The Penn State Lehigh Valley Advisory Board is a group of alumni, business professionals, and community individuals who serve as community liaisons in support of the Penn State Lehigh Valley campus. Within such a role, these individuals provide input into campus decisions and directions, become the link with area legislators in supporting university initiatives, and serve as the community connection in promoting University programs.

Advisory Board Expectations

Participation

  • Attend and actively participate in at least four of our six board meetings each year. These meetings take place in September, November, January, March, May, and July of each year.
  • Attend Penn State Lehigh Valley sponsored events during the course of the year.
  • Serve a three-year term, which can be renewed twice, before rotating off the board for at least one year.
  • Actively participate on at least one of the advisory board committees, generate ideas, attend meetings, offer feedback, etc.

Financial

  • Provide an annual gift to Penn State Lehigh Valley of at least $250. Gifts to University Park and/or restricted funds, such as the Nittany Lion Club, do not count towards this requirement.
  • Help to identify and/or solicit other potential donors (individuals, businesses, foundations) that might provide support for Penn State Lehigh Valley students and programs.

Outreach

  • Support Penn State Lehigh Valley students by serving as a resource in helping them to find jobs, internships, and/or by working with faculty and students to facilitate projects and experiences that support educational programs.
  • Proudly represent Penn State Lehigh Valley in the community by being knowledgeable about our programs, initiatives, and opportunities to give time, talent, and financial support to the campus.

Current Penn State Lehigh Valley Advisory Board Members

Officers

Catherine E. Durso, Esq., Chair

Shane McGee, Vice-Chair, Development Committee Co-Chair

Howard L. Kulp, Past Chair, Development Committee Co-Chair

Winnie Melinsky, Financial Secretary

Dr. Tina Q. Richardson, Chancellor and Secretary

Members

Phillips Armstrong

Andrew Block

Christopher Bogden

William Dadio 

Terry DeGroot

Bruce Haines

Susan D. Johnson

Megan Mattern

Peter Nickischer

Dr. Prasant Pandey

Vincent Sorgi

Phillip Szymanowski

Dr. Hussam Yacoub

Representatives

Hibah Akbar, President, Student Government Association

Anastasia Seremula, Vice President, Student Government Association 

Dr. Mark Gruskin, Chair, Faculty Senate

Ex-Officio Members

Tom Dubreuil

Dr. Douglas Hochstetler

Kristy Hove

Helene Miksitz

Dr. Denise O’Neill

Debbie Zuech-Smyrl

Sharon Tercha