During the course of our lives, we typically encounter a few people who make a strong, positive, memorable difference to us. People who do not subscribe to the “one-size-fits-all” philosophy of education, but rather identify and then respond to the needs of their students. People who are committed to inspiring and nurturing leaders who go on to make a positive impact locally, nationally and globally. We asked current students and alumni about people in the College of Education who made that kind of difference to them. Excerpts of responses recognizing current members of the college follow.
Suzanne Brokloff, academic adviser
“Suzanne is a source of passion and information and has pushed me to chase after so many opportunities while studying here. She has helped me build my toolkit as an educator and is prepared to make sure I succeed when my time here has come to an end.” ~ Terrance Jefferson, undergraduate
David Gamson, faculty, EPS
“Dr. Gamson runs a very interactive class with different activities and projects that we were able to do. He taught me a lot both about the history of education, as well as how to be a good teacher. When I struggled on a test, he helped me by giving me different studying methods as well as tips when taking the test itself. He cares for not only the subject he teaches, but also his students.” ~ Kailee Warner, undergraduate
Tania Germino, faculty, C&I
“Professor Germino’s love and excitement instilled in learning is infectious. I would be so excited to go to class every day, not only to learn, but because I got to spend time with my role model. She created powerful connections with every single one of us and I had never previously been in a college classroom environment such as this.” ~ Hope Morrison, undergraduate
Jennifer Hanna, faculty, EPCSE
“Dr. Hanna is extremely understanding, knowledgeable, great at teaching, comforting and a great listener. She cares about her students and enjoys teaching them about things in and outside of class. She always is grateful for having us be part of her class and is willing to take time to help and guide us in the best way she can. As much as she’s grateful for us, I hope she knows that we’re just as grateful for her.” ~ Nadine Mumaw, undergraduate
Richard Hazler, faculty, EPCSE
“He has helped me and many other counselor education students navigate the muddy waters of graduate school in every way possible. Dr. Hazler’s wisdom and foresightedness helped us think bigger than ourselves by seeking a bigger impact on the community. His vast knowledge, experience and interpersonal style inspired me to work harder and walk in his shoes in my future career.” ~ Mahmood Salim Almaawali, graduate student
Stephanie Hopkins, academic adviser
“Stephanie Hopkins is a shining light in the Penn State education community. She values each student immensely and ensures they have the tools and information needed to be a successful and happy student.” ~ Loren Perry, undergraduate
“I hope that Stephanie knows how much she has helped me in feeling stable in my time at Penn State.”
~ Caroline Clontz, undergraduate
“She made me realize that although teaching can be stressful, it is going to be worth it in the end. She knew I had a drive and passion for it, and she expressed this greatly in our meetings.” ~ Ava Massetti, undergraduate
Jim Krombach, faculty, C&I
“As a supervisor, Jim made the whole process of student teaching seamless. I knew that I and my fellow student teachers could always turn to him for guidance and help with anything. I am so thankful to have him as a supervisor and a mentor during my last semester of college.” ~ Megan Campbell, alumna
Susan Land, department head, LPS
“Dr. Land gave me the freedom and guidance to create a unique area of research focus, and supported my interests in nontraditional, nonacademic jobs. She was also very understanding of my personal challenges related to immigration, motherhood and health. At every step of my Ph.D. I felt supported and encouraged.” ~ Sonia Tiwari, graduate student
Brenda Martinez, staff, OESE
“Brenda has helped create a physical space in the College of Education building where I can freely vent about what’s on my mind while getting advice or just support. She makes sure I know I can go to her with any problems and welcomes me into the Office of Education and Social Equity between classes. Having a place to hang out with other students and staff, watch a movie or get solid advice has changed my experience.” ~ Miranda Lucero, undergraduate
“From helping me with the financial aspects of college to checking in on me during my hard times, I have always felt genuine care and understanding from Brenda. It also gives me great hope to see someone who shares my cultural identity as such a leader in a huge campus like this one. She is my real-world example of the representation readings and I understand my future role as a leader even more.” ~ Melanie Tobar, undergraduate
Scott McDonald, faculty, C&I
