UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s Schreyer Honors College has welcomed four new members to its External Advisory Board (EAB) whose three-year terms began in fall 2023.
“The EAB plays a critical role in helping the Honors College deliver on its mission of promoting academic excellence, global perspectives and opportunities for leadership and civic engagement,” said Patrick Mather, Dean of Schreyer Honors College. “We’re honored to welcome our new board members who care deeply about the Honors College and offer a wealth of knowledge and leadership skills.”
Schreyer’s new EAB members are:
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Karen Buck, executive director of SeniorLAW Center in Philadelphia — Buck graduated from Penn State in 1983 with a bachelor of arts degree in political science with honors in English. After finishing her doctor of law at Villanova, Buck embarked on a law career that is now in its 36th year. In her current role with SeniorLAW Center, she leads this nonprofit public interest law organization which "seeks justice for older people, educates the community and advocates on local, state and national levels."
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Kathy Hilt, division vice president at Macy’s — A 1990 alumna with a bachelor of science degree in marketing, with honors, Hilt leads multiple Macy’s locations in the New York City area, including the Herald Square flagship. Prior to Macy’s, she spent nearly a decade as a division vice president and general manager with Kauffman’s department store company.
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Basel Kayyali, senior partner at McKinsey & Company — Kayyali is a 1996 Penn State alumnus with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering, with honors. He also earned his MBA in strategic management from the Wharton School in 2002. After beginning his career by spending three years with the Intel Corporation, Kayyali moved on to McKinsey where he has spent the last 21 years.
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Jason Kushner, managing director of capital markets at PNC — Kushner graduated from Penn State in 1994 with a bachelor of science degree in economics, with honors. He has since spent the last 29 years working in the financial sector for noteworthy banks including Merrill Lynch, Barclays Capital/Lehman Brothers and Deutsch Bank. Kushner has been with PNC for the last 12 years.
The EAB is composed of Penn State alumni, friends of the Schreyer Honors College, parents of Scholars and others committed to the College realizing its mission.
The board convenes twice a year at meetings held on the University Park campus. Board members demonstrate leadership and commitment to the Honors College through their advice and counsel of the dean and staff, mentorship of current Scholars, sponsoring internships and research projects and through their personal philanthropy.