EBERLY CAMPUS MAGAZINE THE
Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus » Spring/Summer 2024
INDELIBLE EFFORTS
W. Charles Patrick retires as Fayette chancellor and chief academic officer.
UNIVERSITY TRANSITIONS TO REGIONAL LEADERSHIP MODEL AT COMMONWEALTH CAMPUSES
Penn State’s administration is moving forward with its transformation of operations for its commonwealth campuses, including a new shared regional administrative model that will create efficiencies across campuses and help reduce expenditures. Megan Nagel, chancellor of Penn State Greater Allegheny, will now oversee Penn State’s Fayette, Greater Allegheny and New Kensington campuses, with Lindsey SimonJones facilitating the transition as interim chancellor at the Fayette campus until Dec. 31, 2024.
This change prioritizes a robust Penn State experience for students and provides consistent administrative and support services that make the University’s teaching, research and service mission possible. Moving forward, campus and regional leadership teams will engage with faculty senate teams, program faculty, students, and other key stakeholders to develop recommendations for the academic mission of the campuses based on the planned transformation.
FROM THE INTERIM CHANCELLOR
Hello and glad tidings from Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus. We are pleased to share with you the newest edition of The Eberly Campus Magazine! This publication is filled with exciting news and positive stories from across our campus.
The past six months saw big changes at Penn State Fayette, and we are so excited for the next academic year and a promising future. We are aligning with new, regional leadership structures that will help to sustain the campus for many years to come. We celebrated the retirement of our long-time chancellor, Dr. Charles Patrick and welcomed Dr. Megan Nagel as regional chancellor.
Our students and faculty continue to excel. Two students earned Erikson Discovery grants, and Pamela Pologruto, teaching professor in the Physical Therapist Assistant program, received a national award as an outstanding educator. In this issue you will also read about our 2024 Student Excellence Award winner and the successes of our many student athletes.
The Fayette campus continues to serve as a cultural hub in our community. In June, we unveiled the culmination of a multi-year collaboration with the Eberly Foundation and artist Vinny Bagwell. A sculpture of Uniontown native and iconic figure of the civil rights movement, the late Rev. James Lawson Jr., is now installed in our campus library.
Please enjoy these and other stories and let us know what you think! Remember, our door is always open, so please stop by campus for a visit.
Megan Nagel, Ph. D.
REGIONAL CHANCELLOR
PENN STATE FAYETTE, GREATER ALLEGHENY AND NEW KENSINGTON
IN THIS ISSUE
3
5
FAYETTE STUDENTS AWARDED ERICKSON DISCOVERY GRANT
FAYETTE HONORS REV. JAMES LAWSON JR. WITH STATUE
Lindsey Simon-Jones, Ph. D.
INTERIM
CHANCELLOR
AND CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER
PENN STATE FAYETTE, THE EBERLY CAMPUS
W. CHARLES PATRICK RETIRES AS FAYETTE CHANCELLOR 7
POLOGRUTO HONORED BY THE AMERICAN PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION 9
LORI OMATICK RETIRES AS DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AND DEVELOPMENT
The Eberly Campus Magazine is published for alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends. Editing and design: J. Ryan Simon. Contributions: Bill Hager, Megan Nagel, Lori Omatick, W. Charles Patrick, Daniel Pinchot, Lindsey Simon-Jones, Billie Jo Yuhaniak. Send letters to the editor to 2201 University Drive, Lemont Furnace, PA 15456, fayettemarketing@psu.edu, 724-430-4199. This publication is available in alternative media on request or online at issuu.com/pennstatefayette
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. UBR FEC 24-148.
STUDENTS AWARDED ERICKSON DISCOVERY GRANT
Penn State Fayette students Lucas Beddick and Tyler Duda are among 43 Penn Staters awarded the 2024 Erickson Discovery Grant from the Office of Undergraduate Education at University Park. Recipients are awarded $3,500 to cover expenses involved with undergraduate research.
Beddick, a third-year psychology major, is researching self-compassion as a predictor of tendences for prosocial behavior under the supervision of Aris Karagiorgakis, assistant teaching professor of psychology at Arizona State University.
“Our hypothesis is that those who are selfcompassionate will be more likely to help other people,” Beddick said. “Self-focused constructs are becoming more common with the positive psychology movement. If the hypothesis is supported, there would be evidence to suggest that being self-compassionate does not make you more selfish. It’s a fascinating subject.”
