The People of Penn State

A highly accomplished player and coach, Steven Williams ’14g spent several seasons in Happy Valley (2012-15), serving as an offensive and defensive assistant and assistant strength and conditioning coach. With the Nittany Lions, he created weekly scouting reports, organized practices and assisted with the Nittany Lions’ wide receivers, secondary and linebackers. On gamedays, he signaled play calls...

Volunteer leaders Joe Huxta ’71 and Michael Turk ’87 have deep ties to Penn State and possess a strong sense of volunteerism, especially with wanting to give back to the University and our alumni.  In overseeing our Lehigh Valley Chapter—one of our largest affiliate groups—they’ve aligned their personal and professional passions, while keeping more than 10,000 local Penn Staters connected through...

On this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we chat with Laura McKinney (’20 Com), founder of StrataBrand. After graduating amid a global pandemic, Laura took the skills she developed at Penn State to New York City, where she launched StrataBrand to bridge the worlds of marketing, PR, and strategy. Her company helps to move ideas from concept to reality with speed and authenticity. Her wo...

This week's episode features Janelle Rushton ’15, longtime volunteer leader for our Philadelphia Chapter and current president-elect of our H&HD Alumni Society.  Janelle discussed her path to becoming a Penn Stater, the mission of the Philadelphia Chapter, why she's passionate about higher education fundraising and engagement, and much more.  To learn more, visit the chapter's w...

In this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we talk with Joe Apgar (’08 Bus), CEO of Pelotonia. During his senior year at Penn State, Joe was diagnosed with testicular cancer. After his recovery, he began riding and fundraising for Pelotonia, a nonprofit founded in 2008 to support lifesaving cancer research. After earning his finance degree in 2008, Joe joined Rockbridge Capital, where he...

This week's episode features Jim Keib ’11g, president of our Greater Syracuse Chapter. Jim discussed following in his son's footsteps when he earned his graduate degree from World Campus in 2011, memories of spending time with his family on the University Park campus, and the importance of giving back to his community, both on behalf of Penn State and his neighbors.  Learn more about the...

The season premiere features volunteer leader Bethany Pace ’95, ’98g, vice president of our Upper Chesapeake Chapter. The two-time Penn State grad shared wonderful stories of her time at Penn State, why she’s kept the sweatshirt she bought downtown after taking her final exams as a senior, and the importance of staying connected through an affiliate group. Learn more about the chapter on its websi...

In this episode of The People of Penn State, we chat with John Maurer ('15g A&A) , a trumpet and flugelhorn artist, educator, and recording musician who has performed across North America.  He teaches trumpet at Marywood University in Pennsylvania and serves as a lead Teaching Artist at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the historic site of the Woodstock festival. John has performed in re...

In this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we spotlight Drew Magid ('11 Com), a music industry leader and founding member of Track Management. Drew has toured the globe with superstar acts including Imagine Dragons, Charlie Puth, alt-J, and Florida Georgia Line, earning the Live Production Summit’s Young Gun Tour Manager of the Year award. After a decade on the road, he transitioned...

On this episode of The People of Penn State, we chat with Kylee McGuigan (’20 Com), Associate Production Manager for Vogue.com . Kylee always dreamed of living in New York City and working in fashion. But graduating during a global pandemic delayed those plans. She spent time working in local boutiques and freelancing before landing her first role as Associate Commerce Editor at Hearst Magazines,...

On this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we talk with Aaron P. Brinen, PsyD (‘97, A&A) . Dr. Brinen is a co-developer of recovery-oriented cognitive therapy (CT-R), co-author of the original CT-R manual, and author of the recent book Living Well With Psychosis . A clinical psychologist in private practice, he also serves as Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences...

In this episode of The People of Penn State , we talk with Dr. Jenni Hesterman ('86, EMS), a retired U.S. Air Force colonel with an incredible story of leadership, service, and exploration. Dr. Hesterman served in three Pentagon tours and held multiple field commands. Her final military assignment was as Vice Commander at Andrews Air Force Base, where she led installation security, including...

