Category: Alumni

Alumni Insider: Who is Meaghan Paige?

Posted By under Alumni, Campus News

Story by Tito E. Orjih, Lions Eye Staff Writer & Editor, teo5055@psu.edu

Meaghan Paige is an American designer and founder of Meaghan Paige, a local woman’s wear design company. Paige is a recent graduate from the Penn State Brandywine campus with a major in communications arts and sciences.

Paige first became interested in art when she was five. Paige said, “I remember drawing everywhere with my parents. We would go on vacations and I would always find little notepads at hotel rooms and I would just start drawing anything.” Paige was influenced from a young age to explore and express herself through drawing, which eventually led to fashion design and entrepreneurship.

Meaghan Paige’s main role models in her life were her great aunts, who embraced her like their own child. While attending Penn State, Paige’s great Aunt Beth passed away. Her Aunt Beth personally inspired her to sew and pursue art. In order to remember her aunt, Paige kept sentimental artifacts.

Meaghan said, “she left behind a bunch of bobbins, pins, and buttons that were used for sewing. I basically took them and started making clothes and that was sort of the inspiration behind all of this.” Paige’s late aunt’s death was a turning point and a catalyst for her involvement in the fashion industry, which inevitably led to her success as an entrepreneur and saleswoman.

The young designer’s work is incredibly influenced by art, music and culture. Meaghan debuted her first collection at New York Fashion Week in 2015 after being invited to showcase on behalf of a non-profit organization. Since then, Paige has been on a mission to globalize her brand and business. Paige has traveled with her team and photographed her designs at locations in Paris, Italy, Spain, and Ireland.

When asked if she could share some inspirational insight for aspiring fashion designers and entrepreneurs.

Meaghan said,

First, “Say yes to any opportunity or offer even if it doesn’t interest you that much. The worst thing that could happen is that you don’t learn anything, but if you didn’t know anything about it in the first place, then you obviously have already learned something.”

Second, “Be open and willing to change. It’s a major process of evolving and mastering your craft.”

Last, “Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and speak to people that may not look anything like you — you may find that you have more in common with them than you think! I’m friends with people from all over the world because I was always curious about where they were from.

Meaghan Paige is currently overseas in Ireland with her integrative team preparing a photo-shoot for their new campaign. If you want some more information about Meaghan Paige and her design company visit her website at [ http://www.meaghanpaige.com/ ]

 

Speed Networking Accelerates Success

Posted By under Alumni, Campus News

By: Jennifer Lindauer, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer

On Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at the Tomezsko Lounge, Penn State Brandywine’s Office of Career Services partnered with local Penn State alumni, Blue and White Society, and the Student Government Association to host its annual “speed networking” event. Students had the opportunity to network with successful alumni, and prepare for future job interviews in a relaxed coffee shop setting.Every student had four minutes to speak with an alumni by asking them various questions about their profession. Alumni also asked students simulated interview questions. This helped students build their confidence for future job interviews. Students and alumni were also able to build connections. After speed networking, both groups had the chance to continue to network over lunch.When asked about the benefits of attending a networking event, Student Government President Neeka Pharaud, said “networking isn’t what you know but who you know and how to combine the two. When a person advances in their career, there usually was a connection that enabled them to advance, and this networking event helps students build those connections.”Sam Andricola participated in the networking event. “I enjoyed talking to the alumni because I met many different professionals from really great companies. Now I’m interested in those companies, and expanding my network.”Bobbi Caprice Penn State Brandywine’s assistant athletic director shared why it’s important for students to attend networking events.

“The speed networking event is a great way for students to get connected with our alumni. Having the largest alumni association in the country, it is important that they start making those connections as early as possible, Caprice said. “Our world is sometimes more about who you know, versus what you know. So it’s important that our students start to build valuable relationships now.”

Throughout this event students had the opportunity to create many new connections. The advice that was given, the questions that were asked, and the connections that were built helped prepare students for the next step in their lives.

Brandywine softball defeats Rosemont

Posted By under About, Advertising, Alumni, Campus News, Entertainment, Networking, Sports, Uncategorized

By Brian Bosco, Lion’s Eye staff writer, bwb5310@psu.edu

 

The Penn State Brandywine softball team traveled to Rosemont College on Thursday, April 21, and came away with two blowout nonconference wins.

 

After a 9-0 shutout win by the Lady Lions in the first game of the double-header, they set out to do the same in the nightcap.  Game two started off with a bang as Brandywine plated five runs on three hits that included a three-run RBI triple by Katy Steffen.  The other two runs were knocked in with a pair of singles by Julie Foeldes and Steph Harvey.