Duda, a second-year mechanical engineering major, is researching magnetic monopole interactions for related higher-rank gauge groups, under the supervision of Andrew Royston, assistant professor of physics at Penn State Fayette.
“Magnetic monopoles might have been created in the very early universe in the first split second after the big bang,” Duda said. “These simulations will show us how they could have interacted with each other. Elementary monopoles of this type, however, have not been observed experimentally so this is a very hypothetical situation. Our motivations for studying them do not come from possible future technologies, but provide a better understanding of the magnetic monopoles.”
MADISON RICHARDS WINS STUDENT EXCELLENCE AWARD
Penn State Fayette named Madison Richards the winner of the 2023-24 Student Excellence Award.
Richards studied whether students, acting as jury members, gave criminals harsher punishments, like longer prison sentences, based on the offender’s race. She used AI to create fake images, so no real people were involved or used without consent.
Richards graduated this spring with a baccalaureate degree in psychology. She was awarded $1,000 and will have her name displayed inside the Eberly Building.
Sponsored by the campus Advisory Board, the Student Excellence Award is the Fayette campus’ most prestigious academic achievement.
Aris Karagiorgakis and Madison Richards
Lucas Beddick, psychology major
Tyler Duda, mechanical engineering major
SPORTS, THON, GRADUATION AND MORE!
This spring’s Pi Sigma Phi honor society inductees pose with Kati Porter, associate teaching professor of biology.
From student activities to campus events, follow us on social media to catch all the action! @pennstatefayette
Taryn Stewart enters a perfect batting stance as Fayette’s softball team competes on campus.
A graduating student brings her child to spring’s commencement ceremony.
A nursing student delivers an emotional hug to her guest during spring’s pinning ceremony.
New Student Orientation student-leaders pose around the Nittany Lion.
Dave Meredith, emeritus associate professor of engineering, performs a split at spring commencement
Gianna Krofcheck is happy to see her friend Lauren Nedrow while dancing in THON 2024.
STATUE OF CIVIL RIGHTS ICON ERECTED AT PENN STATE FAYETTE
Penn State Fayette has installed a sculpture of the late Rev. James Lawson Jr., Uniontown native and iconic figure of the civil rights movement, in the campus library on June 23.
Its unveiling ceremony featured remarks from Vinnie Bagwell, artist; Robert Eberly III, president of the Eberly Foundation; SeriaShia Chatters, associate vice provost for educational equity at Penn State; and W. Charles Patrick, chancellor and chief academic officer.
Lawson organized and trained activists in nonviolent resistance, played a crucial role in the Nashville sitins, and was involved in campaigns like the Freedom Rides and the Memphis sanitation strike. He earned the Community of Christ International Peace Award in 2004, and the UCLA Labor Center’s historic MacArthur Park building was named in his honor in 2021.
“From the campus perspective, this is an important first phase of what will be an ongoing cultural nonviolence initiative, which will include but not be limited to community programming and scholarships targeting underrepresented groups,” said Patrick, who retired from the University on June 28. “We will be partnering with communities in the region and beyond to advance this initiative.”
The Eberly Foundation collaborated with Penn State to commission the sculpture in honor of Lawson’s lifelong dedication to social justice.
“The work Lawson did throughout the civil rights movement with his contemporaries was transformational for our country,” said Eberly III. “I’m happy the Eberly Foundation was able to play a role in this project. It’s a long overdue recognition of his life’s work.”
Chatters emphasized its significance, saying, “This is more than a tribute to a distinguished man. It’s a testament to the profound impact one person can have on the course of history. Let this statue stand as a beacon of hope and as a reminder of the power of nonviolent resistance.”
Bagwell, known for notable artwork on African American history, employed traditional bas-relief artistry to emboss the likenesses of other civil rights advocates across the sculpture.
“It’s important to have this sculpture placed at an institution of higher learning,” Bagwell said. “I’m delighted that it’s here.”
Lawson was invited to the ceremony but died on June 9, at the age of 95. However, his reaction to the preliminary marquette was recorded and shown at the sculpture’s unveiling, allowing attendees to appreciate his message on the importance of unity.
“We have the power to transform our nation and must reintroduce the awesome philosophies and tactics of nonviolent protest and love even our enemies. It’s my hope that this statue will embody life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and justice for every person born,” Lawson said.
From left to right: W. Charles Patrick, Vinnie Bagwell, Robert Eberly III.
