Student Spotlight & Honors

Michael Carroll, Class of 2026

Major: Finance & Accounting
Post-Graduation Plan: EY Audit

Michael Carroll is from Yardley, PA. He graduated in May 2026 with a B.S. in Finance and Accounting and an impressive 4.0 GPA. He is a graduate of the Smeal Corporate Finance Boot Camp and served as the Accounting student marshal at spring 2026 commencement. Michael received the Future Leaders Scholarship from the Schreyer Honors College and was also named an Evan Pugh Senior Scholar.

In his time at Penn State, Michael was the Co-Executive Director of the Schreyer Scholar Ambassadors for two years and was also a member of the Phi Beta Lambda business fraternity. He credits Professor Shelley Curling’s ACCTG 211H class for setting him on the accounting path, and Professor Delina Agnosteva through the CFBC for an introduction to the corporate finance world.

Michael is working for EY post-graduation and has passed all four sections of the CPA Exam (tentative).

Abaigeal O’Shea, Class of 2026

Major: Finance & Information Systems Management
Post-Graduation: J.P. Morgan

Abaigeal O’Shea, from Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, is graduating with a degree in Finance with a minor in Information Systems Management.

A member of the Penn State Lionettes, Abaigeal served as captain in her junior and senior years, while also appearing on the Dean’s List each semester at Penn State.

Abaigeal was also a member of the Phi Gamma Nu Professional Development Organization and was a student volunteer on various THON committees. She completed competitive internships with ALDI and J.P. Morgan while emphasizing the importance of human connection and teamwork throughout her Penn State experience.

She will begin her career as a Corporate Analyst at J.P. Morgan in New York City as part of their Corporate Analyst Rotational Program.

Payton Limkakeng, Class of 2026

Major: Finance
Award: President Walker Award
Post-Graduation Plan: Goldman Sachs, Investment Banking (M&A Structuring)

Payton Limkakeng (2026) Finance is from Pleasanton, CA, and attended University Park from the start. A recipient of the President Walker Award, Payton served as Head of PAG and AVP of Outreach in the Nittany Lion Fund and as Co-Director of the Penn State Investment Association. Beyond the Fund and the Wall Street Boot Camp, Payton was involved in Lion Ambassadors, the Sapphire Leadership Academic Program, and THON, and credits Dr. Woolridge and the Nittany Lion Fund as the most transformative part of an undergraduate career at Smeal. Following a summer internship with Goldman Sachs, Payton returns full time to the firm's M&A Structuring group, which advises on business separations such as spin-offs, divestitures, and carve-outs.