MEDIA, Pa. — Penn State alumnus Dax Frakes, class of 2011, has joined the Brandywine Alumni Society as a board member, bringing his passion for community, mentorship and giving back to a campus close to home. A Philadelphia native and proud Penn Stater, Frakes hopes to make a meaningful impact by connecting with fellow alumni and supporting current students.
Frakes began his time at Penn State at the University Park campus in 2007, majoring in telecommunications with a minor in business.
“Obviously, I wanted to go to Penn State for the education, but it was also really about building character, getting to interact with different people and learning to survive in a new environment,” he said. “If I had gone to a school in Philadelphia, I don’t think I would’ve grown as much or developed into who I am today.”
During his time at Penn State, Frakes was actively involved in campus life. He joined Alpha Kappa Psi, a co-educational business fraternity, and was on the donor and alumni relations committee for THON.
Upon graduating from Penn State, Frakes went on to earn his master of business administration from Villanova University. He then began working at Cigna, where he has been since 2013. Currently, in his role as a project manager, he is overseeing the implementation of more than 20 projects, while working to reduce costs and speed up delivery. Additionally, he ensures that offshoring applications are approved to go offshore, and the teams have access to the necessary applications and are ready to move into production.
Outside of work, Frakes combines his love for food and community through his Instagram account, @try_this_dax, where he reviews restaurants and explore fun activities in Philadelphia.
In 2024, Frakes decided to join the Brandywine Alumni Society, with the intention of wanting to give back to the community. The Brandywine Alumni Society is a group of Penn State alumni who are connected to Brandywine, whether they attended the campus or are a part of the local community.
“I wanted to get involved with the Brandywine Alumni Society to give back in a way. University Park is too far from my home in Philadelphia, and with Brandywine being so close, I decided to get involved at a local Penn State campus,” he said.
Frakes credited Meaghan Daly, then-president of the Brandywine Alumni Society, with encouraging him to get involved after they met at a Penn State Alumni Association event in Philadelphia.
“I wanted to get involved and give back, and I wanted to mentor students or be available to them with any questions,” Frakes said. “When I was a student, there were people who provided guidance for me, and I wanted to return the favor for others, almost like good karma.”
What he enjoys most about being involved with the Brandywine Alumni Society, Frakes said, is the opportunity to meet new people and be a part of something larger than himself.
“I really enjoy the people I get to meet and network with, and I like getting to be a part of something bigger than myself. It makes you feel like you’re somebody,” he said. “Everyone I’ve met through the Brandywine Alumni Society, whether it’s the Brandywine staff or the Alumni Society members, have all been very welcoming.”
Frakes encourages Penn State alumni in the area to get involved in their local alumni societies, saying it’s a rewarding way to stay connected and support the next generation.
“If you’re thinking about joining your local alumni society, especially the Brandywine Alumni Society, just join. It’s a great way to give back to a community that made you who you are today,” he said. “The events we hold are fun, like sponsoring Dining Under the Stars in Media. Plus, you get to hang out with other alumni who may share similar interests. If you want to join, just do it.”