W. CHARLES PATRICK RETIRES AS PENN STATE FAYETTE CHANCELLOR AND CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER
INDELIBLE FFORTS
Charles Patrick, chancellor and chief academic officer of Penn State Fayette, retired on June 28. Under his guidance the campus saw a renovation to its Engineering and Arts Suite on the third floor of the Eberly Building, and the Student Success Center in the Williams Building, which brought tutoring, the registrar and advising into a centralized location alongside mental health counseling, student affairs, the student nurse and the office of academic affairs.
“When I came in, there were a lot of student services spread across the campus. Now It’s a very welcoming place where students gather in great numbers,” Patrick said.
He also noticed how sheltered the campus was, and began to offer its resources to the public seeking educational conferences, professional retreats, sports facilities and more.
“First and foremost, we are providing education to people that will then stay in the area and filter into the workforce and contribute to the local economy,” he said. “Beyond that, our campus is providing nearby communities with unique, world-class facilities and events such as concerts, art, and hundreds of activities otherwise unavailable for miles. Our campus is a gem to this region, and I want to make sure that we get people visiting as much as possible.”
Reflecting on his leadership philosophy, Patrick emphasized how his approach has shaped the initiatives at Penn State Fayette.
“After being in a leadership cohort several decades ago, I have followed certain writers on leadership; one of them being Sample and his book, ‘The Contrarian’s Guide to Leadership,’” Patrick said. “He talks about thinking ‘grey’ while making decisions. Very seldom is a decision binary. There are always going to be nuances that take decision-making past a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.”
During a question-and-answer session for the position of chancellor and chief academic officer, Patrick was asked about his top priority if he were to assume the role. Without hesitation, he said student success.
“A lot of people think student success only involves the classroom, but every person on this campus has a role to play and can contribute in different ways. If you can’t
connect what you’re doing to student success, ask yourself why you’re doing it. To this day, I still firmly believe that’s how we have to think,” Patrick said.
Since then, Patrick has aimed to foster a holistic campus environment that emphasizes mutual respect and collaboration among departments.
His vision was to raise the bar on civility and helpfulness to creating a warm atmosphere that resonates with faculty, staff and students; this collaborative approach gradually took shape, strengthening the campus community into what it is today.
PICTURED ABOVE:
1. Patrick is visited by the Nittany Lion at the annual Concert on the Lawn, one of his favorite campus traditions.
2. In celebration of Penn State Fayette’s fiftieth anniversary, Patrick introduces The Cast of Beatlemania. (We are in love with the tie-dye!)
3. Setting a good example for his community, Patrick receives his COVID-19 vaccination as Penn State Fayette nursing students administer “the jab” at the height of the pandemic.
4. Patrick helps Maria Catalina ‘23, then president-elect of the 2021-22 Student Government Association, seal a time capsule inside a wall of the Williams Building, not to be opened until 2050.
5. Never afraid to have fun, Patrick lets students pie him in the face with colleagues Danielle Mitchell, left, and Rita Gumbert.
A DECADE OF SERVICE
PENN STATE FAYETTE TO HOST 2024 USCAA CROSS-COUNTRY AND VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Penn State Fayette will host the 2024 USCAA volleyball and cross-country Small College National Championships November 7 to 11. The event will feature the top small college teams from across the country competing for national titles. The Fayette campus has a strong history with the USCAA, including hosting the basketball championships for 11 years, and this marks the second consecutive year it will host the volleyball and cross-country championships. For updates, follow @ pennstatefayette on social media or visit psfathletics.com.
FAYETTE CONCLUDES 2023-24 SEASON
BASEBALL
Penn State Fayette’s baseball team tied for fifth in the PSUAC, finishing 13-23 overall and 4-16 in PSUAC conference play. The team recorded a .290 batting average, .421 onbase percentage, and .407 slugging percentage with nine home runs. Penn State DuBois led the standings with a 37-11 overall record and 19-1 in conference.
MEN’S BASKETBALL
The men’s basketball team finished the season with an 11-16 overall record, 7-2 in conference play. The team averaged 82.3 points per game, shooting 44.9 percent from the field, 30.2percent from three-point range, and 65 percent from the free-throw line. Penn State York topped the standings with a 28-7 overall record and 14-5 in conference.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
The women’s basketball team had an 8-17 overall record, 7-12 in conference play. The team averaged 54.1 points
per game, with shooting percentages of 31.8 percent from the field, 25.4 percent from beyond the arc, and 59.2 percent from the free-throw line. Penn State Beaver (24-7 overall) took the top spot in the PSUAC with an undefeated record in conference play.
