ABOUT THIS EPISODE

#FollowingTheGong is a podcast for current and prospective Schreyer Scholars as well as recent alumni and prospective Scholars. Join us each week, wherever you are engaging with this content, as Scholar Alumni share their journeys and advice to help you make the most of your experience as a Schreyer Scholar and prepare for the next step on your own journey.

Don’t forget to like, follow, or subscribe wherever you are engaging with this content.

Schreyer Honors College Links:

Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!

Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer

Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars

Join the Penn State Alumni Association

This content is available in text form here.

This show is hosted, produced, and edited by Sean Goheen ‘11 Lib (Schreyer).

The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

Following the Gong, a Podcast of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State

Episode 0 · 1 year ago

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Episode 0 · 1 year ago

What to Expect on Following the Gong

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Don’t forget to like, follow, or subscribe wherever you are engaging with this content.

Schreyer Honors College Links:

Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!

Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer

Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars

Join the Penn State Alumni Association

This content is available in text form here.

This show is hosted, produced, and edited by Sean Goheen ‘11 Lib (Schreyer).

The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

00:00:00 - 00:01:02

When Schreyer Scholars complete their honors thesis, they ring a ceremonial gone to mark the occasion of achieving the final milestone before earning an undergraduate degree with honors at Penn State. Welcome to Following the Gong, a podcast of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State. This podcast is for current Schreyer Scholars and scholar Alumni Looking for Mentorship, coaching and guidance from Scholar alumni across disciplines and industries in on demand, setting. Prospective Scholars and their families may also find it helpful as they make college application and admissions decisions. join us as we bring Scholar alumni to the table to share first hand their journeys and advice to help you make the most of your experience as a Schreyer Scholar and prepare you for the next step on your own journey scholar. Alumni from across Penn State' s, colleges and campuses will share practical tips. You can use now like how to interact with faculty, seek mentors and internships, locate College resources, build...

00:01:02 - 00:01:51

...your network and write resumes. They' ll share knowledge for tomorrow with insight to both career paths and a day in the life of a spectrum of professions, including careers in business, and entrepreneurship, law, medicine, the Arts, Engineering, Journalism and multimedia, non- profits, education, or the limitless other career paths Schreyer Scholars go on to it excel in while living out the college' s mission and vision. This podcast is proudly brought to you by the Scholar alumni society, supporting Scholars and Scholar Alumni in their career development by building and leveraging a community of Scholars and mentors across generations, Experiences, and geography. be sure to hit the relevant like, follow, or subscribe button and turn on your notifications to catch The latest conversation on F T G, on which ever platform you are engaging with this content and we' ll catch you on the next episode.

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Episodes (34)

Episode 20 · 11 months ago

FTG 0020 - 46 for a Cure: THON Director Alumni Panel with Greg Tallman '10, Elaine Tanella '12, Charlotte Rose '13, & Dominic Mirabile '15 and Guest Co-Host Tessa Beauchat '23

This is a special episode of Following the Gong, Special Guest Co-Host Tessa Beauchat ’23 IST, THON Chair for the Schreyer Student Council & THON Family Relations Captain, joins the show for a panel discussion with four Scholar Alumni who have served on the Executive Committee for the Penn State Dance Marathon (THON). This conversation with Greg Tallman, Elaine Tanella, Charlotte Rose, and Dominic Mirabile focuses on the College’s mission tenet of creating opportunities for leadership and civic engagement, lessons learned from volunteering with THON, balancing academics and involvement, and leveraging leadership experiences in the job, internship, and grad school application process.

This episode is a great listen for any Scholar involved in a club or organization on their campus for the here and now and for leveraging these experiences in their career, Scholars looking for advice on time management, advice on the thesis, and certainly for any Scholars or Scholar alumni passionate about THON.

Guest Host Bio:

Tessa Beauchat ’23 is a Schreyer Scholar in the College of Information Science and Technology studying Human Centered Design and Development with honors work in Architectural Engineering. She currently serves as the Primary THON Chair for the Schreyer Student Council, where she leads their THON committee to communicate with their two paired Four Diamonds Families (the Millers and the Sylveses) and plan fundraising events. She serves as the primary liaison between THON and StuCo. Tessa also serves on the THON Family Relations Committee as the Teen and Adult Coordinator Captain for THON 2022, Spark Endless Light, where she is the primary advocate for all teens and adults in the THON community working to ensure the organization can grow with them as they get older and move into new seasons of life.

