Tell us about yourself:

Hi, my name is Sébastien Kraft. I am a French-American sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. Additionally, I am one of six news anchors for PSN News, a member of the Presidential Leadership Academy (PLA) and the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism, and a scholar in the Schreyer Honors College. Further, I am a freelance writer for MarketScale, a company based in Dallas, Texas, as well as a former reporter for The Daily Collegian, and I love writing; thus, I ultimately consider myself a multiplatform journalist – at least, that’s what I put on my business card. I have also tentatively founded my own production company, S.C.R. Kraft Productions, which, while not yet incorporated or a “LLC,” is the label under which I now operate cinematically. Check out S.C.R. Kraft Productions on YouTube!

Why did you decide to pursue your involvement?

I think I have always wanted to work with people to deliberate and arrive at some sort of consensus about what the truth really is. It’s not about singling people out, but rather coming to understand and realize that different people have different priorities and concerns. As a journalist, the innate ability to synthesize numerous varying viewpoints is quite unique and powerful.

Why do you think your involvement is important and meaningful on campus?

I think my involvement speaks to the representation of Penn State students in reporting the news and “working in the gray,” as the PLA slogan states. For example, I wrote an article earlier this year for The Daily Collegian about students losing their campus discount at the Off the Ground coffee shop in Redifer Commons due to a partnership with Starbucks. Speaking honestly and directly with students and the administration in South Halls campus dining helped illustrate both sides of the issue and inform students of the advantages and downfalls of the new Starbucks location.

How does your work with the Curley Center for Sports Journalism allow you to use your gifts and talents?

My work with specifically the Curley Center for Sports Journalism allows me to create films and explore stories that may, at times, be outside the public limelight. For instance, my most recent short documentary (https://vimeo.com/373054914/68e3823908) addressed the slow emergence of a Team USA Olympic handball team prior to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, for which the U.S. possesses an automatic bid. Team handball is a fairly obscure sport stateside, and it was truly a pleasure interviewing the great athletes and human beings who persevere through the sport’s challenges. Two days ago, my handball film was accepted into the 2020 Dunedin (Florida) International Film Festival! I attended the 2019 edition of the festival thanks to a grant from the Schreyer Honors College, as a film I shot in Paris with Amnesty International (https://youtu.be/GD9vZTYkbLc) was also selected! Thus, whether it’s Schreyer, the Curley Center, PLA, or PSN News, this involvement serves as a gateway to countless opportunities!

How can journalism make a difference in this world and on campus?

 I think journalistic reporting in general, whether for film festivals, PSN News, or the school paper, is essential because it is in fact a public service. For my handball doc, I interviewed a New York City team handball player from Kosovo. He told his story of growing up during the war and “living in constant crisis,” and how sports led him to surmount the obstacles he faced. It is these kinds of stories and my access to them that remind me I made the right choice in choosing journalism and coming to Penn State.

Anything to say for students who want to get involved with PLA, the Curley Center, or any of your other involvements?

Apply at will! Applications are open for PLA (academy.psu.edu) and through February 14 and the Curley Center and PSN News accept new students every semester. Don’t hesitate!

Zeta Psi – former Brotherhood Chair

Tell us about your organization: 

Zeta Psi was a smaller fraternity on campus. During my time, I held the positions of Brotherhood chair and was responsible for creating brotherhood events and building friendships and tighter bonds among members. During my time in Zeta Psi I was also the THON family relations chair and the recruitment chair.

Why do you think your organization is important and meaningful on campus?

Greek life can give students a fun environment where they feel comfortable and fit in.  It gives some students the opportunity to do things they wouldn’t typically do, such as volunteer in numerous ways. We teach members responsibility through holding positions within the house and leave them accountable for their actions.  These responsibilities range from house and member finances, maintenance, risk management and more.

How did you decide to take on your roles in Zeta Psi? 

For Brotherhood Chair, I wanted to make sure everyone would get along with each other and do fun things together (I purchased furniture and designed a living room set-up where people would want to hang out for numerous purposes). For THON, I got involved with our family because, in my opinion, that’s the most important part of THON for me. Finally, I wanted to be the Recruitment Chair because I thought it would be fun planning events for people, and I wanted to participate in recruiting new members into the frat that are likeminded.

How did your work with Zeta Psi give you the opportunity to use your gifts and passions?

I think we create strong bonds that allow people to create lifelong friendships. Additionally, Greek Life provides a great opportunity for networking and creates a great support network, especially for underclassmen just getting used to college life. I was able to use my leadership and communication skills to recruit and plan events for Zeta Psi.

Anything to say for students who might want to join Greek life? 

Join a club where you surround yourself around good people who want the best for you. These kinds of relationships you make within clubs at college are priceless.

Kerry Brennan

Tell us about your organization: 

I am the for Self-Improvement Editor for VALLEY. VALLEY is Penn State’s only student-run life and style publication. Our mission is to recognize other students for their academic and extracurricular accomplishments, and to feature local style, entertainment and lifestyle trends. We publish one print issue a semester and also post daily online content throughout the academic year.