“Dr. McDonald challenged us to create thoughtful and well-designed lessons that would push our students and push us as educators to understand the world around us a little better. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have learned with and from Dr. McDonald.” ~ Douglas Womelsdorf, alumnus
Mimi Schaub, faculty, EPS
“Dr. Mimi Schaub indelibly shaped the arc of my life. I took her EDTHP 416 Sociology of Education course during my junior year in 1999. She opened my eyes to the social foundations of education in America. I went on to earn a Ph.D. in sociology of education, and I’ve built an enormously rewarding career advancing the careers and impact of college and university leaders.” ~ Jim Sirianni, alumnus
Pia Smal, faculty, EPCSE
“When teaching her students, she shows passion within the different topics and is always checking up on the students to see how they feel or what thoughts they have. Outside of class I think Dr. Smal is a great, understanding and incredibly strong person who I will always be grateful for, for being a listener, providing advice and giving me the strength to be confident in myself and my capabilities.” ~ Nadine Mumaw, undergraduate
Rayne Sperling, associate dean
“Dean Sperling has always believed in me and helped me throughout my education, teaching and leadership journey. Her creative ideas, listening skills and thoughtful thinking have helped shape my future as an educator. She is dedicated and driven to help make students’ experiences as meaningful and powerful as possible.” ~ Lisa Greeley, undergraduate
Mark D. Threeton, faculty, LPS
“Our Workforce Education and Development department is full of influential faculty who make magical impacts on each of us. Dr. Threeton inspires me through his wisdom and encouragement. He never fails to provide hope when I am frustrated. He constantly inspires students to be confident and take pride in their work, and have the courage to publish it. He went beyond the adviser, always a true mentor to me.” ~ Farhan Sadique, graduate student
Rachel Wolkenhauer, faculty, C&I
“When we first met, I distinctly remember telling someone, ‘I want to be Rachel when I grow up,’ because she beautifully navigates the university and school district worlds while keeping students at the center. She introduced me to the idea that I can have an impact in both scholarship and practice simultaneously, which led me to take the leap into my current role.”
~ Danielle Butville, alumna
Hyung Joon Yoon, faculty, LPS
“Dr. Yoon is a kind soul who strives to serve his advisees with a positive attitude, encourages you to get ‘uncomfortable,’ and helps you celebrate success. He demands the same high standards of his advisees that he holds himself accountable. He is a wonderful listener and a true champion of students. He helped me become a better researcher, scholar and person.” ~ Joseph P. Harford, alumnus
Additional recognitions
Several former members of the College of Education also were recognized as change-makers in people’s lives. Those individuals, and the people who wrote about them, follow.
- Claudia Anderson, former faculty member, recognized by alumna Amanda Gifford Lockwood.
- Terry Blue, former academic adviser, recognized by alumnus Craig Pritcher.
- J. David Boyle, former faculty member, recognized by alumnus Rick Wertz.
- Bernard Bronstein, former academic adviser, recognized by Carole Klein.
- Melissa Butler, former graduate assistant, recognized by alumna Tricia Shelton.
- William Caldwell, professor emeritus of education, recognized by alumnus C. Jay Hertzog.
- Wayne L. Detwiler Sr., former faculty member, recognized by alumnus Michael Murphy.
- Victor L. Dupuis, former faculty member, recognized by alumnus Sylvester Kohut Jr.
- Joseph French, professor emeritus of education, recognized by Samuel Castiglione.
- Dan Grow, former faculty member, recognized by alumnus Jonathan Klingeman.
- Joe Kincheloe, former faculty member, recognized by alumnus Steve McLaughlin.
- Fred Loomis, former faculty member, recognized by alumnus J. Adam Linetty.
- Jane Madsen, former faculty member, recognized by alumna Ann Troyan.
- J. Dan Marshall, professor emeritus of education, recognized by alumnus Larry Napoleon Jr.
- Bonnie Meyer, professor emerita of education, recognized by graduate student Jia Yu Sylvia.
- Jim Nolan, professor emeritus of education, recognized by alumnus Jeff Tranell.
- Patrick Shannon, distinguished professor emeritus of education, recognized by alumna Carrie Koch.
- Martin W. Sharp, former faculty member, recognized by alumnus Stephen F. Gambescia.
- Twyla Shear, former faculty member, recognized by alumnae Jeanne Bricher Bender and Virginia Vincenti.
- Deno G. Thevaos, former faculty member, recognized by alumna Karen Verbeke.
- John W. Tippeconnic, former faculty member, recognized by alumna Katherine Campbell.
- Horst von Dorpowski, assistant dean emeritus, recognized by Barbara J. Michael.
- Barbara K. Wade, recognized by alumnus Michael Murphy.
- Paul Welliver, former faculty member, recognized by alumni Mark Demyanovich and John R. Vincenti.
- Randy Wiesenmayer, former faculty member, recognized by alumnus Dan Vandenberg.
- George Zortich, former faculty member, recognized by alumna Darlene D. Large.