CROSS-COUNTRY
Chloe Kalp placed seventh out of 54 in the USCAA Women’s National Championships 6k with a time of 25:47.5. Samuel Leonard placed 56th and Marco Peccon 78th in the Men’s 8k, clocking in at 36:10.3 and 42:03.9, respectively.
GOLF
The golf team finished eighth in the PSUAC and 15th in the USCAA Championships.
SOFTBALL
The softball team finished eighth in the PSUAC, with a 9-17 overall record and 4-14 in conference play. The team posted a .347 batting average, .423 on-base percentage, and .454
slugging percentage with four home runs. Penn State Brandywine led with a 38-9 overall record and 17-1 in conference.
TRACK AND FIELD
Chloe Kalp placed second in the 10,000 meters and third in the 5,000 meters. Jennifer Zelenick placed seventh in shot put, eighth in discus, and fifth in javelin. Marco Peccon and Samuel Leonard had strong finishes in their events, while Kyler Theodori and Steve Kapp also competed in throwing events.
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
The women’s volleyball team finished seventh in USCAA Division II, with a 16-11 overall record and 10-2 in conference play. The team averaged 10.54 kills per set with a .150 hitting percentage. In PSUAC postseason play, the team lost to Penn State York (3-0) in the semi-finals after having defeated Penn State Greater Allegheny in the quarterfinals.
NEW COACHES SPARK EXCITEMENT FOR BASKETBALL
Athletics has announced the appointment of new head coaches for its basketball programs.
David Sturm, the newly appointed women’s basketball coach, is eager to turn the program around, which finished the 2023-24 season with an 8-17 record. He plans to implement an up-tempo scheme and an exciting style of play, leveraging the campus’ state-of-the-art facilities and supportive atmosphere to foster a winning culture.
Trey Austin, the newly appointed men’s basketball coach, and plans to raise the program’s visibility and establish a strong team culture. “We have great athletes and facilities. I believe people should see that and want to be a part of it,” Austin said. “I want us to adopt the mantra of ‘why not us?’ because I believe we have enough.”
Marco Peccon, first-year cross-country athlete, competes in the 2023 USCAA Men’s 8k championship.
POLOGRUTO HONORED BY THE AMERICAN PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION
Pamela Pologruto, teaching professor of the physical therapist assistant (PTA) program at Penn State Fayette, has received the F.A. Davis Award for Outstanding Physical Therapist Assistant Educator. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) recognized her achievement with this national award, only given to one recipient annually, at its honors and awards reception ceremony in Kansas City, Missouri.
Pologruto is a dedicated physical therapy professional and educator. She has presented nationally at the APTA Combined Sections Meetings and Education Leadership Conference on the pedagogical strategies and issues affecting PTA education, co-authored articles regarding the role of the PTA and simulated patients, and chaired the American Physical Therapy Association Pennsylvania ethics committee in 2019.
The F.A. Davis Award for Outstanding Physical Therapist Assistant Educator recognizes Pologruto’s indelible efforts in provisioning quality education, and her involvement in advancing the field through state and national activities.
Pologruto’s award submission included research on the integration of simulated patients into the PTA curriculum
across multiple campuses. By analyzing student responses, the study evaluated how this active learning approach assisted with the development of students’ clinical problem-solving skills, ultimately preparing them for successful careers as PTAs.
Fellow PTA instructor Jennifer Jewell stated in her nomination letter that Pologruto “demonstrates a noteworthy level of commitment to PTA education through leadership roles that advance and inform education and practice of PTAs, shares her knowledge and expertise as a presenter and organizer of both academic and continuing education experiences, and serves as a leader and mentor to other educators, clinicians, students, and colleagues.”
“I am deeply honored to be recognized with this prestigious award,” Pologruto said. “As a PTA educator, I am fortunate to do what I love every day: teaching and influencing the next generation of physical therapy providers. I am committed to leading students by exemplifying professionalism, a pursuit of knowledge, and a dedication to service. I strive to create a supportive and engaging learning environment to empower students to gain knowledge and skills to prepare them for their future career.”
Pamela Pologruto, left, receives The F.A. Davis Award from Roger Herr, president of the American Physical Therapy Association, at the APTA Honors and Awards Reception.
