Successfully maintaining active connections between Graduate School Alumni and the graduate community at Penn State will forever remain a strategic priority of the Graduate School. Thus, it is not a coincidence that the stories in this edition of the Graduate School Alumni Newsletter are focused around a central theme of engagement.
The article that details the Graduate Exhibition endowed awards created by W. Howard Cyr and Robert D. Smith demonstrates the power of philanthropy on the lives of Penn State graduate students. Similarly, the article announcing the resounding success of the Graduate Scholarship Matching Program — a special fundraising initiative incorporated into Penn State’s current fundraising campaign, A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence — is a testament to the profound impact of personal giving on the advancement of graduate education at the University.
Two items in the newsletter highlight similar forms of volunteer service. With pride, I call your attention to the article about a Penn State Alumni Association award that was presented to the Graduate School Alumni Society in recognition of the Alumni Society’s successful career workshop for graduate students. Another item offers details on LionLink, a mentoring and networking career platform managed by the Penn State Alumni Association.
In closing, I would like to acknowledge all Graduate School Alumni who attended the annual Graduate Exhibition and Doctoral Alumni Recognition Weekend activities March 22-24, 2019. These annual celebrations of academic excellence and professional achievement demonstrate why Penn State continues to be a strong, vibrant, and impactful world-class research and educational institution.
To all who engage with the Graduate School community throughout the year — whether by reading this newsletter, submitting Class Notes, supporting Annual Fund initiatives, providing volunteer leadership, advocating on behalf of graduate education at Penn State, or simply forwarding updated contact information — thank you for your enduring commitment and loyalty.