Q&A Interview

Q: After twenty years of experience in working with alumni, what excites you most about this opportunity at Penn State?

This is the most passionate group of alumni I’ve ever met. The love that exists for the University from Penn Staters is truly second to none, and that is what energizes me and excites me for the opportunities ahead. We have a great program, but one that can be even better, and I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to dig in to make the PSAA and Penn State alumni relations the best-in-class programs that these passionate Penn Staters deserve.

Q: Under your leadership, what can alumni expect from the Alumni Association?

We will continue to respect, honor, and uphold Penn State traditions, while evolving to provide the value that a modern graduate expects. While we will not get away from core offerings like affiliate group programs and chapters, world-class events, and the Penn Stater magazine, we will also lean more into the space of alumni career services, volunteer opportunities, and digital/remote engagement.

Q: Penn State has the largest dues-paying alumni network in the world. How can Penn State students and alumni best leverage this network, in your opinion?

This one is easy – get involved! We offer myriad events, volunteer activities, alumni travel trips, and much more. However one gets involved, they will find themselves interacting with Penn Staters, growing their own network. A network is like a plant; it has to be tended to in order to bear fruit, and we create many great opportunities to do just that.

Q: Penn State has tens of thousands of alumni living and working abroad, whether those are international students who returned home (or went to a third country for work) or American expats who have made lives for themselves overseas. How do you view connecting with these global alumni as a part of the mission of the alumni association?

I want every Penn Stater connected. Not just those in in the commonwealth or those in the United States. Furthermore, I find it inspiring that our University has a global footprint that impacts and enhances the entire world. We want to hear and share your stories, help you remain connected to Penn State and each other, and provide the value that the PSAA has to offer. Please stay in touch and let us know how we can remain relevant to you!

Q: What’s surprised you most in your first couple of months working at Penn State?

Without a doubt it’s the passion of Penn Staters I mentioned before. So many folks care about this institution so deeply; in 20 years in this field I have never seen anything like it. Of course, that leads to a variety of opinions on how the University should remain connected with its alumni, but I welcome those conversations and the thoughtful input that I receive. This is your alumni association, and we are here to ensure that you are connected in a meaningful way.

Q: Anything else you would like to share with our global and international alumni?

I have a deep appreciation for those living outside the US, as my father is Peruvian and my mom grew up there. I love meeting people from different cultures who can share those experiences. I think we have a lot to learn from each other and I look forward to connecting with and learning from you.

DID YOU KNOW?

Our International Welcome Day event played out a little differently this year! After intense rain and flooding forced us to shift away from our originally-planned programming at the Penn State Arboretum, Penn State Global staff came together to clean and decorate the 4th floor of Boucke building. We hosted international students and their families wherever we could - in the hallways, in conference rooms, and in our offices! While not ideal, we were happy that Global staff got so much "face time" with students and parents - alongside all of the sweet treats, of course.

We also got to speak with some students about their hopes for their first year at Penn State. Check out the short video below!

Global Events and Gatherings

Penn State alumni are invited to reconnect with fellow Nittany Lions and hear the latest from Penn State Global during two special alumni events in Europe this November.

Join us in Munich, Germany, on Tuesday, November 10, or London, England, on Thursday, November 12. Both events will feature Dr. Jody Pritt, Interim Vice Provost for Penn State Global, who will share updates from the University and Penn State Global, including highlights from the year and a look ahead.

She will be joined by university faculty Michael Donovan, Mark Brennan, and Pete Allison, who will share their work around the globe.

Whether you graduated recently or decades ago, these gatherings are a great opportunity to meet fellow Penn Staters, strengthen connections, and stay engaged with your alma mater.



We hope you’ll join us and help us show that Penn State pride knows no borders!

Millionth Degree: Share Your Story!

Penn State has reached an incredible milestone: the awarding of its one-millionth degree. This moment is more than a number; it represents generations of students whose Penn State experiences have shaped their lives, careers, and communities around the world.

As we celebrate this milestone, we want to hear your Penn State stories. We’re looking for unique and inspiring experiences that showcase the many ways people became part of the Penn State family.

Do you, or someone you know, fit one of these stories?

• Multiple degrees or a return to Penn State: Do you hold two or more Penn State degrees? Did you earn a degree, leave, and later return for another degree—or come back to work at the University?
• Multigenerational and legacy families: Is Penn State a family tradition? We’re looking for families with multiple Penn Staters across generations, colleges, and campuses. We’d especially love to hear from families with a member who graduated in August 2026.
• A unique path to a Penn State degree: Did you return to school as an adult, earn your degree through World Campus from across the country, or world, or pursue Penn State after a military career or career change later in life?
• The power of the “We Are” network: Has a Penn State connection opened a door for you? Maybe you met a fellow Penn Stater by chance in another country, landed a job because someone spotted “Penn State” on your résumé, or discovered that a Penn State shirt sparked a conversation that changed your career.

Your story could help tell the larger story of Penn State’s first million degrees.

If you have a story to share or know someone whose Penn State journey deserves to be highlighted, we’d love to hear from you. Please send us a brief description of the story and your contact information at global-marcomm@psu.edu.

One million degrees. Countless stories. We want to hear yours. 

Virtual Global Careers Institute Sessions

Graduate School Gone Global (10/21/26)

Interested in continuing your education? Have you considered graduate and professional school options outside the United States? This session will provide you with an understanding of some options for how to pursue graduate school at universities outside of the United States. Hear from Penn Staters who have experience with degrees from global universities and get answers to your most pressing questions. This event will take place during Graduate & Professional School Week.

Global Entrepreneurship Careers: Alumni Stories (11/18/26)

Interested in entrepreneurial ventures with global impact or considering starting a business outside of your home country? This session will offer stories from Penn State alumni who have had career success in global entrepreneurship settings. This event will take place during Global Entrepreneurship Week!