Guest Bios:

Greg Tallman ’10 Business & Liberal Arts is a Consultant at EY in New York City where he supports the merger & acquisition activities of Fortune 500 companies. Before joining EY in 2020 after graduate school, he previously worked for eight years at PNC Bank in a commercial lending capacity. He earned a BS in Finance with Honors and BA in Economics in 2010 from Penn State’s Smeal College of Business and the College of the Liberal Arts, respectively. He also earned an MBA with a focus in Strategy & Finance from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. He is happy to speak further about careers in financial services, consulting, and graduate business school. Greg served as the Communications Director for THON 2009, Dream Forward and is a past Board member for the Scholar Alumni Society.

Elaine Tanella ’12 Engineering is a Director of Data Products at Condé Nast in New York, New York where she works across the enterprise to develop data-driven products that support the Consumer and Commercial revenue streams. Before joining Condé Nast in 2018, she previously worked at the New York Times, Tremor Video, and Accenture. She earned a BS in Biomedical Engineering and Minors in Italian and Biology with Honors from Penn State’s College of Engineering in 2012. In her spare time, Elaine loves to spend time researching and nerding out on nutrition. She Olympic weightlifts for fun and is in constant search of the next best flight deal for a trip anywhere in the world. Elaine served first as the Communications Director for THON 2011, Together Without Limits, and as Executive Director for THON 2012, Brighten Every Journey.

Charlotte (Kohl) Rose ’13 Liberal Arts is a Brand Marketing Manager for Android at Google in Los Angeles, California where she develops global brand strategies and creative to launch, grow, and evolve the Android brand internationally. Before joining Google, she was a Marketing Director at Fandango, an NBCUniversal company, where she drove strategic efforts and managed film studio partnerships to scale ticketing across platforms. Previous to Fandango, she worked in digital strategy for Canvas Worldwide, a media agency, working on client Kia Auto, and in consumer marketing supporting multiple lighting brands at Philips Electronics. She earned a BA in Political Science with Honors from Penn State’s College of the Liberal Arts in 2013. She is happy to speak about integrated, consumer, and digital marketing, media, and digital strategy. Charlotte served as the Communications Director for THON 2012, Brighten Every Journey.

Dominic Mirabile ’15 Engineering is a fellow at Stanford Graduate School of Business's Center for Entrepreneurial Studies. where he is furthering research on entrepreneurship and incubating his own start-up. Before his fellowship, he previously earned his MBA at Stanford and worked in private equity and management consulting. He earned a BS in Electrical Engineering with Honors from Penn State’s College of Engineering in 2015. Dominic served as the Donors & Alumni Relations Director for THON 2014, Redefine the Possibilities.

Episode Specifics:

In this episode, this all-star lineup of former THON Directors share their insights on:

Varied paths to Penn State that lead to opportunities like becoming a THON Director can start with just attending one meeting or one event
The value of making connections early and often
Finding inspiration for career paths from involvement in activities like THON and learning life and professional skills in student leadership roles
Growing in leadership based on an organization’s mission and purpose
Finding time to balance classwork and involvement opportunities and the value of networking with other students – and using it as preparation for life after college – including the community of Scholars around you and learning about yourself and how you best operate
Balancing the thesis proposal, research, and writing process with being in a heavy involvement role like the THON Executive Committee
Learning from Scholars that come before you and using opportunities like THON for learning to lead – and overcoming imposter syndrome – and getting involved when it’s the easiest point in life to do so
Dealing with the pressures of leading high visibility organizations on campus that feel high-stakes and learning self-care and not “giving 150% to all things all the time”
Thoughts on dancing in THON relative to serving in a THON leadership role and advice for THON dancers
The history of Atlas and special mission THON organizations, and the role of Schreyer Scholars in that development
Reflections on tragic moments and leadership lessons from a former Executive Director
Serving as a public face for a large organization
Leveraging your predecessor’s wisdom and finding opportunities to grow and build something you care about
Lessons learned from Four Diamonds Families and from being involved in THON
Authenticity and empathy in involvement and in the workplace
Leveraging experiences and resources as both a Scholar and a student leader in interviews for internships, jobs, and graduate school
Pulling insight from the Four Diamonds of Courage, Honesty, Strength, and Wisdom

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Schreyer Honors College Links:

• Website

• Facebook

• Twitter

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

• Upcoming Events

• Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!

• Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer

• Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars

• Join the Penn State Alumni Association

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Credits & Notes:

This content is available in text form here.

This show is hosted, produced, and edited by Sean Goheen ‘11 Lib (Schreyer).

The artwork was created by Tom Harrington, the College’s Web Developer.

The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

The theme music is “Conquest” by Geovane Bruno, accessed via Pixabay and used under Creative Commons License.