 

Foeldes led seven players with at least two hits by going 3-4 at the plate.  Harvey was not far behind Foeldes’ performance as she tallied five hits and three RBI’s over both games.

 

“We were able to put Rosemont in a hole early,” Head Coach, Mark Castansa said.

 

The early lead was all the senior pitcher, Olivia Encarnacion, needed.  Encarnacion blanked the Ravens over the first 4 ⅓ innings before an error allowed Rosemont to score an unearned run.  She finished the game with six strikeouts, only allowed five hits, and earned her sixth win of the season.

 

“I was just trying to get the ball over the plate as much as possible,” Encarnacion explained when asked how she kept Rosemont on edge.

 

A four-run fourth inning sealed the deal for the Lady Lions.  The inning was led by last year’s All-Americans, Katie Steffen and Katie DeStefano.  Steffen added an RBI double to score Foeldes, and Katie DeStefano recorded a big run scoring single.  This ran the score up to 12-0 in Brandywine’s favor.

 

Heading into the top of the fifth inning Brandywine knew it had to hold Rosemont in order to keep the 10 run rule in effect.  In college, the 10 run rule takes effect when one team is beating the other team by 10 runs or more through five innings.

 

Knowing they had to keep Rosemont from scoring two runs, Brandywine looked a little tense at the start of the inning.  The inning started with a leadoff single, followed by a throwing error that allowed one run to score.  This left Brandywine with a one run cushion and a runner on third.  Next batter hits a rocket down to Grace DeRosa at third base.  She slung it home to the catcher, Steph Harvey, as who embraced a forceful collision while tagging the runner out at the plate.

 

“It kept the game at 10 runs,” Harvey said.  “I wasn’t trying to hurt her, I was just trying to do my job and get the out.”

 

Harvey got the out, while also making the play of the game.  The next two batters hit lazy fly balls, and that ended the game with a final score of 12-1.

 

Brandywine is now 14-14 (7-1 in conference) and heads to Widener on Friday afternoon. Their big challenge comes this weekend with conference doubleheaders against Penn State New Kensington, and Penn State Fayette.

 

Speed Networking

Posted By under Advertising, Alumni, Campus News, Entertainment, Networking , , , , , , , , , ,

By: Ciera Britton, Lion’s Eye Staff Editor, clb434@psu.edu

Penn State alums at the Speed Networking with Alumni event offered students the unique opportunity to practice before the real interview.

The event was an opportunity for the students to network with the alumni and practice their ‘‘elevator speeches.’’ The Speed Networking with Alumni saw a total of 14 alumni and 27 students attend. The feedback received from both the alumni and students was encouraging and very positive.

The collaboration of the Student Government Association (S.G.A), Blue and White Society (B.W.S), Career Services and Alumni Relations made the event a success. The event was open to all students; for two internship prep classes (CNED 280 and BA 420), participation was mandatory. For the first half of the Speed Networking with Alumni, the students rotated from one alumni station to another after every four minutes.

“I attended the event because it was an excellent opportunity to network and meet knowledgeable and experienced PSU alumni,” senior Jodi Mitchell said.

Jim Callagher, who is employed by Hotel and Restaurant Management, shares his reasons why he is always there to help the students of Penn State.

“PSU is what it is all about,” Callagher said. “It is important to share our business experience with future students in the business world. It can help them with better interviewing skills.”

Penn State alum Michael Cappelletti works at Warfel Construction Company.  He was honored to attend.

“Penn State has the best students,” Cappelletti said. “They are always present for events and great at networking. I am here to help the students learn to reach out, to communicate and to network.”

After lunch, Penn State Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Relations Virginia Harrison explained how she could not miss the event.

“I am the adviser to the Blue and White Society and in the campus alumni relations office,” Harrison said. “I came to see and help alumni and students network and interact.”

Numerous connections were made for potential opportunities, and students are better equipped and more confident as they prepare for upcoming job opportunities.

Don’t stop now

Posted By under Advertising, Alumni, Campus News, Commencement, Entertainment, Graduation, Networking, Op/Ed , , , , , , , ,

By: Sharifa Small, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, sns161@psu.edu

As Penn State Brandywine 2016 commencement draws near, students are wrapping up research projects, internships, independent study classes and exams in preparation for what lies ahead.

