The People of Penn State

Penn State Alumni Association
  • 4.9 (14)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to the People of Penn State Podcast — the podcast from the Penn State Alumni Association that brings you the incredible stories of Nittany Lions making their mark on the world!    Each episode, a rotating cast of hosts sit down with Penn State alumni who are changing the game in business, science, sports, the arts, and beyond. You never know who you'll hear from next — but you do know it'll be a conversation worth tuning in for!

  1. 2D AGO

    Episode 105–Science, Style, and Entrepreneurship with Katie Collins

    In this episode, we talk with Katie Collins ’00 HHD, co-founder of both ECM Therapeutics, a regenerative medicine company, and  Abigail Collins, a collegiate apparel brand. Katie reflects on how her Penn State experience and time as a student athlete shaped her path, what it takes to build mission-driven companies, and how she continues to leverage the Penn State alumni network to stay connected to the University and fellow Nittany Lions. Check out the Penn State line at abigailcollins.com For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

    28 min

  2. FEB 26

    Episode 104–Prepare with Cher with Cheryl Nelson

    In this episode, we talk with Emmy-nominated meteorologist Cheryl Nelson, ’02 EMS, about her journey from Penn State to national broadcast news and beyond. Cheryl shares why she almost didn’t choose Penn State (but is grateful she did!), how her connection to the University only deepened after graduation, and what shaped her career in broadcast meteorology.  We also discuss what inspired her to launch Prepare with Cher, LLC, where her mission is to help communities stay safe before, during, and after extreme weather. For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

    25 min

  3. FEB 12

    Episode 103–A Story for Every Voice with Kennedy White

    On this episode, we’re joined by Kennedy White ’23 Com, who has always known she wanted to use her voice to make a difference. Now a gift officer at Penn State, Kennedy combines her passion for communication with purpose-driven work every day. She also recently became a published author with her first children’s book, "I Am Who I Am." Kennedy shares her journey at Penn State and why she chose to stay after graduation, the inspiration behind her storytelling, and why believing in yourself can change everything. Plus, she offers a sneak peek at the next book she’s working on! Purchase your copy of "I Am Who I Am." For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

    19 min

  4. JAN 29

    Episode 102–Where Creativity Meets Community with Kassie Hilgert '97

    On this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we’re joined by Kassie Hilgert ’97 Com, President and CEO of ArtsQuest, one of Pennsylvania’s largest nonprofit arts organizations.  Kassie shares her unique journey to Penn State and reflects on how her time there helped shape her confidence, leadership style, and sense of purpose. She also talks about building a career rooted in creativity, community, and impact, and how those early Penn State experiences became the foundation for where she is today. Learn more about ArtsQuest here. For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

    26 min

  5. JAN 15

    Episode 101–Making a Social Impact with Mohan Sivaloganathan

    Welcome to season 6 of The People of Penn State podcast! On this episode, we chat with Mohan Sivaloganathan, who earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 2005 and an MBA in 2007. Known as the “Batman of social impact,” Mohan is a leader, speaker, and artist whose work blends leadership, creativity, and purpose. From his early experiences with leadership and civic engagement to using music and storytelling as tools for change, Mohan shares how he’s built a career focused on creating impact and inspiring others to lead with intention. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about finding your voice, following your passions, and how a Penn State experience can help lay the foundation for meaningful work. For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

    34 min

  6. 12/17/2025

    Episode 100–The Symbol of Our Best with Mason Reber

    It’s our 100th episode! For five seasons, Penn Staters have shared their stories, inspiring past, present, and future generations. We’ve heard from alumni making an impact across every industry, and as our network surpassed 800,000 living alumni this year, we’re just getting started. To celebrate this milestone, who better to join us than the Symbol of Our Best—the Nittany Lion! For the past three years, Mason Reber has been the man behind the suit, becoming the 54th Nittany Lion in Penn State history. He’s preparing to graduate this month with a degree in civil engineering and serves as an ROTC Army Cadet in the Engineer Corps of the Army Reserves. Mason shares how he found his way to Penn State, why he took a leap of faith and tried out to be the Nittany Lion, and some of the most memorable moments from his time in the suit. We’ll be back in 2026 with a new season of The People of Penn State podcast, featuring even more stories from alumni making their mark on the world. Thank you to our guests for sharing their journeys, our team for bringing each episode to life, and our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, and supporting the podcast over the past five seasons. We couldn’t have reached this milestone without you. For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

    30 min
  7. Football Letter Podcast Episode: Tara Bandy ’03

    12/15/2025

    Football Letter Podcast Episode: Tara Bandy ’03

    As communications chair of our Vermont Chapter, Tara Bandy ’03 keeps her lifelong Penn State connection strong as one of our volunteer leaders. She discusses the chapter's inspiring community work in response to historic flooding, the significance of Alumni Association membership, and much more.  Learn more on the chapter's Facebook page.  For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

    23 min

  8. 12/02/2025

    Episode 99–Pop, Passion & Penn State with Nancy Rosenberg

    On this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we chat with Nancy Rosenberg ('19, Com), Senior Director of Marketing & Creative Services at Crowd Surf. Nancy reflects on her time in the Bellisario College of Communications, what it was like to graduate early, and the real-world lessons that helped launch her fast-paced career. From her early days in digital marketing to helping create unforgettable fan experiences for artists across genres, Nancy shares how she blends creativity, strategy, and a deep love of pop culture to build meaningful connections between artists and their communities. Tune in for an inspiring look at her journey through the music industry — and how staying true to passions can take you further than you ever imagined. For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

    22 min
See All (144)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Welcome to the People of Penn State Podcast — the podcast from the Penn State Alumni Association that brings you the incredible stories of Nittany Lions making their mark on the world!    Each episode, a rotating cast of hosts sit down with Penn State alumni who are changing the game in business, science, sports, the arts, and beyond. You never know who you'll hear from next — but you do know it'll be a conversation worth tuning in for!

Information

  • Creator
    Penn State Alumni Association
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    144
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Penn State Alumni Association
  • Show Website
    The People of Penn State

You Might Also Like