 

Why do you think your organization is important and meaningful on campus?

My organization is important and meaningful on campus because it brings together like minded people and gives us a creative outlet to work in as well as create friendships that last throughout college and beyond!

 

How did you decide to take on your role as director of your club?

I decided to take on my role as an editor for VALLEY  because I am so proud of all of the work that we do and I wanted to be involved in an even bigger way than just being a member as well as being a representative of the VALLEY name.

 

How does your work with VALLEY give you the opportunity to use your gifts and passions?

My work with my organization gives me the opportunity to use my gifts and talents in so many ways. One way I get to use them is through the content I create for VALLEY. I am able to talk and write about all of the things that are important to me: fashion, lifestyle and campus culture. I can also use them through the fact that I get to write for such a huge audience and share my voice with the world.

 

Why do you think your organization makes a difference in this world?

My organization makes a difference in this world because it gives students an outlet to be creative and write in a way that is outside the typical academic paper. It also gives students the opportunity to practice real life skills that they can use in the workforce to make a difference in the world, from finance to public relations to graphic design.

 

Anything to say for students who might want to join this club?

Join! Whether you are a bio major or a fine arts, we have a place for you in VALLEY. The people you will meet are the most ambitious, amazing group of artists, students and people and have truly allowed me to grow as a person and figure out what direction I want to take my life in. We are always looking for more people and will welcome you with open arms.

Tell us about your organization: 

We are Penn State’s oldest dance company, founded in 1935. When we were founded, we were a modern dance group, but since then have transitioned to jazz, contemporary and ballet. We are completely student-run, and all 28 members dance throughout the year at Penn State’s Best Dance Crew, 100 days ‘til THON, Women’s Basketball games, and THON.

Why do you think your organization is important and meaningful on campus?

It’s important because it provides a home and support to the girls, especially the incoming freshman. Most girls in our company come from a home studio, and joining a dance group can help them adjust to college life and provide them will a supportive group of friends without stress. Also, in general, the arts are underappreciated, and our group supports the arts and provides an outlet for those who want to express it.

How did you decide to take on your role as President?

I’m passionate about dance, and I wanted to take on some sort of position of leadership in this dance company. Since I joined sophomore year, I wanted to join the exec board. Last year, the President of Orchesis encouraged me to run for President. Now, I’m in charge of booking spaces, planning rehearsals, planning showcases, maintaining schedules and just making sure everything is running smoothly.

How does your work with Orchesis give you the opportunity to use your gifts and passions?

I love people, I like being a leader, I like being part of a team and I like helping people succeed in their own way. As President, I’m able to use my talent as a leader to help fulfill one of my favorite passions.

Why do you think your organization makes a difference in this world?

In general, dance is so important. All the girls in our company will agree that dance is a way to let go of our stresses – whether that be emotional or physical. The Orchesis girls are able to come to the same space and create something together.

Anything to say for students who might want to join this club? 

Even if you’re not 100% sure you’ll make it, audition anyway. I didn’t know if I’d make it my sophomore year, but I tried anyway. I’ve made the best friendships, and it’s a great way to find a tight-knit group of people who will always support you.

Seneca Hill, President of Opulence

Tell us about your organization:

Opulence is the first ever drag based club at Penn State! We started the club in the fall of 2017 in response to a spike in popularity towards the local drag scene/student drag shows. We realized we needed a more profound space for it on campus. It’s a place where anyone who either does drag or just likes/supports the art can come together and share tips and tricks and celebrate drag in a safe and supportive environment.

Why do you think your organization is important and meaningful on campus?

We seek to support local drag artists by holding regular drag shows and workshops as well as giving new performers a platform. We think that as more people get exposed to a queer-centric art such as drag, the more conversations will be had about societal gender norms and the work that still needs to be done with uplifting our trans siblings and breaking down some of those barriers. It’s also really important to us to provide a safe, welcoming space here because a school this big can be really overwhelming if you don’t fit the ‘norm’.

How did you decide to take on your role as director of your club?

I was on the first executive board of Opulence when we created the club in 2017, so it means a lot to me! I began as the secretary, but I decided to run for president because I felt so motivated to build the drag scene on campus. Seeing that I don’t really perform myself, I thought I was a perfect candidate to oversee events and shows and take some of that weight off of the performers.

How does your work with Opulence give you the opportunity to use your gifts and passions?

I’m not sure I really have any ‘gifts’ to be exhibited through my work with Opulence, other than maybe organization skills. However, it is something I am extremely passionate about. Being the President of Opulence is probably going to be one of the best things to ever happen to me. Surprisingly, I didn’t even learn about drag until spring semester of my freshman year in 2017. Honestly, my adjustment to college wasn’t very easy in the beginning, and I spent time with a lot of people who were really bad for me and felt like I didn’t fit in with the whole greek life scene (because I didn’t). When I found the drag community I immediately found a family and felt welcomed. Keeping this family-like community strong is so, so important and it’s something I believe everyone deserves to have. Being president of Opulence allows me to meet people with diverse backgrounds, talents, and passions and maintain a space for them to express and embrace their identity and art.

