We are Penn State! So what?

Nearly everyone in our country recognizes our cheer.

Some understand what it means, some don’t, but one thing is for sure: We, as Penn State alums, know exactly what it means. We may represent it differently. “We play all or we play none.” “We stand united.” “We are there to help one another.” “We support our University.” But no matter what the situation, we always seem to find one another. Whether passing someone wearing Penn State apparel, or through social and professional networking sites, we have an instant common bond that, in my opinion, is stronger than any other connection we may ever encounter.

So why bring this up? We have all experienced this in some form as students and as graduates.

Well, in my case, it has impacted both my professional and personal life in ways I could never have anticipated. From my first job out of college, and throughout the growth in my career, Penn Staters have been right there for and with me. Two (of many) examples include an IT department at a well-known insurance company that happened to have a significant percentage of Penn State alums looking to bring more Penn Staters on board, and a Penn State alum who was the CEO of a major communications company, who I was able to meet with regularly, simply based on our common alma mater.

Our Penn State network matters—a lot.

Similarly, I look for ways every day to help my fellow Nittany Lions, and it is very rewarding. Mentoring students trying to figure out what their future may hold, helping new alums find their first job, helping established professionals looking for a change or unfortunately impacted by hard times, and others who are simply looking for a warm introduction—it really doesn’t matter.

WE ARE everywhere, we want to find one another, and WE ARE here to help.

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to help yourself, give back by helping others, and together WE ARE and will continue to be the strongest network you will ever be a part of in your lifetime.

So what's next? How can you get involved and make an impact? Why not start by connecting with some of your fellow alumni via the Eberly College of Science Alumni Society! Wherever your interest, I'm confident you will find something that will quench your thirst to give back and positively impact both current students and alumni. To get started, visit our web page.