Alumni Feature
Alumnus Works to Help Juniata Students By Sarah Ruggiero ’10 Photography: J.D. Cavrich
In the serene atmosphere of Huntingdon’s Standing Stone coffee shop, Frank Pote ’73 is relaxed. While sipping coffee, he lounges amidst a steady flutter of Juniata students, alumni and faculty, many of whom excitedly welcome Pote back to his alma mater. Professionally dressed in shirt and tie, an American flag pinned to his lapel, Pote seems right at home.
Juniata
He might as well be at home. It is only fitting that Pote, best known as a mentor to countless students at the College, would frequent the alumni-owned business. A current trustee and past president of the Alumni Council, Pote lives for Juniata students. “I get so much out of helping students,” explains Pote. “There’s something to be said about mentoring. My true passion is the students; the satisfaction in knowing that I possibly had some impact on the future of a Juniata student.” Pote is interviewed on a return trip to Huntingdon to attend a campus-sponsored job fair. Not only will he spend the day mentoring, but he also will guide students with his experience and wisdom. “I’m here because I want to help students cope with transitioning out of Juniata,” says Pote. “My main focus is making students into better alums. Even if I am not successful in helping that student find a job, perhaps my guidance will leave them with a positive impact, and hopefully energize them to someday ‘pay it forward’ with a future student.” Emily Gray ’10, of Hummelstown, Pa., attended the job fair and found Pote’s experience helpful. “I think Frank [Pote] holds great respect for Juniata because of his willingness to help students achieve their goals,” says Gray. “It is very apparent that he had a great experience at Juniata and he continues to support the College.” 58