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Episode 19 · 11 months ago

FTG 0019 - Rebuilding the Block with Entrepreneur & Future Med Student Zelnnetta Clark ‘19

This episode is a great listen for prospective students looking to apply to Penn State and are considering one of our Commonwealth Campuses, first-generation Scholars, Scholars & potential Scholars already at a Commonwealth Campus, Scholars interested in entrepreneurial ventures, be it for profit or not-for-profit, and Scholars planning to apply for medical School.

Guest Bio:

Zelnnetta Clark ’19 Abington is the co-founder of a 501c-3 non-profit called, RebuildtheBlock Corp. based in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. RTB is committed to supporting and educating Black entrepreneurs in Black communities where there has been a historical lack of access to educational, financial, social, and economic opportunities due to systemic racism. Before creating RebuildtheBlock Corp. in 2020, Zelnnetta previously worked within the behavioral health field. She earned a BS in Psychological and Social Sciences with Honors from Penn State Abington in 2019. While working with RTB, Zelnnetta is currently applying for medical school. Zelnnettais also happy to speak further about professional development, how students may further develop important skillsets while still in college, and how to time manage while a student. Please feel free to connect with Zelnnetta at www.rebuildtheblock.org, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebuildtheblockcorp and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/zelnnetta-clark-18904a172); they are always looking for companies and organizations to partner with. One mind. One business. One block at a time.

Episode Specifics:

In this episode, Zelnnetta shares her insights on:

Deciding on Penn State as an out-of-state student and choosing a campus other than University Park for the small community and class sizes
Finding unique majors at Penn State that are not available at University Park
Applying to and succeeding in the College as a current Penn State student at a Commonwealth Campus
Achieving academic excellence AND being a student leader as a Scholar at a Commonwealth Campus
Overcoming the intimidation factor with the honors thesis, especially for Scholars who start after their first year
The value of setting milestones in the thesis process and learning professional skills while completing the process
Pursuing post-Baccalaureate programs and hustling with a variety of gigs in the gap years before medical school – including turning down offers that are not the right fit
Taking action to correct causes you’re passionate about by starting a non-profit
Advice on starting a non-profit or other entrepreneurial ventures
Suggestions for applying to medical school from someone living the experience right now and thoughts on taking a gap year(s) before applying
Overcoming self-imposed limitations
The importance of time management in college and in life beyond for pursuing multiple passions

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Schreyer Honors College Links:

• Website

• Facebook

• Twitter

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

• Upcoming Events

• Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!

• Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer

• Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars

• Join the Penn State Alumni Association

-----

Credits & Notes:

This content is available in text form here.

This show is hosted, produced, and edited by Sean Goheen ‘11 Lib (Schreyer).

The artwork was created by Tom Harrington, the College’s Web Developer.

The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

The theme music is “Conquest” by Geovane Bruno, accessed via Pixabay and used under Creative Commons License.

Play Download

Episode 18 · 11 months ago

FTG 0018 - Football, Finance, and Faith with Gridiron Great Stefen Wisniewski ’10 and Finance Pro Hilary Wisniewski ‘13

In this episode, Hilary & Stefen Wisniewski share great stories and insights that can help any Scholar, and that will likely be of particular interest for student athletes & student leaders trying to juggle it all, those interested in careers in finance or in non-profits, scholars who will be starting new roles remotely, and students with a strong religious identity. It will also be of interest for fans of Penn State Football, the Philadelphia Eagles, and/or Kansas City Chiefs.

Guest Bios:

Stefen Wisniewski ’10 Education recently retired from a ten-year career in the National Football League playing on the offensive line for the Kansas City Chiefs (twice), Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the then-Oakland Raiders. He won Super Bowls LII with the Eagles and LIV with the Chiefs after being drafted 48th overall in the 2011 NFL draft by the Raiders. He played collegiately for the Nittany Lions, including a Big Ten Championship and Rose Bowl berth in 2008 and a Capital One Bowl win in 2009. He was an ESPN Academic All-American in 2008, 2009, and 2010. He earned his BS in Secondary Education with a focus on English Communications with Honors from Penn State’s College of Education in 2010. Stefen is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He plans to begin a career in Christian pastoral ministry.

Hilary (Ford) Wisniewski ’13 Liberal Arts is a remote Financial Analyst for the Dallas, TX based Seed Company, a non-profit that translates the Bible into mother-tongue dialects around the world where she manages projects in West Africa and an accounting internship program. Before joining them in 2017, she worked as a financial analyst for ExxonMobil in Houston, TX. She earned her BS in Economics and International Studies, minors in French and German, with Honors from Penn State’s College of the Liberal Arts in 2013. Her professional interests include non-profit management, cross-cultural training, and financial modeling.

