Q&A: One mother, six children, 10 degrees, one proud Penn State family legacy

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — To say that Stephanie Mullin is part of a proud Penn State family is something of an understatement.

A 1986 alumna of the Smeal College of Business and a lifetime member of the Penn State Alumni Association, Mullin’s Penn State legacy doesn’t end with her degree or with her current role as the University’s assistant director of the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development.

Mullin said she is proud that all six of her children have followed in her footsteps and gone on to become Penn Staters themselves, with her youngest child, Shannon Mullin, graduating in May 2026. Now with 10 Penn State degrees in the family — plus even more among her extended family and in-laws — Mullin shares how a Penn State education has gone on to open doors and create opportunities for her children, just as the University did for her.

As Penn State celebrates the milestone of awarding one million degrees, learn more about the Mullin family’s journey as part of the broader Penn State legacy through the Q&A below; responses have been lightly edited for length, clarity and style.

Q: Why did you first choose to attend Penn State?

Mullin: Growing up in a small coal mining town near University Park, Penn State seemed both aspirational and attainable. While it was known for its academic excellence, its land-grant mission reflected a commitment to students from communities like mine. My older sister's experience at Penn State played an important role in my decision to enroll. Visits to campus, attending football games and even sitting in a college finance class during high school helped me picture myself as a Penn State student. I began my education at Penn State Altoona before transitioning to University Park. Penn State provided not only an excellent education but also the opportunity to build on the foundation my parents worked so hard to create for our family.

Q: What did it mean to you to see all six of your children follow in your footsteps to attend Penn State?

Mullin: Having all six of our children attend Penn State was incredibly meaningful to me. While I privately hoped my children would consider Penn State, however, I wanted each of them to choose the educational path that was right for them, and I was mindful not to influence their decision. My hope was that they would have access to the same opportunities, outstanding education, and sense of community that had such a positive impact on my own life.

The fact that all six of my children independently chose Penn State and went on to create their own unique experiences has been one of my greatest joys as a parent. Seeing each of my children benefit from a Penn State education has been both extremely rewarding and deeply meaningful.

Q: Can you share your perspective about the lasting value of a Penn State education, and why you felt it was important for your children to attend the University?

Mullin: The lasting value of a Penn State education extends far beyond the classroom. As a student, I gained invaluable experiences through my involvement in the Marketing Association, academic honor societies and the women's basketball team at Penn State Altoona, all of which helped shape my personal and professional growth. Our children found their own ways to become engaged, including through THON, business fraternities, the Spanish Club and other campus organizations. These experiences helped them develop leadership skills, serve others, and form friendships and memories that will stay with them long after graduation. That's what makes a Penn State education so valuable. It's not only about earning a degree, but also about the experiences, relationships and personal growth that continue to influence your life for years to come.

Q: How are your children applying their Penn State degrees in their careers and communities?

Mullin: Bridget (Mullin) Hearn earned her bachelor's degree in media studies and minor in English in 2013 and works for an international real estate company in Boston, Massachusetts. She says her degree has been a strong foundation for her career by preparing her to translate complex operational challenges into clear processes, align teams, and communicate effectively across all levels of an organization.

Erin (Mullin) Frangiosa graduated in 2015 and holds a bachelor’s in science in Spanish and a second bachelor’s in global and international studies, a minor in labor and employee relations, and a certification to teach English as a second language. As vice president of people and culture at Congreso de Latinos Unidos Inc., a nonprofit in Northeast Philadelphia promoting economic self-sufficiency and wellbeing to the Latino community, she actively applies her dual major and minor degrees in her day-to-day work leading the Human Resources, Talent Development and Security departments.

Matthew Mullin first studied construction management at the Pennsylvania College of Technology before earning a bachelor's degree in history from Penn State. After graduating in 2018, he pursued military service, entering both the U.S. Navy and later the U.S. Army. Today, he owns and operates a construction business in Charleston, South Carolina, where he uses the leadership, discipline, problem-solving abilities, and industry knowledge he developed through his education and military training.

Katie  (Mullin) Agostinelli holds a bachelor’s in Spanish, a second bachelor’s in labor and employment relations, and a master’s in human resources and employer relations. She began her career in human resources as a talent acquisition partner for a government contractor in the manufacturing industry, Spectrum Control. She later transitioned into distribution within her industry and now serves as the corporate distribution manager for Taoglas, a global antenna manufacturer.

Meghan (Mullin) Ruggerio graduated in 2024 with a bachelor's degree in communications. She is now the marketing manager for three car dealerships, where she develops advertising strategies, manages digital and social media, creates marketing campaigns, and determines the most effective ways to communicate with the community.

Shannon Mullin graduated summa cume laude this year with a bachelor's degree in biobehavioral health and a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation. She is applying her degree in her role with Insight Global’s healthcare division, where she partners with healthcare organizations to help solve workforce and staffing challenges.

Q: Your children recently gave you a Mother’s Day gift of a framed family photo showcasing everyone’s Penn State graduation photo. What did that gift mean to you?

Mullin: To say it took my breath away is an understatement. Simply seeing my last child earn her degree already felt like one of the greatest Mother's Day gifts I could have received. But when they presented me with the family photo frame, I was overwhelmed with emotion. Looking at those graduation photos, I saw 17 continuous years of our hard work, sacrifice, perseverance, and gratitude reflected in a single image. I was also reminded of the invaluable support of my husband, Brian, whose encouragement, commitment, and sacrifices helped make that journey possible. It made me pause and reflect on the commitment our entire family made to earning those degrees and the opportunities that came with them.

In that moment, it felt as though my own Penn State experience had come full circle.

Q: What is your advice for future Penn State graduates?

Mullin: Make the most of every opportunity Penn State has to offer! While your degree will open doors, it is often the experiences, friendships, and connections you build along the way that have the most lasting impact. Be involved, serve others, and step outside your comfort zone.

The value of a Penn State education doesn't end at graduation. One of the things that has been most rewarding to watch is how many of my children have benefited professionally from the Penn State alumni network. The strength of the Penn State community and alumni network is truly remarkable and extends far beyond campus. Years from now, you may find that the relationships, experiences, and connections you gained at Penn State are just as valuable as the degree itself.

Editor's note: One million Penn State degrees means there are one million unique Penn State stories. This is a sample of one of the many ways Penn Staters are using their degrees to change lives, elevate impact and make a difference.