EXCELLENCE FUND HONORS FAYETTE CHANCELLOR AND SPOUSE
The W. Charles and Martha Patrick Excellence Fund, initially established as a program endowment with a $25,000 commitment from the Patricks, can now be converted to a scholarship endowment through more than $25,000 in additional gifts from anonymous donors. Lori Omatick led the effort to grow the endowment and announced both its creation and support raised at the seventh-annual Benefit Fayette Student Aid Fundraiser.
“I’m pleased to announce the W. Charles and Martha Patrick Excellence Fund, and that unbeknownst to them, several other friends and alumni have made generous contributions to the endowment totaling more than $25,000,” said Lori Omatick, director of alumni and development. “This level of giving will enable the endowment to be converted to a scholarship that will support students at Penn State Fayette in your names in perpetuity.”
“The level of generosity to this campus is amazing,” said Patrick. “Martha and I are blessed to be a part of what many call the ‘Fayette Family.’ We care so much about each other, and the students understand that as well. Thank you for all you’ve done.”
The level of generosity to this campus is amazing.
ADVISORY BOARD AWARDS 2024 OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS AND FELLOW
The Advisory Board of Penn State Fayette has named the late Jeffrey Allen Landy and Charles Evans Hunnell, respectively, as the 2024 recipients of the Outstanding Alumnus and Outstanding Fellow awards, presented at the board’s annual meeting in honor of their professional achievements.
Landy graduated from Penn State in 1980. He managed dental offices and worked in accounting and sales before becoming Mount Pleasant Borough Manager in 2006, serving for eighteen years. He died on May 4, 2023. His daughter Kelsey Beckas accepted the award in his honor.
“My dad was the greatest person of all time,” Beckas said. “When aware that you’re going to pass away, having a legacy is important because you want to imagine a future without you. Having this award and being able to share it with my children is one of the ways his legacy will live on. There is nothing he would be prouder of than having this.”
Hunnell graduated from Penn State in 1965. He served in the Navy, retired as a Lieutenant Commander in 1977, and taught U.S. History and Economics at Upper St. Clair High School from 1968 to 1997. In retirement, he joined the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation’s Board of Trustees and established two scholarships at Penn State Fayette: the Charles E. Hunnell Open Doors Scholarship and the Florence Vernon Hunnell Scholarship.
“I was a first-generation college student from an average family,” Hunnell said. “A youngster with dreams who, thanks to a Penn State degree, was able to live his dreams to the fullest. It has been my honor to serve with you, and I believe that higher education is a major key to success. One year ago, I was given the most significant honor in my life: the opportunity to deliver the commencement address at Penn State Fayette. Now this, another unbelievable and unanticipated honor. Thank you, everyone.”
LORI OMATICK RETIRES AS PENN STATE FAYETTE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AND DEVELOPMENT
Lori Omatick, director of alumni and development, retired from Penn State Fayette on June 28. During her 16 years with the University, she managed two successful capital campaigns, each raising more than $4 million, mostly for students. The campus endowment also grew from roughly $10 million to more than $27 million during this period.
Omatick chaired the campus’ year-long fiftieth anniversary in 2015, which spawned two popular annual events: the Benefit Fayette Student Aid Fundraiser and the Concert on the Lawn and Alumni Barbecue Reunion. She also began the annual Donor
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Scholarship Dinner, where students meet and thank those responsible for their scholarships. Her plans for retirement include volunteering, spending time with family, cycling, and traveling.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to come to work knowing that I am supporting students who otherwise might not be able to afford a quality Penn State education,” Omatick said. “It has been a true honor and privilege to serve in this capacity. I’ll miss my wonderful ‘Fayette Family’ colleagues and the many dear friends and supporters of the campus. My heart will always be with Penn State Fayette!”
THAN 150 PEOPLE ATTEND STUDENT AID FUNDRAISER
More than 150 people attended the seventh-annual Benefit Fayette Student Aid Fundraiser. Event proceeds support the general scholarship and student emergency funds. Ninety percent of Fayette students are eligible for financial aid, and nearly half are first-generation college students.
Guests enjoyed dinner catered by The Historic Stone House Restaurant, followed by a live concert featuring Magical Mystery Doors. The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Doors tribute band performed in the Maggie Hardy Magerko Auditorium with a stunning light show.
Lori Omatick speaks at the seventh-annual Benefit Fayette Student Aid Fundraiser.
CONNECT WITH US
Follow Penn State Fayette on social media @pennstatefayette for daily updates on student activities, events, classes, and more happening around campus.
