The People of Penn State

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 for a special cameo from board membe...

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. 

Learn more by visiting the chapter&ap...

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 cook with a biologist using ...

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's undefeated record early ...

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 at Penn State, including how switching ...

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 the chapter's website and Facebook ...

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 transition into sports broadcasting, and the ...

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 relief in the wake of Hurricane Helene ...

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 & Editorial at Network in a Box (NAIB), a medi...

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 three children, Derek ’24, Isabella ’2...

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, assisted with special teams and a...

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 chapter watch parties, community ser...

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 work spans industries and scales: from ...

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 website and follow the chapter on Face...

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 focused on capital raising and strat...

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 chapter and stay updated on everyth...

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 website and follow the chapter on Faceboo...

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 renowned venues such...