Name: Alijah V. Hasan Douglas
Major: Administration of Justice (AOJ)
Graduation Date: May 4, 2019
Why did you choose the Shenango campus?
I chose the Shenango campus because I knew I didn’t want to work in fast food for the rest of my life. When I started my academic career I went to LTI for the welding program, however, before I completed the program I got into some trouble and was kicked out. A few months later, I tried to pick back up where I left off, but I was rejected. So I decided to try higher education one more time and applied to Penn State Shenango. A few weeks later I received my acceptance letter in the mail and now I’m a half semester away from being PSU alumni.
What are you involved in on the campus?
This semester, I’m not involved in any clubs or organizations, but previously, I was involved with a lot of clubs on campus--SGA, Business Club, Drama Club, AOJ Club, and THON.
What are you involved in outside of campus?
Outside of campus, I spend a lot of time working. I’m also part of a group called the Young Professionals of Mercer County, and we have monthly luncheons to discuss employment opportunities in the county. I’m also actively working to create a nonprofit agency that encourages at-risk youth to join the criminal justice system in a positive manner.
Why do you love Penn State Shenango?
I love Shenango because the people there have helped me grow into the young man that I am today. Every semester I learned how to be better and do better in the classroom as well as my personal life. The reason why I love Shenango is because I was constantly challenged and encouraged to evolve into something everyone around me can take pride in! WE ARE. . .
What is your favorite Penn State memory?
My favorite memory is going to the prisons to do tours and interviews in Lavarr McBride’s classes!
Who has made an impact on your life personally or on campus? Why?
Claudia Brown has made the biggest impact in my personal life because she approved me to work at the eCenter@Lindenpointe to create the 21st Century Community Leaders (21st CCL), a non-profit agency, thanks to the Invent Penn State Initiative. Since the end of the Spring 2018 semester, Claudia and I have met at least once a week. This has allowed me to establish both a professional and personal relationship with her.
Have you benefited from Philanthropy?
The biggest way I benefited from philanthropy would be creating the 21st CCL.
Where do you see yourself after graduating from Penn State?
I see myself as the Executive Director of the 21st Century Community Leaders with a Juris Doctorate!
One surprising fact about yourself:
I love dogs, but the only breed I will keep is a pit-bull.
Why would you recommend Penn State Shenango to future students?
I would recommend Shenango to other students because I love my campus and I know they give you the skills necessary to establish a career. We prepare students for a career not a club!
Any advice to future students?
I would tell future students to take a risk sometimes. If we always stay in our comfort zone, how can we truly grow?
Name: Andre Smith, Sr.
What is your role at the Shenango campus? Athletic Director and Head Men's Basketball Coach
How long have you been at Penn State? It will be 2 years in April.
What are you involved in on campus? Housing Committee and Diversity Committee
What are you involved in outside of campus? The Youth
Tell us about your education: I graduated from Thomas Carr Howe High School, Indianapolis, Indiana. I graduated from Lake Land Community College in Mattoon, Illinois, with an associate degree. Then I graduated with a bachelor degree in education from Youngstown State University.
Why do you love the Shenango campus? The people
Who has made an impact on your life? Why? My parents - they always believed in me and made all the sacrifices to give me opportunities. The discipline, support, and structure make me who I am today and will forever.
One surprising fact about yourself: I have always owned snakes.
What do you enjoy outside of the classroom? Hobbies, interests, etc: Basketball
What is your proudest professional accomplishment? Having my player graduate
Why would you recommend Penn State Shenango to future students? It allows you to be yourself while gathering the tools to be successful.
If you weren't working in higher education, what would you be doing? I would be working with today's youth.
Name: William “Bill” Dungee
What is your role on the Shenango campus? Director of Business and Finance
How long have you been at Penn State? 4 years and 7 months
What are you involved in on campus? My position oversees the campus’ operations. This includes, business services, facilities and grounds, police services, dining and catering services, and IT services.
What are you involved in outside of campus? I’m heavily involved in my local church (Victory Christian Center - Liberty Campus), coaching high school football, and the lives of my family: Wife Ericka and my two children, Christian (9) and Zoey (6).
Tell us about your education: I graduated from Allegheny College with BA in managerial economics and I have an MBA from Youngstown State University in general business.
What is your favorite Penn State memory? The reinstatement of our Athletic Department.
