This fall, Penn State World Campus invited alumni in three cities to meet the vice provost for Online Education, Renata Engel, and celebrate its 25th anniversary.
The first series of “Meet the Vice Provost” events took place in areas with strong Penn State alumni communities — Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; and Arlington, VA — in October and November. The events were timed to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Penn State World Campus, which launched in 1998 and now has more than 36,000 alumni across the globe.
The goal of the Meet the Vice Provost series was to foster new connections within the alumni community and strengthen ties between alumni and the University. The events featured remarks by Engel and guest speakers, and alumni attendees were able to network with one another and meet members of the local chapters of the Penn State Alumni Association who attended.
“I really enjoyed celebrating the 25th anniversary of Penn State World Campus with an amazing group of local graduates!” said alumnus Michael Thorgerson, who attended the event in Arlington. “It was also great to learn about all the exciting initiatives ahead from Vice Provost Renata Engel and World Campus Alumni Society President Mark Poblete. We are!”
Engel said she was excited to meet alumni and facilitate connections between them.
“We very much appreciated your participation and your dedication to fostering lifelong connections with World Campus and your fellow alumni,” Engel said. “Your support and engagement embody the spirit that defines Penn State.”
Also in attendance were Susan Kukic, the senior director of development for Penn State Outreach and Online Education, and Marcia Kimler, the associate director of alumni relations for World Campus.
“Penn State World Campus alumni are the heartbeats of our legacy, sustaining journeys that do not end at graduation,” Kukic said. “They instead evolve into a lifetime of achievements, experiences, and shared pride. The successes of our alumni and their unwavering support are the pillars upon which we are building the future of World Campus to support its next graduates.”
The event series is one of the many programs and initiatives offered by the Penn State World Campus Office of Development and Alumni Relations. The office sends out a monthly Alumni and Friends e-newsletter, maintains social media accounts, celebrates alumni milestones and achievements, and helps connect alumni with Alumni Association chapters in the areas where they live. The office also supports alumni-student connections through World Campus Student Affairs.