Two Penn State Eberly College of Science alumni have been elected to the Penn State Board of Trustees as Alumni Trustees. These trustees are elected by Penn State alumni and former students of the University. Alumni trustee terms are staggered so that the terms of three trustees expire each year. In 2026, two of the three newly elected members graduated from the Eberly College of Science. They will begin their terms on July 1. 

Karen Keller

Karen E. Keller, a lawyer currently serving as managing partner at an intellectual property and commercial litigation boutique firm. Keller, a Class of 2000 graduate in biochemistry and molecular biology, served on the Alumni Council for eight years and oversaw a complete revision of the existing bylaws and strategic planning, along with serving on multiple committees. Keller served on the Eberly College Alumni Board and co-chair of the Eberly College Millenium Society, and she currently serves on the Eberly College Dean’s Advisory Committee. She’s also worked as a guest lecturer and engaged with students through multiple organizations. Her family created the Keller Family Endowment for Alumni Experiences in Science.

Dr. Joseph S. DeRenzo

Dr. Joseph S. DeRenzo is a Class of 1998 graduate in premedicine, Magee's chief of anesthesiology, and director for the Division of Obstetric & Women’s Anesthesiology. DeRenzo also serves as an associate professor and directs the Advanced Anesthesiology Consultant Fellowship Program. DeRenzo previously served as chief resident of University of Pittsburgh’s Anesthesiology Residency and, following the residency, joined the faculty. DeRenzo has earned multiple awards for his work, including the Excellence in Teaching award. As a Penn State student, DeRenzo was a Schreyer Scholar and earned the Dean's Award for Academic Excellence and election to the AOA Honor Medical Society.

About the Board

Penn State’s 38-member Board of Trustees is composed of six members appointed by the governor, nine members elected by alumni, six members elected by agricultural societies, six members elected by the board representing business and industry endeavors, one student trustee, one academic trustee, three at-large trustees, and the immediate past president of the Penn State Alumni Association. In addition, five members are ex-officio by right of their office, including Gov. Josh Shapiro (non-voting), Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi (non-voting), Secretary of Agriculture Russell C. Redding, Acting Secretary of Education Carrie Rowe and Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources Cindy Adams Dunn.

For more information on the Penn State Board of Trustees, visit trustees.psu.edu.