In this episode of The People of Penn State , we welcome Tressa Glover ('97, A&A), actor, writer, and host of the Pittsburgh-based podcast Yinz Are Good . Yinz Are Good is dedicated to spotlighting the positive stories happening in our communities and the individuals making a difference. In addition to interviewing organizations, groups, and everyday heroes who are helping those in need,...

In this episode of The People of Penn State , we sit down with Tom Mosser ('82, A&A), founder of Tom Mosser Design and Lucas Paw, LLC. Tom shares the story behind his inventive artistic style, ranging from his unique loop and flow techniques to his signature Sports Ball Impressionism , where he transforms ordinary sports balls into striking works of art. He also reflects on the viral succ...

In this episode of The People of Penn State , Katie sits down with Arianna Davis (’09 Com), the Digital Editorial Director at TODAY . Arianna leads the TODAY Show's digital strategy and frequently appears on air to highlight the top stories making waves online. She’s also the author of What Would Frida Do? A Guide to Living Boldly , a vibrant tribute to the life and legacy of artist Frida Kah...

In this episode of The People of Penn State, we speak with Dr. Victoria Heasley (’14 Eng - Schreyer, ’18g Medicine) , assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati in the departments of Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Biomedical Engineering.  Victoria shares how her multidisciplinary background drives her work in adaptive sports medicine—providing...

Ever think it’s too late to start something new? Think again! This week on The People of Penn State, we’re joined by Dave Blazek ('79) , an award-winning cartoonist behind the syndicated comic "Loose Parts." Dave has drawn a cartoon a day for more than 25 years — but here’s the twist: he didn’t even learn to draw until he was 42! "Loose Parts" is syndicated everywhere and...

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of pastries, perseverance, and passion with Chef Danielle Sepsy ('12) , founder and creative genius behind The Hungry Gnome , the popular and innovative wholesale bakery and catering company based in New York City.  Danielle’s love for baking began at just 13 when she launched a small business selling her now-famous scones to friends, neighbors, an...

In this episode of The People of Penn State, we're joined by Mikel Jones ('15) , Senior Vice President of Marketing and Content at Citi . Mikel explores the intersection of brand strategy, sponsorships, and social impact. From managing media coverage for Citi’s partnerships in sports, entertainment, and culture to leading PR campaigns that drive meaningful change, Mikel shares insights f...

In a world where true connection can feel harder than ever, how can we foster meaningful conversations that build trust and engagement? In this episode, we sit down with Chad Littlefield ('13, '15g) , co-founder and Chief Experience Officer of We and Me , TEDx speaker, and bestselling author, to explore the power of asking better questions and creating conversations that matter. Dubbed a...

Two episodes in one day? That's crazy talk! 🤯 We’re kicking off Season Five of The People of Penn State with another fantastic conversation—this time featuring former Penn State men’s lacrosse stars TJ Malone ('23, '23 MBAN, '24 MBA) and Jack Posey ('23, '24 MBA) ! 🥍 The former teammates and now lifelong friends take us through their journeys to Happy Valley, sharin...

What does it take to be part of one of the most dominant college athletics programs of all time? 🏆  On the Season Five premier of The People of Penn State Podcast, we step onto the mat with Nick Lee '21 —NCAA Champion, Penn State wrestling great, and now assistant coach for the Nittany Lions. Nick shares his journey from student-athlete to coach, the lessons he learned competing at the highe...

Tim Buckley '09 is a television meteorologist covering all types of weather in North Carolina. Tim has covered snow, tornadoes, floods, and multiple hurricanes across the state, from Matthew to Florence to Sandy and Helene. He’s received awards and recognition for his coverage, which includes being nominated for 10 regional EMMY awards. Tim is a 2009 graduate of the Penn State Department of M...

Robert Hughes '95 has 30 years of experience in abandoned mine land reclamation, water pollution control technologies, environmental education, and capacity building in coalfield communities throughout Pennsylvania. As the Executive Director of the Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR), Robert is a coalition builder, grant writer and grant administrator, and coordinator...

Julia Schuller '17, Schuylkill is a seasoned marketing professional known for driving branding, product strategy and innovation at companies like Merck, The Hershey Company, and P&G. Julia is the co-founder of Bloom Health, a digital health company revolutionizing the standard for women’s health with a science-backed natural birth control app. A keynote speaker and viral content creator,...