Destination Unknown 2023 Session
2023 Panel
Destination Unknown panelists represent the evolving and diverging career pathways increasingly typical of the 21st century. Our speakers share with us the challenges they have endured, the successes they have celebrated, and what resources they draw on to navigate complex transitions. In the short video clips collected on this page, they reflect on the impact of General Education on their professional and personal lives, recommendations and regrets included.
2023 Speakers
Domenic Frunzi
Domenic Frunzi (he/him/his) is a Philadelphia-based ceramic artist and teacher with a B.S. in art education from Penn State University Park. He opened his own studio, Frunzi Ceramics, in 2016.
His work, which is wheel thrown and one of a kind, has since been featured on or sold through Food52, Urban Outfitters, YOWIE, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Bon Appetit/Healthish.
Additional Training After the Bachelor’s Degree
Domenic Frunzi considered attending graduate school but decided against it. He reflects on his decision and alternative forms of additional training.
An Important GenEd Class
A biobehavioral health GenEd class called “Straight Talks” was one of the most memorable courses for Domenic Frunzi. He explains why.
At College and Not Super Excited
Domenic Frunzi was not “super excited” to be at college but “landed.” He reflects on what was stressful, and what pointed the way to a satisfying career.
Dr. Victoria Kellogg
Victoria A. Kellogg, Ph.D., J.D., MBA, CRNP, is a nurse, a nurse attorney, and an assistant teaching professor of nursing at Penn State Altoona. She holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania. Later, she also earned an MBA in health care administration, a doctoral degree in nursing, and a J.D., all from Penn State University Park.
Over the course of her career, Dr. Kellogg has provided nursing care in acute care and home care settings and worked in correctional and community institutions. She is devoted to healthcare quality, nurse advocacy, and women’s health issues.
A Free Pretzel Shows the Way From Business to Nursing
Dr. Kellogg dreamed about becoming a CEO but found her way to nursing through a Pretzel.
What Have You Learned From a GenEd Course?
Dr. Kellogg considers the myriad ways communication is essential to the nursing profession.
Learning From Experts, Learning From Novices
Dr. Kellogg explains the power of remaining inquisitive and asking questions, even and especially after mastering a subject.
Dr. Ron Darbeau
Dr. Ron W. Darbeau assumed the role of Chancellor of Penn State Altoona in January 2023. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Darbeau holds a bachelor’s degree with honors in chemistry from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus, and a doctoral degree in organic chemistry from Johns Hopkins University.
Dr. Darbeau has secured more than $2 million in grants for research, research training, infrastructure, and student aid. He has published dozens of peer-reviewed papers and has mentored over eighty undergraduate and graduate students, many of whom are co-authors of his publications.
Choice of Major and Decision Techniques
Choosing a major, Dr. Darbeau thinks, is a “heart and head conversation.” He explains how to tackle it.
GenEd and the Challenges of Our Time
Dr. Darbeau explains why there has never been a time when being exposed to “multiple threads of education” was more critical.
English Lit and Organic Chemistry
Dr. Darbeau talks about the surprising ways Shakespeare and chemistry intersected for him.