Why do you love the Shenango campus? The fact that everyone really cares about the well-being and future of the campus.
Who has made an impact on your life? Why? My Mother. My parents divorced when I was in sixth grade, so my mother became the rock of the family. She encouraged me and helped me build my spiritual foundation which is now the basis for all my success.
One surprising fact about yourself: In 2012, my wife and I won a contest for an all-expense paid, three days and two nights stay in New York City. We got to meet Jay-Z and Beyoncé and met President Obama at one of his campaign dinners for re-election.
What do you enjoy outside of the classroom? Hobbies, interests, etc.: I enjoy working out, playing video games with my son, and watching sports.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment? Being named to the Shenango Valley and Lawrence County Chambers of Commerce 40 Under 40 in 2014. This award is given to individuals who have had outstanding accomplishments and made a considerable impact on their local community before the age of 40 years old.
Why would you recommend Penn State Shenango to a future colleague/employee? It is a great place to work and learn because of the people. The people here truly care and are invested in the campus and want to see everyone/thing associated with the campus flourish.
If you weren’t working in higher education, what would you be doing? Most likely working with a major sports franchise in the NFL and NBA.
Name: Kelvin L. Jordan
When did you graduate? I graduated from Penn State Shenango in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in human development and family studies. I was an officer all four years in Student Government and the Human Development and Family Studies Club.
What is your favorite Penn State memory? My favorite memory was representing my graduating class as the student commencement speaker.
Why did you choose Penn State? I chose PSU because the first time I met the admissions team I knew this was the right place for me.
Who has made an impact on your life? Why? My parents made the biggest impact on my life. They demonstrated morals, compassion, and a hard work ethic.
One surprising fact about yourself: I am a competitive person when it comes to being the best I can be.
Where are you now? Family life, location, etc.: I live in Sharpsville, PA. I have a daughter Angel, who is a senior in high school. I am involved with the Alumni Society at Penn State Shenango.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment? My proudest professional moment is working with youth in my community and church.
Why would you recommend Penn State to future students? I would recommend Penn State to future students because of the dedication and quality of knowledge of the professors. Also, students have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities like the events scheduled by the Student Affairs office.
Any advice to current/future students? My advice to students is to make every minute count. Give everything your best so when you look back you can know that you gave it your best because it goes by quickly.
Jennifer Jewell, PT, DPT, was awarded the professional designation of board-certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
Jewell graduated in 1997 from Arcadia University in Glenside, PA, with a master of physical therapy degree. She continued her education at Chatham University graduating in 2004 with a doctorate of physical therapy. She is an associate teaching professor and maintains her clinical practice in geriatric physical therapy as a PRN physical therapist at Quality Life Services, Mercer, PA.
To obtain board certification, candidates must submit evidence of required clinical practice in one of nine specialty areas: cardiovascular and pulmonary, clinical electrophysiology, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, orthopaedics, pediatrics, sports, and women’s health physical therapy. Candidates also must successfully complete a rigorous examination, demonstrating specialized knowledge and advanced clinical proficiency in a specialty area of physical therapist practice.
The ABPTS honored Jewell along with the other 2,515 individuals who attained certification in 2018 at a Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, in Washington, D.C.
The Recognition Ceremony for Clinical Specialists is the opening event at APTA's Combined Sections Meeting (CSM). The ceremony recognizes newly certified and recertified clinical specialists in the nine approved areas of board certification.
During the fall semester, students, faculty, and staff participated in the food insecurity survey. The results indicate that more than 25 percent of the students surveyed have been hungry on campus without the means of obtaining food.
With college being notorious for financial ultimatums - like purchasing food or putting gas in your car - we hope to take some strain off students in need.
The Nook will supply students with snacks and small meals for students while they are on campus. Community resources will also be listed at these locations for students to get assistance when they're not on campus.
The Nook is officially open for student use as of February 4. There will be two locations: in Sharon Hall suite 207's reception area and in the Lartz Library near the water fountain. The Sharon Hall location will be open weekdays from 7:45 a.m. until 9 p.m., and the Library location will be open during normal business hours.
The Staff Advisory Council (SAC) Student Focus Committee would like to thank those who have supported the Nittany Nook. Donations can be dropped off at the Student Affairs office, Sharon Hall 103. For more information, please contact Stacy Gongloff at 724-983-2836.
