The side of McDowell Hall's bookstore logo is surrounded by leafless trees and snow-covered ground.

March 2019: What's happening at Shenango?

In this edition you will meet campus community members Robin Criswell, David Jackson, and Isaac Grinnell.
Vol 1, Issue 5

Meet Robin

One woman standing with a group of college-aged, male basketball players.

Name: Robin Criswell

What is your role on the Shenango campus? Administrative Support Assistant for Business Services/Finance and Athletics Department

How long have you been at Penn State? Four and a half years

What are you involved in on campus? A little bit of everything. I sit on a few committees on campus, including the Staff Advisory Council (SAC), the SAC subcommittee Student Focus Group (Nittany Nook), Social Media Committee, Heart of Shenango Committee, Diversity Committee, and, of course, ATHLETICS.

What are you involved in outside of campus? Family – spending time with my husband Rob; my two beautiful, red-headed daughters Isabel and Emma; and my fur baby, Bubbles. Spending time in Happy Valley (State College) with family as much as I can.

Tell us about your education: I went to State College Area High School and a few years at Penn State Main. My goal is to go back and get my degree.

What is your favorite Penn State memory? I have two: the day I received the phone call from Bill Dungee offering me my job and the last home game against Greater Allegheny when the team pulled out the “W” in the last few seconds of the game.

Why do you love the Shenango campus? The closeness of everyone (students, staff and faculty). Everyone truly cares about everyone and it shows on a daily basis.

Who has made an impact on your life? Why? Of course, I have my close family (parents, siblings, and husband) who helped mold me into the person I am today. To answer this question honestly at the present time in my life, I would have to say Andre Smith Sr. It has been an honor to work with him through thick and thin to get the Athletics Department up and going over the past 16 months. I knew very little about collegiate athletics and have a long way to go, but every day you learn something new and I couldn’t do this without Andre.

One surprising fact about yourself: I have a twin brother.

What do you enjoy outside of the classroom?  Hobbies, interests, etc.: Watching sports (basketball, football, softball), volunteering with my local athletic association, 80’s music and shopping.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment? Accepting my current position with Penn State Shenango.

Why would you recommend Penn State Shenango to future students? It is a small, close-knit campus where everyone is looking out for the students' best interest. You get the big name education from the small campus with the big heart.

Why would you recommend Penn State Shenango to a future colleague/employee? Everyone works well together for the main goal... the STUDENTS.

If you weren’t working in higher education, what would you be doing? Something involving finance/accounting or maybe athletics. I have always dreamed of working for Penn State since I was in high school so I doubt I would be working anywhere else except for Penn State. We are…

 

Meet David

A male wearing a blue collared shirt and tie.

Name: David Jackson

What is your role on the Shenango campus? Student Engagement Coordinator/Assistant Basketball Coach

How long have you been at Penn State? 7 months

What are you involved in on campus? Student Affairs, Athletics, Diversity Committee, multiple student and staff groups.

What are you involved in outside of campus? Wedding planning activities.

Tell us about your education: I graduated from Penn State University in 2010.

What is your favorite Penn State memory? Winning the N.I.T. Championship in 2009 and making the NCAA tournament in 2011.

Why do you love the Shenango campus? Because of the close-knit, family environment and the people I interact with every day.

Who has made an impact on your life? Why? My mother, because I admire her work ethic and character. Despite all of her responsibilities, she was able to support me at almost all of my sporting events and activities.

One surprising fact about yourself: I have visited 11 different countries on 3 different continents.

What do you enjoy outside of the classroom?  Hobbies, interests, etc.: Playing basketball, watching all the Marvel and DC movies, working out when I have the time.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment? Playing professional basketball in Europe, and earning multiple awards and accolades.

Why would you recommend Penn State Shenango to future students? The small class sizes and friendly, campus community provide students with a Penn State experience that is second to none.

Why would you recommend Penn State Shenango to a future colleague/employee? In my short time here, my colleagues have been very helpful and welcoming to me during my transition period. The campus truly has a family atmosphere.

If you weren’t working in higher education, what would you be doing? I would look to further my education by getting my master’s degree.

 

Meet Isaac

A young man wearing a hat and a green t-shirt.

Name: Isaac Grinnell 

Major: Business

Graduation Date: May 2021

Do you plan to finish your degree at another campus? No        

Why did you choose the Shenango campus? The cost and the Penn State name.

What are you involved in on the campus? The Men's Basketball Team and was chosen as the Shenango Valley Advisory Board Fellow.

What are you involved in outside of campus? Work and my high school basketball team

Why do you love Penn State Shenango? The small, family environment.             

What is your favorite Penn State memory? This past basketball season.

Who has made an impact on your life personally or on campus? Why? My mother has made a major impact due to her emphasis on me getting a college education and supporting me step by step.

Where do you see yourself after graduating from Penn State? Hopefully, starting my career in the business field.

One surprising fact about yourself: I’m left-handed.

Why would you recommend Penn State Shenango to future students? The cost is really affordable. It has a family atmosphere. You have the Penn State name, and the professors care about the students.

Any advice to future students? Cherish your time here because it goes fast!