JANUARY 2023 ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
Join Penn State Schuylkill for January alumni mixer
Ditch your cabin fever and join fellow Penn State Alumni at the upcoming winter mixer for a night of networking and mingling!

This event is being held on Thursday, Jan. 26, at 6 p.m. at Carmelo's Roman Delight in Orwigsburg.

This event is for alumni of classes from 2010 to 2022. This is going to be a fun evening and we have some surprises planned! 

Please reach out to Abbie Kaiser if you are interested in attending.
Featured alumni on campus for upcoming Career Chats
Each semester, Penn State Schuylkill's Alumni Relations office invites successful alumni to return to campus and speak with current students about their career journeys.

Tara Laubenstine, '20, attended Penn State Schuylkill and received a bachelor's degree in business and a minor in psychology. Laubenstine, an engaged student, remains connected to Penn State Schuylkill following her graduation in 2020 and the start of her career.

Laubenstine joined us in January to speak to Penn State Schuylkill students on how her career blends with her passions. Keep an eye out for a recap article coming soon!
Marcel Smith, '14, attended both Schuylkill and Berks campuses as part of the 2+2 program and received a bachelor's degree in theatre.

Smith pursued his dreams and became one of the first male NBA dance team members. Now he is making history as the first male co-captain of the Washington Wizards dance team.

Join us in person or via Zoom February 16 to hear Smith's journey at Penn State and throughout his career.

If you would like to share your career journey with current Penn Staters, contact Abbie Kaiser, alumni relations and stewardship officer, at [email protected] or 570-385-6262 to discuss potential Career Chat opportunities today.
Donations needed for THON Pick-a-Ticket Auction needed by January 25
Schuylkill Benefitting THON is seeking donations for their upcoming Pick-a-Ticket Auction held on Jan. 27 and 28, at the First United Church of Christ in Schuylkill Haven.

All proceeds from donations will be utilized towards Schuylkill Benefitting THON.

Gift certificates or basket donations will be accepted. To donate, contact Dominique Hughes.

Stay up to date with upcoming events on campus
Join Penn State Schuylkill for the Cooking Classic Season 3

Did you receive a new kitchen gadget this holiday season and are unsure of how to use it? Has some cooking electronic been collecting dust in the pantry? Did you make a New Year's resolution to prepare more meals at home? We've got you covered!

Join us for Season 3 of the Penn State Cooking Classic! The Penn State Cooking Classic is a collaborative, four-week event hosted by the campus' alumni society. Each Wednesday in February, participants will learn how to make delicious no-oven-needed recipes, with various dishes and cooking devices.

The Cooking Classic is an event series in support of Lions Pantries across the Commonwealth. Attendees are encouraged, but not required, to make a gift in support of students facing food insecurity across Penn State. We hope participants consider paying it forward to support students in need during an unprecedented time. Every $5 gift provides 20 or more meals – or may be used to help stock pantries with other basic-need items like toiletries and paper products. (Read more about Penn State Food Pantries here.)

Join campus partners at Business Etiquette Dinner

Penn State Schuylkill's annual Business Etiquette Dinner is being held Feb. 15, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the Health & Wellness building.

This event provides an interactive opportunity for students and participants to learn about proper etiquette and protocols when at a business meal.

Pre-registration is required to attend the event. Register here >

Contact Rosalie Yeager if you are interested in sponsorship or with any questions.
Penn State Alumni Association to host a Virtual Speaker Session Jan. 31

Join the Penn State Alumni Association for a Virtual Speaker Session on January 31, on "What Penn State Can Do for Your Startup or Current Business" featuring John Peterson.

Peterson, part of the Penn State Small Business Development Center, will highlight what his office does for Penn State and showcase some of the Invent Penn State initiatives.

These initiatives blend entrepreneurship-focused academic programs, business startup training, and incubation, funding for commercialization and industry collaborations to facilitate the process of turning research discoveries into valuable products and services that can benefit the Commonwealth and humankind.

There is no cost to attend the Speaker Session. Register here >
Support Penn State student funding

Capital Day 2023 is approaching quickly, and Penn State needs your support. Advocate on behalf of Penn State Schuylkill for necessary funds that will lower tuition for in-state students, increase opportunities for groundbreaking research, and ultimately stimulate the Commonwealth's economy.

Blue & White Society celebrated the holiday season with themed party

The Penn State Schuylkill Blue & White Society recently hosted their annual holiday party. Students gathered in the conference room to celebrate the holidays by making cards for our deployed troops, drinking hot chocolate, watching a festive movie, and wearing ugly sweaters!

Schuylkill Benefitting THON also joined in on the fun as they announced their THON 2023 dancers at the party!
Hartmut Heep hosted Penn State Alumni Association's tour, Holiday Markets~ The Festive Rhine River from Dec. 10 to Dec. 18

The Penn State Alumni Association sent Dr. Hartmut Heep overseas as a Tour Host to facilitate connections among members of the group and to maintain a sense of community with Penn State travelers.

The travelers spent an incredible week with fellow alumni from all walks of life. The group visited the Christmas markets of France and Germany, floated down the River Rhine and had a lecture on German history from Dr. Heep.
Intermediate Grant Writing course open to Penn State alumni, faculty, and staff at a discount

Penn State Schuylkill offers an Intermediate Grant Writing course taught by Erin E. Portland, Ed.D. This six-session intermediate-level course goes beyond exploring grant writing basics, and instructs participants in the application of a proactive approach to grant writing, while practicing proposal development activities.

This course is being taught in-person, and includes presentations, discussion, real-world examples, "stories from the field," practical strategies, tips, resources, and supplemental materials provided to each participant.

This course begins on Tuesday, April 11 and is an investment of $475. Please contact the office of cooperative and continuing education to receive the alumni discount code.

Digital Marketing Professional Certification Program open to Penn State alumni, faculty, and staff at a discount

Penn State Schuylkill offers a Digital Marketing Professional Certification Program with a dual certification through the American Marketing Association and the Digital Marketing Institute with two credentials: PCM® Digital Marketing and Certified Digital Marketing Professional.

The Digital Marketing Professional Certification Program provides education on the latest digital marketing skills needed to thrive in today's ever-evolving digital economy. With this dual certification, participants will be prepared to create a cohesive and effective online marketing strategy.

This program offers a hands-on learning experience that includes dynamic video presentations and practical learning activities. This program is a 30-hour, self-paced, online learning experience containing ten modules with in-depth coverage of all key digital marketing disciplines.

This program begins on the first of each month and is an investment of $1,899. Penn State Schuylkill is offering alumni a discount of 25%, using code SL25 during check out.

Alumni Relations provides opportunities for alumni to support the campus through advocacy, philanthropy, and student career preparation by providing expertise, mentoring, and internships. Current students become involved in these activities through the Blue & White Society to help them grow into engaged alumni.
For more information about Penn State Schuylkill alumni activities, contact Abigayle Kaiser, alumni relations and stewardship officer, at [email protected].
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. U.Ed. SLO 23-33