CSCR names NASPO Scholarship recipients

The Center for Supply Chain Research (CSCR) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) Scholarship. Nicholas Marcolongo and McKenna Fritz, both Penn State Smeal College of Business supply chain students, have been selected based on their academic excellence and interest in a career in public procurement.

NASPO is dedicated to advancing public procurement through leadership, excellence, and integrity. The organization is made up of the directors of the central purchasing offices in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of the United States.

The NASPO-sponsored opportunity provides funding for students interested in a career in public procurement. Each year, the non-profit association provides CSCR with $5,000 in funding to be awarded to eligible recipients.

Photo of McKenna Fritz

McKenna Fritz, SCIS ’23

For Fritz, pursuing the scholarship was a natural next step in a journey she began in fall 2022 when she attended the annual NASPO Conference.

“There I was able to listen to some great keynote speakers and connect with current NASPO members who were happy to share their experience working in public procurement,” said Fritz. “The opportunity opened my eyes to public procurement and where it may fit in to my future.”

As a supply chain and information system junior who is minoring in information systems management, pursuing a certificate in Real Estate Analysis and Development, and planning to graduate early in December 2023—Fritz is no stranger to a challenge. Which is why, perhaps, she was drawn to procurement in the first place.

“Procurement interests me because it offers the opportunity to work with a variety of people and businesses, both within and outside of your organization,” she said.

“It is a challenging and rewarding job for those who enjoy problem solving and working with others. I love the opportunity to negotiate for goods and services and find the data to support the negotiations.”

Photo of Nick Marcolongo

Nicholas Marcolongo, SCIS ’24

Marcolongo, a third-year supply chain and information systems student minoring in information systems management, has been working in an indirect procurement role over the past year and credits the experience to exposing him to procurement as a future career.

“Procurement is important to ensuring that items and services are properly acquired to help projects, processes, and businesses move forward efficiently and effectively. Without procurement, it would be impossible for most business operations to function,” said Marcolongo.

“I have always wanted to make sure whatever work I do consists of real purpose and involves giving back in some capacity from being sustainable and environmentally friendly, to evoking real change that gives back to the community,” he added.

While on track to graduate early in winter 2023, Marcolongo is taking a global approach to preparing for his career. He plans to study abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark and London, England to gain new cultural experiences and add international work experience to his resume. Upon returning from his studies, he plans to graduate back on time with his class in spring of 2024.

These young professionals’ aspirations reach beyond the classroom and the NASPO funding will aid their endeavors and provide some financial relief.

“Receiving this scholarship has assisted me in my academic pursuits by allowing me to focus on my education without the burden of financial costs,” said Fritz.

And as someone who is funding much of his college education, Marcolongo agrees—citing the scholarship as enabling him to capitalize on other parts of his education.

“I also feel inspired to get involved with the Center of Supply Chain Research, starting with becoming a research project mentor through my supply chain honor society, Sigma Chi Mu Tau, he said. “This scholarship will help me in pursuing my goals, finishing my degree, and leaving Penn State with confidence in my financial situation.”

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