Christy Grim took a big risk in 2015, quitting her job as an optician to take an internship she hoped would lead to a career in information technology. Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Tom Fritz wanted a career change, too. He worked for more than 30 years as a purchasing and acquisition analyst but wanted…
Chief Petty Officer Kevin Hunt spent eight months aboard an aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf helping keep pilots alive. He also completed course work on his way toward a Penn State degree. The Navy hospital corpsman graduated in December 2016 from the 28-month master of health administration program offered online through Penn State World…
Kelly Brugger, a graduate of Penn State World Campus, and her husband, Tom, a Penn State alumnus, wanted to establish a legacy that would support students earning their degree online. The couple created the Thomas and Kelly Brugger Scholarship, a $50,000 endowment to provide recognition and financial assistance to outstanding undergraduate World Campus students. “Penn…
Volunteerism and philanthropy are coming together to create opportunities for service members studying at Penn State World Campus — in the shape of the Veterans’ Education and Advancement Fund (VEAF). Al Matyasovsky, who recently retired from his position as program manager for Penn State’s Office of Physical Plant, and his wife, Sharon, created the fund…
Carol Snyder was the 2016 recipient of the Penn State World Campus Alumna Award at the Penn State Outreach and Online Education Appreciation Dinner in September. She received the award not only for her academic and professional accomplishments, but also for her tireless efforts to reach out to other World Campus alumni and students. “We…
Nearly 40 years ago, Star Magazine reporter Mary Ann Norbom was on the trail of Dolly Parton, who was crossing over to mainstream pop from country music. Later, in the 1990s, Norbom appeared on the television show Hard Copy to lend her expertise on celebrities. In the 2000s, Norbom worked at OK! Magazine when it…
The World Campus Alumni Society was chartered by the Penn State Alumni Association in October 2014 with the purpose of connecting alumni to each other wherever they may be located. The society offers a variety of opportunities for alumni to get involved with virtual networking events and other social events to expand their connections. Andrew Karasik, Com…
Jonathan Dambrot, a 2005 iMBA graduate, is the first recipient of the Penn State World Campus Outstanding Alumnus Award. In accepting the award, Jonathan, who is the CEO and co-founder of Prevalent, an information technology security company based in New Jersey, spoke about his journey as an entrepreneur. He noted that he had always been business-minded,…
“We are both first-generation college graduates,” said Dan Mazur. “Penn State has made a difference in our lives, and we want to make a similar significant impact in students’ lives.” In Agnes Mazur’s words, “For individuals who don’t go to college and then find they can’t support their families on what they are earning, higher…
