OFFICE OF ALUMNI AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
The Alumni and Public Relations office manages the campus' relationship with the news media across the region and produces news and information about events, people and activities at the campus. The office focuses on achievement by students and research accomplishments and expertise of faculty. The department develops and markets news articles and story ideas to local media, assists with media interviews, and connects media with campus experts. In addition, the office produces various alumni news publications such as the PSNK Newswire, a free weekly electronic newswire about campus events that is delivered to you via e-mail every Thursday; and "Campus Philanthrophy," a newsmagazine for campus donors. You can sign-up for newswire service at: http://newswires.psu.edu/.
BOWL-A-THON BENEFITS CAMPUS PROJECTS
1:00-4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 25,
Wildlife Lanes, Lower Burrell, Pa.
Registration and sponsorship forms for the alumni society's tenth annual Alumni Bowl-a-thon are available on the Penn State New Kensington Website. Sponsored by the Alle-Kiski Alumni Society, the Bowl-a-thon is slated for 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 25, at Wildlife Lanes in Lower Burrell, Pa. This is a family-fun event for students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Penn State. The entry fee is $20 and includes three games and shoe rental. Four- or five-person teams may sign up, or individuals may sign up and be assigned to a short-handed team.The bowl-a-thon is the alumni group's major fundraiser in the spring and the proceeds support the society’s endowed scholarship and campus projects. Lane sponsorships are available for $50 and $100. For information, call John Spadaro, 724-337-8536. For more on the bowl-a-thon and to download the registration and lane sponsorship form, go to http://www.nk.psu.edu/Information/News/44224.htm#NEWS44224 online.
ALUMNI GOLF SCRAMBLE PROVIDES
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CAMPUS STUDENTS
12:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 10,
The Links at Spring Church
Penn State New Kensington students will be the beneficiaries of the Alle-Kiski Society's Alumni Golf Scramble that is set for 12:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10, at the Links at Spring Church, the home course for the campus golf team in Apollo, Pa. Proceeds from the 13th annual edition benefits the "Alle-Kiski Society Endowed Scholarship," that funds yearly awards to campus undergraduates. Last year, the society awarded $3,000 in scholarships. And in an effort to boost the awards, the society has pledged $25,000 to increase the principal of its endowment from its current total of $51,000 to $76,000 during the current University-wide fundraising effort, For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students.To reach its target number by 2014, the alumni group is relying on a variety of sponsorships levels for the golf outing. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to invest in campus students by taking advantage of sponsorship opportunities that range from exclusive sponsor of the tournament for $3,000 to a tee sponsor for $100. There are five levels and each level has different perks. The levels include: "The Pride," tournament sponsor for $3,000; "For the Future," dinner and awards sponsor for $1,500; "The Nittany," lunch sponsor for $500; "Roaring Lion," beverage cart sponsor for $500; and "Blue/White,' the aforementioned tee sponsor for $100. For golfers, the green fee is $110 and includes golf and cart, lunch, dinner, prizes and refreshments on the course. Participants can form their own foursome or a group can be formed for them. Various golf packages are available including foursomes, tee sponsorships and "dinner only." Faculty, staff, alumni and friends are encouraged to take a few divots to raise dollars for the society's scholarship fund. For information, contact Bill Woodard at 724-334-6049 or uxw1@psu.edu.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT:
WEBER FAMILY CONNECTS TO LOCAL PENN STATE CAMPUS
Penn State New Kensington was founded in 1958 after a study revealed a demand for higher education in the Alle-Kiski Valley. The Weber family of Lower Burrell personifies that study and validates the foresight of the University’s and local community leaders.
As alumni and friends, the Webers are affiliated with the New Kensington campus on various levels. Al Weber is the president of the campus advisory board. His wife, Kim, took courses at the campus for a year as a part of the curriculum of the Western Pennsylvania School of Nursing. Their three children, Ryan, Justin and Erin, are alumni, beginning their degree work at the New Kensington campus before completing their majors at the University Park campus.
“Penn State New Kensington offers a world-class education in our back yard,” said Al, who holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Gannon University. “It provides a hub for educational, cultural and athletic activities for campus students and the community at large.”
A vice president with Hefren-Tillotson Inc. and registered investment advisor, Al is active at the campus and in the community. He has been a member of the advisory board for five years and was elected to a two-year term as president in 2010. Under his leadership, the board raised a record $10,000 at its annual Chancellor’s Gala in October. The amount represented a 25 percent increase over the previous year and is earmarked for the board’s endowed scholarship at the campus. He also serves as guest lecturer in marketing and finance classes at the campus. In Lower Burrell, he chairs the Police Civil Service Commission and sits on the board of the Burrell Area Rotary Club. In addition, he served on the Parent Advisory committee of the Burrell School District.
“The role of the advisory board is to improve the educational and social experience of students, and to enhance the profile of the campus,” said Al, who grew up in New Kensington.
Kim is a native of Lower Burrell and a retired registered nurse. She grew up with the campus just up the hill and knows the value of its presence in the community, especially for her family.
“Penn State New Kensington was a great transition campus for all my children, from both a personal and educational standpoint," said Kim, who also volunteered her time for Burrell. “I felt that they all had a great experience at the campus.”
Erin took full advantage of staying home for the first two years. While matriculating at the campus, she was able to play two intercollegiate sports, basketball and softball, maintain membership on the Dean’s List, and work part-time. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary and kindergarten education in 2008.
“Living at home gave me the opportunity to adapt to college studies, develop a solid work ethic, and learn to multi-task,” said Erin, a first-grade teacher at Bell Avon Elementary School in the Kiski Area School District. "All of the experiences have assisted me in my career.”
Her brothers are equally successful in their professional endeavors. Ryan earned an economics degree in 2003 and is a financial advisor for Morgan Stanley in Miami. Justin graduated in 2007 with a mechanical engineering degree and is a sales engineer for Lufkin Industries in Leechburg, Pa.
Erin’s bond with the campus continues to grow. She has returned as a student in the master of education program that is designed for grade-school teachers. She will graduate in May with a master’s degree in Teaching and Curriculum.
Bill Woodard, Alumni and Public Relations Specialist
724-334-6049
uxw1@psu.edu
147 Conference Center