Episode Specifics:

In our conversation, Hilary and Stefen share their experiences and insights on:

· Picking Penn State – and the Schreyer Honors College – for both academics and athletics

· Choosing your major – from economics to education

· The importance of developing your communication skills regardless of major

· Establishing priorities to achieve greatness in and out of the classroom

· Stefen’s reflections on playing for the Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium

· The value of the living learning community in Atherton & Simmons Halls at University Park

· Making the most of funding opportunities to gain a global perspective by studying abroad and getting involved on campus

· Writing a thesis in a different major – and language!

· What it’s like being a professional athlete

· Lessons in discipline and resilience in an up and down profession

· Achieving the peak of your profession, like winning two Super Bowl rings with the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs

· The importance of finding an anchor and purpose – for Stefen, through his faith

· Applying for opportunities regardless of which college at Penn State you graduate from

· Leveraging Penn State’s size to prepare for work in large corporation

· Challenges and opportunities as a trailing partner to someone whose career involves frequent moves

· Strategies for starting a job remotely for an in-person firm or non-profit

· Making the shift from a large corporation to a non-profit – what is different, and what translates

· Thoughts on respectful competition and competitors turned colleagues and working with people from different backgrounds and identities

· Moving on to a second career when the first one is time-limited

· Being humble and opening yourself up to learning and to mentoring

· Finding community involvement even when you have to move frequently

· Taking advantage of all the opportunities the College has to offer

· Embracing a humble, growth mindset in everything you do all the time

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Schreyer Honors College Links:

• Website

• Facebook

• Twitter

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

• Upcoming Events

• Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!

• Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer

• Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars

• Join the Penn State Alumni Association

-----

Credits & Notes:

This content is available in text form here.

This show is hosted, produced, and edited by Sean Goheen ‘11 Lib (Schreyer).

The artwork was created by Tom Harrington, the College’s Web Developer.

The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

The theme music is “Conquest” by Geovane Bruno, accessed via Pixabay and used under Creative Commons License.

Play Download

Episode 17 · 11 months ago

FTG 0017 - Latte Lessons and Alumni Leadership with La Colombe Food Scientist & Scholar Alumni Society President Natalie Keller ‘17

This episode will be of interest for Scholars who are interested in food science and product development generally. It’ll also be of interest to those who like baking or coffee, and those who are in a STEM major but love the arts too. It’s also great for alumni who are interested in getting more involved as volunteers.

Guest Bio:

Natalie Keller ’17 Agricultural Sciences is a Food Scientist at La Colombe Coffee Roasters in Philadelphia, where she works on recipes for canned coffees, bag-in-box, and other product formats. Before joining La Colombe in September 2021, she spent four years at Mondelez International developing new cookies for major Nabisco brands. She earned a BS in Food Science with Honors from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences in 2017. She also currently serves as the President of the Scholar Alumni Society. Natalie is happy to speak further about careers in the food and CPG industries, finding internships, volunteering, or what makes a good cup of coffee. Feel free to connect with her at linkedin.com/natalierkeller.

Episode Specifics:

In this episode, Natalie shares her insights on:

· Getting the right cup of coffee to enjoy with the episode

· Translating high school interests into your major at Penn State and choosing the Schreyer Honors College community

· Getting involved in Schreyer Student Council to acclimate to the College

· Pursuing undergraduate research and internships as a Scholar

· Putting science into action in a food production setting – and translating that to a full-time job

· The value of the London Study Tour, aka, the “Maymeseter” trip, regardless of major

· Writing a thesis with a microbiology focus that contributes to the food safety body of knowledge – and learning even from not positive results

· The art and science of developing new food products, from cookies to coffee

· The product development cycle and the balance between R&D and Marketing

· The differences in working on large teams at large companies and small teams at small firms

· Learning from staff at all parts of the company

· Going from Job #1 to Job #2 and leveraging your experience and transferable skills along the way

· Getting involved as an alumni volunteer with the Honors College and paying it forward to current Scholars

· The value of dancing in THON, particularly for the Schreyer Student Council

· Taking advantage of opportunities for intellectual curiosity and understanding the why

· The reward of networking – even if you don’t know what you’re doing

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Schreyer Honors College Links:

• Website

• Facebook

• Twitter

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

• Upcoming Events

• Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!

• Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer

• Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars

• Join the Penn State Alumni Association

-----

Credits & Notes:

This content is available in text form here.

This show is hosted, produced, and edited by Sean Goheen ‘11 Lib (Schreyer).

The artwork was created by Tom Harrington, the College’s Web Developer.

The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

The theme music is “Conquest” by Geovane Bruno, accessed via Pixabay and used under Creative Commons License.

Play Download

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Episode 0 · 1 year ago

What to Expect on Following the Gong

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Episodes (34)