ABINGTON, Pa. — The Penn State Abington Alumni Society added six new members to its board this year, bringing the total to 13.
According to Lauren Enlow, associate director for alumni relations and parent engagement, the board is committed to providing opportunities for alumni to get involved and support the Abington campus while also connecting with one another.
“Through their involvement, they seek to encourage their peers to contribute their time, talent and resources to provide tangible support for the campus priorities involving students, faculty and programs,” she said.
The new board members are:
- Ariel Avitan, Class of 2020: The daughter of immigrants, Avitan earned a scholarship and worked full time while earning her degree in rehabilitation and human services and serving as president of the Student Philanthropy Council. She is applying to graduate school.
- Fatoumata Cisse, Class of 2020: Cisse was active on campus in the African Students Organization and worked with the Office of Global Programs. She earned her degree in psychological and social sciences with a minor in information sciences and technology and brings an international voice to the board.
- Theresa Anne Colligon, Class of 1993: Colligon is the operations director for the Clinical Cell and Vaccine Production Facility in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as the parent of a current Abington student.
- Michael Fox, Class of 1976: Fox is a senior technology sales professional and works as a communications coordinator for Temple University athletics.
- Charlena Frank, Class of 2019: While she studied for her degree in corporate communication at Abington, Frank worked with Student Engagement and Leadership and served as president of the Student Government Association. She lends a diverse voice to the board and is a supporter of study abroad programs.
- Jewel Herder, Class of 2010: Herder was a nontraditional student who went on to receive her doctorate in theology and teach at area universities. She is a historical theologian specializing in church and society, a scholar, author, speaker and minister.
The Alumni Society Board has outlined four strategic goals for the year:
- Support the campus priorities presented by the chancellor.
- Support students through collaborations and volunteer opportunities with the Center for Career and Professional Development; the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Admissions.
- Support the college financially through events such as the virtual 5K.
- Connect with Penn State Abington alumni and find ways to engage with the campus and each other.
The Abington Alumni Society is a chartered organization of the Penn State Alumni Association consisting of graduates and former students of Penn State Abington.
The Penn State Abington Alumni Society added six new members to its board.
Ariel Avitan, Class of 2020.
Fatoumata Cisse, Class of 2020.
Theresa Anne Colligon, Class of 1993.
Michael Fox, Class of 1976.
Charlena Frank, Class of 2019.
Jewel Herder, Class of 2010.
About Penn State Abington
Penn State Abington provides an affordable, accessible and high-impact education resulting in the success of a diverse student body. It is committed to student success through innovative approaches to 21st-century public higher education within a world-class research university. With nearly 4,000 students, Penn State Abington is a residential campus that offers baccalaureate degrees in 22 majors, undergraduate research, the Schreyer Honors College, NCAA Division III athletics and more.