Doing It All
David Richards, a rising senior from Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, is using every opportunity to make an impact at the University and set himself up for success.
Blending Tech and Business
When exploring majors, Richards knew only that he wanted to connect his interests in technology and business. After meeting with Teaching Professor Rosalie Ocker during a campus visit and learning about the college’s BS in Enterprise Technology Integration, he was sold.
“She actually taught my first college class," he said. "I came in with no coding and little technology experience, but she and the learning assistants met me where I was to make the content digestible and help me progress. It was great to know that there are resources and people there to support you no matter where you are in your IST journey.”
Richards recognizes that support—which he now extends to current and future students as an IST Diplomat—as essential to his success.
“The college’s relatively smaller size is a huge strength,” he said. “Getting to know the faculty, having student support staff be responsive to my schedule and needs, and just being able to build that student community has made my time unforgettable.”
“Getting to know the faculty, having student support staff be responsive to my schedule and needs, and just being able to build that student community has made my time unforgettable.”
David Richards '26
Football Videographer
For many students, football is a big part of the Penn State experience. But while most fans are cheering from the stands, Richards is hustling on the sidelines, ensuring every play is captured from the perfect angle. As a student video manager for the Penn State football team since 2023, he has spent countless hours filming practices, managing technology, and traveling with the team. From ensuring connectivity of sideline iPads to helping coaches analyze game footage in real time, Richard’s work isn’t flashy, but it’s vital.
“Time management is critical because our in-game work depends on what’s happening on the field, which can change in an instant,” he said. “I don’t get to see a lot of the game while I’m focused on my work, but I love the moments where I get to be right in the action, and it’s awesome to make a meaningful contribution to the program.”
Honors Scholar
As a Schreyer Honors Scholar, Richards must balance his campus experiences with a rigorous course load and service on the Schreyer Student Council (in 2024, he represented the organization as a dancer in THON). Now, entering his final year, he’s narrowing his focus to dive deep into his honors thesis.
“I’m conducting a qualitative study to understand people's perspectives on wearable technology in sports. It’s exciting to be able to connect my IST experience with what I observe through my work with the football team.”
Presidential Leader
Before stepping onto campus, Richards knew there was one experience he wanted to pursue: Penn State’s Presidential Leadership Academy. Now, as a member, he’s gained firsthand insight into leadership through courses, conversations with University administrators, and workshops on current challenges. “One day, we’re brainstorming solutions with President Bendapudi, the next we’re hearing from her chief of staff or the athletic director or the CIO of Moderna,” he said. “These experiences are about learning from, but also among, great leaders. The community I’ve found through the Academy has been one of the most rewarding parts of my Penn State experience.”
What's Next
This summer, Richards worked as an operations and logistics intern with DHL Supply Chain in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He was excited to explore an industry outside of IT, enhance his business knowledge, and learn from an industry-leading company. As for what he’ll be doing after graduation, Richards—for the first time in four years—is excited to not have a formal plan.
“I want to work with people, to be the communicator between tech and business,” he said. “I’m open to different industries and different roles, but I’m most excited to just focus on what’s in front of me and let everything else fall into place."