The commencement ceremony is set to be held on Saturday, May 7, at 10 a.m., in the Commons Building/Athletic Center. Additionally, the commencement speaker will be Jennifer Morgan, President of SAP North America.

While many students are counting down the weeks until graduation day, which tends to be the busiest, others are reminiscing about their first day on campus.

Will Gruehn, a senior Corporate Communications major, is set to graduate this spring. He remembers his first day as a freshman.

“It was fairly uneventful,” Gruehn said. “I remember thinking that the campus was a lot smaller than I initially envisioned it.  I also remember being very shocked by the general size of most classes, but as the days passed by, the class sizes were a thing of the past.”

Within the weeks leading up to graduation day, there are always activities on campus to either ease one’s mind of final exam stress or help a student look for a job. Such activities include mock interviews, speed networking with alumni, career day prep (Resumania), career day and internship poster and capstone presentations. There are also fun events like Tunes Thursday, Movie Night, Senior Send-off, Spring Fling and much more.

Commencement is a joyous occasion. With that being said, seniors are urged to RSVP with attendance and ticket requests by April 20 for the commencement ceremony as well as pick up their cap and gowns, as it is very much needed for the service. Seniors are still required to RSVP even if they do not plan to attend the commencement ceremony, to ensure an appropriate count of attendees.

“I have a lot of mixed feelings about graduation, Gruehn said. “I honestly cannot wait to be finally finished with research papers, presentations and exams; however, I am also a bit sad about the prospect of leaving my friends behind.”

Congratulations to those seniors graduating. A new chapter will begin soon. It starts with being called a Penn State alum.

Speed Networking with Alumni

Posted By under Advertising, Alumni, Campus News, Contact, Entertainment, Food, Networking , , , , , , , , , ,

By: Sharifa Small, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, sns161@psu.edu

One way for college students to learn about what the real world has to offer is to network and connect with alumni.

Penn State Brandywine’s Career Services collaborated with the Student Government Association, Blue and White Society and University Relations to host the annual Speed Networking with Alumni event on February 24.

The purpose of the event was for students to get a better understanding of and experience with networking. By practicing networking, students may feel more comfortable when engaging in two-way dialogue.

Olivia Shiner, a junior business management major and the President of S.G.A., was one of the many people who made the event a success.

“This event offers an excellent opportunity to make contact with people from Penn State and within the local area,” Shiner said. “Because of the past speed networking events, I have met many alumni. Plus, I know at least three people and myself who have worked with alumni after the event.”

Shiner believes networking is essential and once students start talking to people, they will realize what they have in common and how others can help in a job search.

How it worked

The networking event took place in the Tomezsko Lounge during common hour.  The lounge was staged as a coffee house; refreshments, lunch and music were available. There were 27 students and 14 alumni in attendance. Each alum was assigned to a numbered table and each student received a number upon arrival, which placed them as a group.

The group consisted of one alumni and two to three students. For the first half of the event, and at the sound of a bell, participants were able to take turns asking questions and delivering their elevator pitches. Each session was timed, so students rotated to the a new alum’s table every four minutes.

Photo by: Sharifa Small
Photo by: Sharifa Small

Observing the success of the event, and one of the many people in charge was Christine Allen, the Career Services Coordinator.

“Feedback from both students and alumni was very positive,” Allen said.  “Students were primarily from two Internship Prep classes, (BA 420 and CNED 280) but student leaders opened the event to all students. Many connections were made for potential opportunities and students are better prepared and more confident as they prepare for Career Days on March 1st and March 24th.”

Denita Wright Watson, Penn State Great Valley’s Academic Program Manager, said she loves participating and been to several of these events.

“I think it was a great event,” Watson said.  “The students were very well prepared, and they asked thoughtful and insightful questions and were very receptive to receiving advice. One thing that stood out to me was the way in which the students traveled in pairs to each station. I think it allowed them to offer support to each other. What I noticed in some of the groupings is that one person might have been nervous. However, the person they were paired with was very reassuring in making the person feel more comfortable by nodding and smiling.”

Virginia Harrison, Penn State Brandywine Assistant Director of Development and Blue and White Society Adviser, said she enjoyed seeing Penn Staters connect.

“The Speed Networking event at Brandywine was an excellent opportunity for alumni to be mentors,” Harrison said.  “It also gave them a chance to come back to campus and remember their time here.

Career Day will be held March 1 and 24; March Madness/Resumania will be held on March 21 and 22 to help students prepare. For more information or a list of all the events, visit www.bw.psu.edu/acs-events-fairs, or stop by Career Services located in 104 Main Building.