A. Finnegan Foundation that funds a 10-week paid internship in a Pennsylvania state agency in Harrisburg, Pa.
Welsch, the son of David Welsch and Lisa Novak, also of State College, received the internship on the strength of an essay, letters of recommendation, college transcripts and extracurricular activities. Welsch is a 2014 graduate of State College Area High School.
Welsch, who earned the rank of Eagle Scout, has been active on campus while at Juniata and plans to spend fall semester 2017 studying abroad at the Catholic University of Lille, in Lille, France.
In addition, he is currently working on a research project with Ryan Mathur, professor of geology, testing area streams for concentrations of various compounds. He will present this research April 20 at the college’s Liberal Arts Symposium.
Welsch plays viola in the Juniata College Orchestra and is the president of the Juniata Brewing Club. He also is a member of the Soccer Club and the Apiary Club.
"The faculty here are always willing to talk. It's a huge weight off my shoulders to have someone who has been along the same path and knows the way."
David Welsch, junior, State College, Pa.
“I’ve always believed the government is the best-equipped organization to tackle environmental problems and I fundamentally believe that government should take care of its citizens,” Welsch says. “Creating meaningful change working within a state agency would be the best way to change things for the better. The faculty here are always willing to talk. It’s a huge weight off my shoulders to have someone who has been along the same path and knows the way.”
The James A. Finnegan Foundation was established in 1960 to honor the memory of James A. Finnegan, Secretary of Pennsylvania from 1955 to 1958. Finnegan fellowships have been awarded since 1960. Finnegan served under Pennsylvania Gov. George M. Leader. Prior to his service as Secretary, Finnegan was president of the Philadelphia City Council from 1951 to 1955.
Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.