The People of Penn State

In this episode, Jackie Layer '13 EMS shares how childhood weather events sparked a passion that led her to a career in broadcast meteorology.  Now the Chief Meteorologist at DC News Now, Jackie reflects on her Penn State experience, covering everything from devastating tornado outbreaks to tropical storms, earning her AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation, and the responsibility...

On this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we chat with Dan Barefoot '13 A&A, a professional landscape architect and Team USA skeleton athlete who represented the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina.  Dan shares how he discovered the sport after graduating from Penn State, what it took to balance a full-time career with the demands of elite international c...

On this episode of the People of Penn State podcast, we sit down with Jennifer Colvin ’97 Behrend, chief innovation officer at Learning Undefeated and self-described “crazy ideas captain.” Jen reflects on her time at Penn State Behrend, where she earned her biology degree in 1997, and shares how her Penn State experience helped shape her passion for STEM education and community impact.  She shares...

On this episode of the People of Penn State podcast, we chat with Janelle Burrell '05 Lib, Emmy Award-winning journalist and morning anchor at CBS News Philadelphia.  Janelle shares the story of how she almost didn’t attend Penn State — and why changing her mind became one of the best decisions she ever made. She also reflects on her journey from working behind the scenes to earning a seat at...

On this episode of the People of Penn State podcast, we sit down with Brian Kappel ’98 A&A, whose creative career has taken him from Penn State to major brands like Nike, Jordan, Under Armour, ESPN, PlayStation, and more.  Brian reflects on his time as a student, how Penn State helped shape his creative journey, and why he decided to move back to Happy Valley after living in Oregon for more th...

In this episode, we talk with Cade Miller ’24 Com, Associate Director of Admissions at Shepherd University. Cade reflects on how his Penn State experience and involvement across campus shaped his path, how those experiences led him to his current role in higher education, and how he brings storytelling and student engagement into his work.  Plus, hear how a podcast project turned into an unforgett...

In this episode, we talk with Katie Collins ’00 HHD, co-founder of both ECM Therapeutics, a regenerative medicine company, and Abigail Collins, a collegiate apparel brand. Katie reflects on how her Penn State experience and time as a student athlete shaped her path, what it takes to build mission-driven companies, and how she continues to leverage the Penn State alumni network to stay connected to...

In this episode, we talk with Emmy-nominated meteorologist Cheryl Nelson, ’02 EMS, about her journey from Penn State to national broadcast news and beyond. Cheryl shares why she almost didn’t choose Penn State (but is grateful she did!), how her connection to the University only deepened after graduation, and what shaped her career in broadcast meteorology.  We also discuss what inspired her to la...

On this episode, we’re joined by Kennedy White ’23 Com , who has always known she wanted to use her voice to make a difference. Now a gift officer at Penn State, Kennedy combines her passion for communication with purpose-driven work every day. She also recently became a published author with her first children’s book, "I Am Who I Am." Kennedy shares her journey at Penn State and why she...

On this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we’re joined by Kassie Hilgert ’97 Com , President and CEO of ArtsQuest, one of Pennsylvania’s largest nonprofit arts organizations.  Kassie shares her unique journey to Penn State and reflects on how her time there helped shape her confidence, leadership style, and sense of purpose. She also talks about building a career rooted in creativity, c...

Welcome to season 6 of The People of Penn State podcast! On this episode, we chat with Mohan Sivaloganathan, who earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 2005 and an MBA in 2007. Known as the “Batman of social impact,” Mohan is a leader, speaker, and artist whose work blends leadership, creativity, and purpose. From his early experiences with leadership and civic engagement to using music and storyte...

It’s our 100th episode! For five seasons, Penn Staters have shared their stories, inspiring past, present, and future generations. We’ve heard from alumni making an impact across every industry, and as our network surpassed 800,000 living alumni this year, we’re just getting started. To celebrate this milestone, who better to join us than the Symbol of Our Best—the Nittany Lion! For the past three...

