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AKS Awards $3,000 to Campus Student

 

KATIE SHOEMAKER  IS RECIPIENT OF
ALLE-KISKI SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP
Largest in Campus History

The Alle-Kiski Society of the Penn State Alumni Association recently awarded its largest award ever, a $3,000 scholarship, to a Penn State New Kensington student.

Katie Shoemaker, a junior business management/marketing major, was named the 2009-10 recipient of the Alle-Kiski Society Endowed Scholarship. A resident of Vandergrift, Shoemaker won the society's scholarship based on an essay on her Penn State experiences. The award is believed to be the largest scholarship amount that was given to a single student from a single donor.

A member of the dean's list, Shoemaker was recognized at the Academic and Student Achievement Awards ceremony in April for earning the highest grade-point average in the Division of Undergraduate Studies. She was named Lion Ambassador of the Year for serving as Penn State representative at numerous campus activities and in the community. Shoemaker is also on the list of Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges and American Universities

In addition to her academic prowess, Shoemaker possesses leadership qualities that are necessary for involvement in numerous extra-curricular activities. She is president of the Lions Ambassadors, a voting member of the Student Government Association, and an orientation leader. On top of all that, she continues to serve in her community as a Sunday school teacher.

Since 1998, the Alle-Kiski Society has awarded $26,000 to 35 students. The first recipient, Pat Neil, received  a $500 scholarship.

Based at the New Kensington campus, the society funds the endowment with proceeds from its annual alumni golf scramble that took place on Aug. 21 at The Links at Spring Church. Penn State alumni and friends are encouraged to re-connect with the University and campus by attending the Alle-Kiski Society meetings that are held at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at Dingbats Restaurant/Royal Gatherings in the Pittsburgh Mills mall. The next meeting is Sept. 21.

KATIE SHOEMAKER'S WINNING ESSAY
Essay Question: Why do you feel alumni are willing to give back to the New kensington campus and how do you feel you will give back after graduation?

Each year many Penn State alumni provide time, effort, and resources to work toward the betterment of the Penn State New Kensington campus.  This outpouring of support is probably a direct result of the remarkable experiences that so many individuals have had through the campus and the university.  All of these alumni, who put forth so much effort, have discovered the sense of pride and community that comes with a Penn State education. Each may have also seen first-hand how alumni helped to enrich their time at Penn State and that of other students.  Because of their own experiences with Penn State and the New Kensington campus, so many alumni volunteer their efforts to enhance the Penn State experience for future generations of Penn State students.

When I become an alumnus of the Penn State New Kensington campus, I hope to be able to do as much as possible to give back to the Penn State community.  Whether by donating funds, using any connections that I may make in the business world, or offering other types of support, I will definitely find some way to show my appreciation for the place that has transformed me into a leader. Already, after only two years at Penn State, I see the potential that exists within the campus.  However, I know that this potential will only be realized through the continued efforts of the graduates, who understand what a special place it truly is.

Katie Shoemaker

AKS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
1998-2010

1998-99
Pat Neal

1999-2000
Jillian Savko
Edward Lee
George Madalay

2000-01
Holly Bell
Karen Bridge
Kimberly Lowers
Theresa Smith
Toni Vokes.

2001-2002
Wendy Jarmul
Nicole Palucacos
Joseph Caliguri
James Dykes.

2002-03
Ray Mastre
Matthew Marziale
Charlotte Caldwell
Dana Tolatta

2003-04
Pat Olstein
Kenneth Kocon
Charlene Barker
Shawn Vause

2004-05
Jeffrey Arvay
Krista Goch
Jamie Conrad
Kelly Mitchell

2005-06
Shirley Betush
Melissa Franklin
Danica Myers

2006-07
Jeffery Mangone
Marie Rosenberger
Julie Arvay

2007-08
Kristin Clyde
Danica Meyers

2008-09
Julie Arvay

2009-10
Katie Shoemaker