February 2024 Issue
Eberly Alumni
Newsletter
Office of Development and Alumni Relations
Ashtekar Frontiers of Science Lectures
In this celebration of 30 years of the Eberly College of Science’s public-facing preeminent winter lecture series, we look at how science has changed over the passage of time, including updates, breakthroughs, and how research fields have evolved.
This anniversary year will look back at past topics, including updates from some speakers, as well as look ahead to the new advancements and future prospects of the impactful research in the college and across Penn State.
Each lecture can be watched via Zoom webinar.
Penn State Alumnus Chosen for 2024 Scholar Alumni Award
Eric Gibney, a transplant physician and Program Director of the Piedmont Transplant Institute in Atlanta, GA, is one of six to receive the 2024 Scholar Alumni Awards.
In his clinical role, he supervises the medical care of kidney and pancreas transplant patients. As program director, he leads a diverse group of surgeons and physicians at one of the nation's largest abdominal transplant programs, getting involved in recruitment, strategic planning, contracting, and hospital administration. Read more.
Abby Han Selected as 2023 Eberly College of Science Cooperative Education Student of the Year
Abby Han, an undergraduate student in Penn State’s Accelerated B.S. in Science and M.B.A. in Business Administration program, has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Eberly College of Science Cooperative Education Student of the Year Award. This award is given to a student who excels in their cooperative education activity, goes above and beyond the requirements of the position, and makes a lasting impact on the organization. Abby is the daughter of David Han, who is also a graduate of the Eberly College of Science, and a former member of the Penn State Board of Trustees. Read more.
Eberly College of Science Celebrates Black History Month
Throughout the month of February, the Penn State Eberly College of Science will be featuring stories from its Black students and alumni as part of its celebration of Black History Month.
Led by the college's Climate and Diversity Committee and its events subcommittee in collaboration with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of Communications, the effort aims to inform and inspire others by shining a light on these individuals’ experiences, their accomplishments, and their motivations for pursuing careers in science.
These stories are being compiled on a rolling basis as part of ongoing efforts in the Eberly college to promote diversity, foster inclusivity, and increase representation of those in our community who have historically been underrepresented. The stories will also be featured in the college’s social media throughout the month, providing additional opportunities for engagement.
The Eberly College of Science encourages all of its Black students, postdocs, faculty, alumni, and staff to continue to share their stories via this Qualtrics survey set up by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
Inaugural Health Professions Expo to be held February 28
On February 28, the inaugural Health Professions Expo will be held at the Alumni Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center on Penn State’s University Park campus. The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Organized by the Prehealth Advising office in the Penn State Eberly College of Science, this event will provide the opportunity to connect health-care professionals and organizations with prospective students.
The expo is open to anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in health care, including students and faculty from other Penn State campuses and other universities. Attendees will get the chance to connect with representatives in medicine, podiatry, dentistry, pharmacy, and other related health professions. Having a specific expo for health professions gives prospective students more of an opportunity to make an impact while exploring as many options as possible. Read more.
A reminder: The college's prehealth advising is available to all Penn State alumni! Advisers are happy to meet with alumni through in-person appointments, over the phone, or via Zoom, to provide advice and support to individuals considering a health career. Alumni can also use the e-portfolio and letter-collection services and apply for a letter packet at any time after graduating from Penn State. Find out more at science.psu.edu/current-students/advising-and-student-services/prehealth-advising/alumni-advising.
THON 2024
As a Penn State alum, you likely know that THON is a word that is consistently repeated across our University’s campuses. Since its start in 1973, THON has raised over $219 million for Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world and is committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. Through the generosity of Penn State community members like you, we are able to provide superior care to those impacted by childhood cancer, ensure our families never see a medical bill, and fund globally impactful research.
We encourage you to extend the reach of your impact on Penn State and leave your mark on THON by making a gift. Thank you, and “Go State, Beat Cancer!”
SolarFest Offers April 8 Eclipse Viewing, Science Activities
Happy Valley is in a path of 95 percent totality for the solar eclipse that will darken the skies on Monday, April 8, and the Penn State and local communities are invited to join Eberly College of Science faculty, staff, and students for a public viewing and science activities. The college is partnering with the State College Spikes to host the SolarFest event at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.
Admission will be free for SolarFest, with ballpark gates opening at noon. Community members attending SolarFest will receive a free pair of eclipse safety glasses, provided by the NASA Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium, with which to view the movement of the moon into the sun’s path. The partial eclipse will begin to be seen at 2:04 p.m., reach its maximum eclipse at 3:20 p.m., and end at 4:32 p.m.
SolarFest is to set to feature a wide variety of interactive science-themed displays for attendees of all ages. Astronomy and astrophysics faculty and instructors from the Penn State Rockets for Inclusive Science Education outreach program will join members of Penn State Students for the Exploration and Development of Space in leading multiple rocket launches, and NASA’s livestream will be displayed on the ballpark’s video board. Ballpark concessions and Kids Zone games will also be available during the event.
A full schedule of SolarFest activities will be announced as the eclipse draws nearer. To get more event information and learn about the solar eclipse phenomenon, visit solareclipse.science.psu.edu.
Penn State Alumni Association 2024 Membership Madness
The Penn State Alumni Association is kicking off its 2024 Membership Madness sale, and you don’t want to miss these great membership offers!
Join or renew your annual membership to the Alumni Association for 50 percent off the regular price between now and April 8. Those who join or renew during this campaign are also eligible for discounts at the Berkey Creamery, plus one sweet grand prize.
A Poem by Vaughn Samuelson
Vaughn Samuelson, who graduated from Penn State in 1960 with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry, was kind enough to write a poem for his fellow science alumni. He said, "My 'poetic efforts' started more or less as a hobby to challenge my thinking while I was still working."
What have you found beyond your career path
Career path sought and life bought
Preparing at Penn State for your future and your life embellished
Paths taken beyond path preparation at Penn State
Your enlightened life beyond a career chosen for survival
Careers enjoyed plus your path less chosen
Great expectations and the unexpected future you
The cash cow in your life and other personal endeavors
Life long learning outside your occupation.
Penn State education then thinking outside the box
Career focus at Penn State followed by peripheral you
Functional careers and a later expressive you
Finding the real side with your flip side
Expressive passion beyond earning a living
After the 9-5 years, the creative you.
“We are” more (when retired), (than 9-5).
Chasing life, finding expression as We Are.
Retiring retirement, We Still Are!
You help put the “We” in “We Are Penn State!”
Join our community of alumni and friends today!
For more than 150 years, we have been keeping alumni connected to the University and to each other.
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