SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — A room full of Penn State Schuylkill students, faculty and staff gathered Sept. 10 to kick off the fall semester with the annual Fall Alumni Panel hosted by the Office of Alumni Relations. Open to the entire campus community, the event featured five alumni representing a wide range of majors, career fields and life experiences, all eager to share advice on leadership, career growth and personal inspiration.
Panelists included:
- Nyiema Hutchinson, class of 2008, biobehavioral health, practice administrator at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
- Angela Meck, class of 2012, mining and civil engineering, project manager at Tetra Tech, co-owner of Honey Brook Farm, and co-founder and owner of the Farm Store.
- Seth Hubler, class of 2023, business with a minor in political science, outreach director for the Pennsylvania State Senate.
- Marcel Smith, class of 2014, theater, theater teacher at Georgetown Day School.
- Zakkary Hozella, class of 2023, cybersecurity analytics and operations, computer network defense analyst at the U.S. Department of Defense.
Throughout the discussion, students, faculty and staff posed questions that sparked wide-ranging conversations about resilience, networking and following one’s passions.
Hozella emphasized the value of research and conferences in creating networking opportunities that ultimately led to his role in cybersecurity. “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone,” he advised.
Hutchinson encouraged students to prioritize work-life balance and use each opportunity as a steppingstone. “Don’t be afraid to pivot, don’t burn bridges, and use LinkedIn,” she said.
Hubler underscored the importance of internships in opening doors and helping students identify the right career path. He also highlighted the value of honing soft skills, determining one’s values and staying true to them.
Smith reflected on detours that shaped his journey, telling students to “go toward your passions.”
Meck credited her support system with helping her navigate challenges along the way. “Work hard, show up and keep your word — it can go a long way,” she said.
Naomi Justin, a third-year psychology major, attended the event and said she deeply connected with the panel.
“What stuck with me most was the idea of staying open-minded and letting your career take unexpected paths that help you grow,” she said. “Each panel member showed in their own way how to navigate challenges, follow passions, and lean on support systems to keep moving forward.”
All the panelists said they agreed that Penn State Schuylkill provided them with a lasting sense of community, connections, and values that continue to influence their careers.
“This event gives our students the opportunity to connect with alumni who once sat in their seats and are now thriving in diverse fields,” said Abigayle Kaiser, alumni relations and stewardship officer. “It’s inspiring for students to hear those stories firsthand and see the many paths a Penn State Schuylkill education can lead to.”
“The alumni panel was truly inspiring and emphasized the importance of patience and drive when pursuing a career. It also illuminated the value of following both your major and your personal passions,” said Liolet Soto-Heredia, a second-year human development and family studies student.
As part of its continued commitment to alumni engagement, Penn State Schuylkill will host Alumni Appreciation Week from Sept. 29 through Oct. 4. Events will include campus tours, a coffee break with alumni, free résumé and LinkedIn reviews, and a lavender culinary class.
Additional alumni events this fall include an Ice Cream Social with the Alumni Leadership Committee on Oct. 16 and Hoops & Heritage on Dec. 13.