As communications chair of our Vermont Chapter, Tara Bandy ’03 keeps her lifelong Penn State connection strong as one of our volunteer leaders. She discusses the chapter's inspiring community work in response to historic flooding, the significance of Alumni Association membership, and much more.  Learn more on the chapter's Facebook page .  For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.co...

On this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we chat with Nancy Rosenberg ('19, Com), Senior Director of Marketing & Creative Services at Crowd Surf. Nancy reflects on her time in the Bellisario College of Communications, what it was like to graduate early, and the real-world lessons that helped launch her fast-paced career. From her early days in digital marketing to helping crea...

In serving as president of our Southern New Jersey Chapter, Theresa Colligon ’93 is continuing her lifelong connection to Penn State. She took classes for two years at Penn State Abington (formerly Penn State Ogontz) and finished her degree at University Park.  She discusses the significance of being a first-generation college graduate, how the chapter has grown, and much more. Plus, stick around...

This week's episode features John Colwell ’16, social media chair for the New York City Chapter. John received the 2025 Joan M. McLane Recent Alumnus/Alumna Award for “revolutionizing” the chapter’s ability to engage with local alumni through social media.   John discusses the strides the chapter has made and how the group unites Penn Staters, shares his own Penn State story, and much more. ...

On this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we talk with Audrey Subers (’23 Eng), an entrepreneur inspiring environmental education through event planning. Audrey earned her degree in biological engineering and was heavily involved in the Student Farm Club. Her passion for food and sustainability motivated her to leave her 9–5 job and visit a nature retreat center, where she learned to co...

This week's episode features letterman tight end Isaac Smolko, a key contributor to the 2005 team that finished 11-1 and No. 3 in the country while winning the Big Ten and besting Florida State in a three-overtime epic clash in the Orange Bowl. As many fans will remember, Isaac made a clutch reception on fourth-and-15 at Northwestern during the ’05 season, helping to preserve Penn State'...

This week's episode features Sam Cipar ’16, president of our Greater Chicago Chapter.  Sam discusses how he first started volunteering with the chapter, how fellow Penn Staters can get involved with their local chapter, and much more, including all the great things the Chicago Chapter has going on.  Learn more about the Chicago Chapter by visiting psuchicago.org . For more alumni stories, vis...

In this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we chat with Adriana Lacy (’18 Com) , an award-winning journalist, entrepreneur, and digital media strategist. As Founder and CEO of Adriana Lacy Consulting, she helps publishers and businesses expand their digital reach, drawing on her experience in the newsroom at The New York Times , Los Angeles Times , and Axios. Adriana reflects on her time...

This week's episode features Michael Kozar ’11, ’11g , a two-time Penn State grad and co-president of our Tallahassee Chapter. An expert meteorologist who earned his Ph. D. from Florida State, learn how Michael's time at Penn State molded him as a person and professional, how getting involved with his local chapter provided support when he most needed it, and much more.  Learn more on th...

In this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we sit down with Lisa Salters (’88 Com) , an Emmy-winning sports reporter with more than 30 years of experience. As the longest-tenured sideline reporter in Monday Night Football history and a familiar face on NBA broadcasts, Salters has built a trailblazing career in sports media. Lisa reflects on her early days as a news reporter, her transiti...

Brian Shaunessy knows the Penn State experience well, having attended Penn State Brandywine and University Park. A 1986 graduate of the Smeal College of Business, Shaunessy danced in THON as a student and has stayed involved with local chapters as an alumnus. Currently, he serves as president of our Triangle Chapter in North Carolina, which received this year’s Fundraising Award for providing reli...

On this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we sit down with Brett King (’81 Lib) , producer, creative consultant, and longtime media executive. As the founder of NON LP B-SIDE, Brett partners with legacy media, emerging technologies, brands, and creators to amplify stories that are both culturally specific and globally relatable. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of Culture & Editori...

Dominic DeFreece ’01 has always been driven to give back and serve his community. The former sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves, DeFreece continues to make an impact as president of our Berks County Chapter. It's a family effort, as Dominic's wife, Mayleene ’01, herself a Penn State grad, serves as chapter vice president. They attended Penn State games and events as they raised their thr...