Fall 2008
Penn State Beaver Nittany News Page 7
beneficial in several ways. It gave me a finanthrough the sale of artifacts to collectors, alcial advantage because I could live at home though a careful distinction is made between culturally significant artifacts and trade goods. while receiving a quality education with a lot “When we recover artifacts that are one-of-a- of one-on-one attention from my professors. kind, unique, or culturally significant, we keep But I also began to understand the impact a Penn State degree can carry in this world.” them in our permanent collection,” Jay said. At the time Jay attended Beaver, the cam“Then they’re available for study by repus didn’t offer baccalaureate degrees. (Beaver searchers, archaeologists, and academics.” now has five bachelor’s degrees, including Odyssey often discovers items that were business.) So why did he decide to move on mass-produced, including pottery, coins, to University Park to complete his degree ingems, bottles, coal, and bricks. stead of attending another school closer to “We keep a permanent reserve of a reprehome? “What can I say?” Jay laughed. “We sentative sample of these items for study, but are ... PENN STATE! I knew I couldn’t get there is no reasonable scientific or cultural the education and value in retaining all accounting perspecof these duplicate tive I needed anyitems in storage where else. Penn rooms in a museum,” State was a natural Jay said. “It’s more choice for me all the practical to offer way.” them for private Jay also credits ownership to a colhis Penn State delector who takes gree with putting great pride in and him ahead of the care of his or her crowd when he gradcollection.” uated and began Odyssey also Photo courtesy of Jay Nudi looking for work. sponsors exhibits Jay Nudi poses with his dogs, Max, left, and “Penn State was around the world Shiner. known as one of the and sells books and DVDs of its adventures. Jay said that when people learn where he works, they immediately think of pirates, danger, and lost treasures, but these adventure-laden images are quite different than the actual operations of shipwreck exploration. “This is a constantly evolving, state-ofthe-art industry that depends on advanced technology, a well-organized business plan, and sound international relationships,” Jay said. Jay has great memories of Penn State Beaver. A graduate of Freedom High School, he spent his first two years of college at Beaver campus, then moved to Penn State University Park to complete his degree. As a commuter student at Beaver, Jay loved attending events and meeting up with friends in the Student Union Building. “One of my best memories is seeing The Silencers perform in concert at Beaver,” he said. “They were one of Pittsburgh’s top bands in the ’80s, and it was so great to see them on campus because I was such a big fan.” Jay chose Penn State for the academic advantage he knew he’d have when he graduated. “Beginning my college career was
top non-Ivy League schools when I was there. To this day, I know with 100 percent certainty that I made the right choice.” “I also found out that wherever I went, I ran into Penn State alumni,” he added. “We’re everywhere, whether it’s at work, in the grocery store, restaurants, or professional sports. Jay’s wife, Beth, graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in English and now works in the insurance industry. “One time Beth commented that Penn State alums are everywhere because we have a campus on every corner in Pennsylvania,” Jay laughed. “I couldn’t help myself when I answered, ‘Hey, it’s supply and demand, baby!’” When asked what career advice Jay could give to current students or graduates, he replied that the world holds many fascinating employment opportunities. “The best advice I can give to anyone is to pursue something you love doing and have fun with it. As far as working at Odyssey, well … turnover is minimal here, but who knows, send me your resume!” To learn more about Odyssey or contact Jay, visit www.shipwreck.net or email jnudi@shipwreck.net.
Volunteers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16
fers to our students who, in turn, engage other students. Because of their relationships with the children, our students realize they’re doing something important, something bigger than themselves.” The Blue and White Society is a new campus volunteer group established this semester by students with the guidance and oversight of Christina Winniewicz, external relations assistant in the Office of Development. There are 44 students in the Blue and White Society, which is the student membership group of the Penn State Alumni Association. Blue and White Society members support local communities, the Alumni Association, and Penn State through social service, networking, and volunteer projects. Beaver campus students also spent time volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Beaver County. In September, student-athletes worked on a local Habitat project under the guidance of Bert DeSalvo, head coach of the women’s basketball team. In October, a different group of students, many of whom were members of the Business Club, spent a day on a Habitat build with members of the Beaver Valley Area Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association. “Working with the students is a wonderful way to enhance alumni relationships with them,” said Eric McIntosh ’05 Bus, a member of the Alumni Chapter Board of Directors and a recruiter for UPMC International and Commercial Services, who sees great value in student volunteerism. “These projects provide students with a tremendous opportunity to build relationships with potential employers while proving themselves to professionals who might be able to help them with job opportunities after graduation,” McIntosh said. “More importantly, the students realize the value of stepping outside of themselves to help other people. I’m always willing to support our students in any way possible, and events like this Habitat build are a big reason for that.”
For more information about student volunteer or community projects, contact Jessica Jackson, student activities and residence life coordinator, at jrj15@psu.edu or 724-773-3947.