EC
Emerald Chotalal
  • Class of 2012
  • Brynmawr

Emerald Chotalal Receives bachelor of arts degree in communications from Penn State Brandywine

2013 Jan 22

Emerald Chotalal, of Brynmawr, received a bachelor of arts degree in communications from The Pennsylvania State University, Brandywine campus during its fall 2012 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012.

Chotalal was among more than 80 local students to receive a degree from the campus. "Make sure your career supports your goals, not the other way around," said fellow Penn Stater and Commencement keynote speaker Mike Arata.

Arata, an Upper Darby native, reminisced on his Penn State days, while assuring the graduates that graduation was just the beginning. "The scoreboard is reset for all of you today," he said. "Your degree will always be one of your greatest achievements, but it is part of a bigger picture."

Arata attended the campus for two years before earning his degree in aerospace engineering at University Park in 1991. He began working at United Airlines after graduation and has spent his career moving up the ranks. In his present role, Arata oversees the airworthiness and configuration of the fleet of more than 700 Boeing and Airbus aircraft for the world's largest airline. His team defines the technical requirements and modifications that ensure the aircraft and engines are maintained to the highest levels of safety and reliability.

For more information about Penn State Brandywine, visit www.bw.psu.edu.