From launching a wedding planning business as a student to managing dozens of projects in the confectionery industry, Abigail Cannon's journey since graduating from Westminster College in 2024 is as dynamic as it is inspiring. A proud graduate of the school of business and the honors program (in only THREE years), she’s blended entrepreneurial passion with professional growth to carve out a career that’s both purposeful and fun. 

Tell us about your career path since graduating from Westminster. 

I graduated from Westminster in three years in May '24 from the school of business and honors program with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and a minor in entrepreneurship. Since then, I’ve grown my wedding & event planning business, Arch Events Co., which I started while I was a student at WC. Upon graduation and while still taking on weddings, I took a full-time position as an event Coordinator at a Pickleball company for a few months, left that position to work at a luxury floral design studio, and then took time during the winter months to continue to grow my business and explore career paths during late 2024. In January 2024, I took on a project coordinator role at Promise Confections and Edward Marc Brands (a candy manufacturing company here in Pittsburgh). Six months in, I was recently promoted to project manager, business development, where I handle contract manufacturing and get to work closely with private label brands. I currently oversee about 50 different projects between our two manufacturing facilities in Minnesota and Seattle. If you told me during my first year of college that I would be working in both the wedding industry AND the confectionery industry (both incredibly FUN), I wouldn’t have believed you! I am so grateful for these opportunities and could not be more excited to see where these experiences may lead!

Tell us about your experience completing your degree in just three years.

I would recommend the three-year degree route to everyone, especially those studying business. I've always been a go-getter, but once I took on internships and extra coursework during the summer and overloaded my schedule through the honors program, I knew graduating a year early would be possible. It was definitely challenging at times, but it grew me in the best ways. This was a personal decision – mostly because I knew I could find a way to do it and would benefit from the challenge. The benefits were not only financial, but this past year, I've used my "fourth year" to gain experience, explore different career paths, grow my small business, and live at home to save up for my future endeavors. This was by far the best decision I've ever made. I've been able to build a firm foundation to set myself up for success in the real world.

Where is your hometown and how did you discover WC? 

I grew up and currently reside in Bethel Park, PA. I first discovered Westminster when I was nominated for a scholarship through a WC school of education alum at Bethel Park High School (shoutout to Mr. Zehnder '11!) Before making a college decision, I had a lengthy list of schools I was set to tour, and I first toured Westminster. It was my first and ended up being my last tour. When I first stepped onto campus, I just knew it was the right school for me. I fell in love with the architecture and felt such an overwhelming sense of peace in the quiet corner of New Wilmington.

You were involved in a lot of activities on campus and still are in your post-grad life. How do you balance it all?

For me, balance comes from a sense of purpose and faith. I genuinely believe life is a gift, and we’re meant to live it fully—not just survive it. I try to say yes to the things that bring me joy, help me grow, or allow me to pour into others. My faith grounds me and reminds me that every opportunity can be meaningful if it's aligned with my purpose. Life is too short not to pursue what you love or to hold back out of fear or busyness. So when something I’m passionate about presents itself, I do my best to make space for it—whether it’s a leadership role, a creative outlet, or just being present with others. One of the verses I live by is, “Let all that you do be done in love.” If you’re passionate about something, you will do it tired. You will do it scared. You will find time for it, no matter the circumstance. It doesn’t always mean my schedule is easy, but it does mean it’s full of things that matter to me. How blessed are we to have our hands full! That’s what keeps me balanced and fulfilled.

Did you have a class or professor who made an impact on your life?

There were so many professors who made such a profound impact on my life. If it weren’t for Professor Eric Gaber, I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in today. He helped encourage me to take my business to the next level and was one of the most supportive mentors during my time at Westminster. 

What dorm and/or study spot was your favorite on campus?

My favorite study spot was sitting in an adirondack chair at the tree right in front of Old Main or the 3rd floor of McGill Library at sunset. I miss listening to the chime of the bells!

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

When I'm not planning weddings or managing confectionery productions, you'll find me exploring new walking trails, watching sports, finding new coffee shops with friends, spending time with my family, or traveling. Just this past year, my boyfriend, Zach, and I have traveled to Hilton Head Island, went to the Coca Cola 600 in Charlotte, explored Grand Rapids and Traverse City for the Cherry Festival, and hiked at Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan; followed Michigan State football to Ann Arbor and Maryland, and most recently, took a trip to Indianapolis for the Indy 500. Exploring new places is so important to me because you get to appreciate the little moments and treasures that make life more meaningful. Every new adventure reminds me how much there is to learn and appreciate beyond my everyday routine.

Professionally connect with Abigail on LinkedIn.

In 2025, Westminster College School of Business officially introduced the Degree in Three program.

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