Wilkes-Barre

Alumni groups offer virtual program series

Will Beekman ’00, ’02, general manager at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, is one of the speakers for the virtual programming series. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

Penn State Wilkes-Barre will join other campuses in the Northeast Region to offer a series of programming on various topics open to the public.

The Spring 2021 Virtual Program Series features topics ranging from movie promotion, chocolate and family business, NASA, forensics, bingo, children’s books, the entertainment industry, current weather, and nature. The programs will be held in the evening throughout the spring.

Alumni organizations from the Berks, Hazleton, Schuylkill, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre campuses are coordinating the events. Registration is required and those in attendance will be entered in a free raffle during each of the programs. To register for an event, visit https://tinyurl.com/PSUNEAlumniEvents.

“It is with great pleasure that we are presenting these events virtually at Penn State,” said Karen Brace-Hodle, alumni and stewardship coordinator at Penn State Wilkes-Barre. “Moving how we are offering programs, events and meetings to a virtual environment has allowed us to reach a greater audience of alumni and friends throughout the United States and in some cases, the world.”

The fall series was so well-received that the northeast alumni groups will offer the spring series to everyone at no charge. 

The following programs will be held this spring:

Monday, January 25, 7:00 p.m.

Penn Stater Promotes Movies and Stars of the Big Screen

Warner Bros. Pictures publicist shares his experiences of the big screen and Big Ten.

Nicholas Shugars ’15, publicist, Global Publicity, Warner Bros Pictures

Monday, February 1, 7:00 p.m.

Love and Chocolate with the Dunmore Candy Kitchen

Come with us on a journey while we explore the quirky relationship between chocolate, love and Penn State alumni – and the most loved and chocolatey time of the year – Valentine’s Day.

Nicholas Reuther Jr. ’12, Nicholas Reuther ’89 and Jacqueline Safko Reuther ’09

Monday, February 15, 7:00 p.m.

Penn Stater Promotes Hard Work, Chasing Dreams and Aiming for the Stars

Penn State alumna discusses her career at the capitol and following her dreams to Florida.

Lisa Kubeika ’06, special projects and emergency management coordinator for the City of Titusville, FL Gateway to Nature and Space, and an intern to NASA

Monday, February 22, 7:00 p.m.

From PSU to FBI

Penn State alum discusses his role in cracking the Unabomber case, which led to the arrest of Ted Kaczynski.

Jim Fitzgerald ’75, consultant in forensic linguistic and criminal profiling 

Monday, March 1, 7:00 p.m.

March (BINGO) Madness featuring the Penn State “Button Man”

Five games at $20 each – coverall at $50 – Barnes & Noble Gift Cards

Dr. Jonathan U. Dougherty ’99, ‘06G, director of corporate knowledge, James G. Davis Construction Corp.

Monday, March 15, 7:00 p.m.

An Author’s Tales

A discussion of her book “Bedtime Tails: A New Adventure”

Katarine Illona ’16, author of children’s books.

Monday, March 22, 7:00 p.m.

Penn Stater Shines at Mohegan Sun Arena

Alumnus shares a track record of success in managing multi-faceted entertainment venues and sheds a light on the challenges of a pandemic.

Will Beekman ’00, ’02, general manager at the ASM Global-managed Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza

Monday, April 12, 7:00 p.m.

Curious about Climate Change? Find out more at this session. Predict…Provide…Protect

Penn State Alum, certified consulting meteorologist shares his insight on climate change.

Richard A. Shema ’78, CCM, president of Weatherguy.com

Monday, April 26, 6:00 p.m.

A Walk in the Woods with Penn State Professor

Join us on a nature walk at Penn State Hazleton to explore the outdoors and learn about a variety of creatures and plants, and some history of the campus.

Dr. Carl Frankel, retired assistant professor of biology

Prior to each program, registrants will receive an email with the zoom link and information.

Questions may be directed to Karen Brace-Hodle at klb14@psu.edu.

Last Updated January 7, 2021