Anything to say for students who might want to join this club?

If you’re even just thinking about joining, you have to stop by! This means that you’re in some way interested about drag and that means this club is for you! Even if you don’t know anything about drag, makeup, or have any interest in performing– join! In fact, most of our members do not do drag, but joined to keep up with drag events and support the drag community. We like to have fun, and not take things too seriously, because drag is supposed to be fun after all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nikki Romaglia, former Fundraising Chair for Axis

Tell us about your organization: 

Axis is a special interest THON organization that raises money to help find a cure for pediatric cancer. We spend a lot of time with our THON family, the Calvanelli’s, and hope to make an impact on them and the entire THON community. We visit our family on family members’ birthdays, take them bowling, go to different community events with them, and even go to the farm with them. We try to visit around twice a semester because it’s really special seeing how the money we raise directly impacts families and THON children.

Why do you think your organization is important and meaningful on campus?

I think THON itself is extremely important and meaningful, and THON wouldn’t be able to thrive without the smaller orgs. In a way, we make up the backbone of THON. Even though we are a small org, we have a huge impact. It means a lot to us and it makes us happy knowing we made a difference, no matter how big or small.

How did you decide to take on your role as Fundraising Chair? 

I’ve been involved in Axis since freshman year, and it was during my first few months that I knew I wanted a bigger part in the org. I applied as a freshman, to be a sophomore chair. I wanted to make decisions so our org can be its best.

During my time as Fundraising Chair, I brainstormed fundraisers and set up and organized creative ways to raise money. THON has changed a lot since the canning days, so it’s a hard position that requires a lot of creativity to come up with new solutions on how to fundraise.

My freshman year, I did both a THON committee and club. After my first THON, I found that I would rather be in the stands with my org. I like the aspect of having a specific group of people to fundraise for, and I feel like THON is a lot more special knowing you helped your small org raise money for a big cause.

How does your work with Axis give you the opportunity to use your gifts and passions?

I like to help people and making a positive impact is really important to me. THON is such a face-to-face event that allows you to actually see the people you’re helping. You can see the tangible effects of your efforts, and when that happens, it solidifies the fact that we are making a difference. In Axis, I’m able to make that impact and help those people who need it the most.

Why do you think your organization makes a difference in this world?

Aside from affecting THON and 4 Diamond families, it’s just bringing more awareness to the issue of childhood cancer in general. Penn State is filled with a lot of people from all around the country, and even if those kids don’t know about Hershey Medical Center, they’ll learn more about the needs of cancer awareness and funding. Even just spreading the word is enough to make a difference in this world.

Anything to say for students who might want to join this club? 

Go for it! Test out what makes the most sense for you regarding THON. Maybe try a committee, maybe try a THON org – whatever works best for you. Go to different meetings and find your place. There’s so many different ways and reasons to get involved, so don’t hesitate to start making an impact. 

https://sites.psu.edu/discern/2019/09/30/756/

Phoebe Millspaugh

Tell us about your organization:

Movin’ On is an organization that hosts an annual 18+, student focussed music festival on the last day of spring semester classes. Typically Movin’ On brings 4-5 acts that have in the past included musicians such as: Walk the Moon, Big Sean, All Time Low, Wiz Khalifa, Clean Bandit, Misterwives, Judah & the Lion, and more. This year’s lineup features Bryce Vine, Snakehips, A$AP FERG, and Grouplove.

Why do you think your organization is important and meaningful on campus?

Movin’ On is super meaningful in the aspect of providing a students with a free event that draws over 10,000 students annually. Not many other schools have the chance to say that they saw 4 well-known & recognizable current artists free-of-charge while at college.

Internally, Movin’ On provides students with a great opportunity to understanding what it really takes to put on a concert of this size. Students have the unique opportunity to work alongside real industry workers and have a unique opportunity to connect directly with alumni that work directly in music entertainment for internships and post-graduate opportunities.

How did you decide to take on your role as executive director for Movin’ On?

I’ve been involved with Movin’ On since freshman year. Running for executive director has been something that I’ve always thought about while making my way through the organization and when applications opened last year, I figured I needed to take the chance!

How does your work with Movin’ On give you the opportunity to use your gifts and passions?

I’ve always had an insane passion for music — prime example being that I attended my first concert at age 5. Since then I’ve been fascinated with the art of performing and event production. Movin’ On has given me such a great platform to learn about what actually goes into the making of an outdoor show of this scale.

Why do you think your organization makes a difference in this world?

Movin’ On is the one event where students can enjoy one final event together, free of charge, before heading off into summer break or before “movin’ on” into the real world. I have yet to hear of any other school that has such an opportunity for students, which is why I feel Movin’ On is one of a kind.

Anything to say for students who might want to join?

My biggest advice for students who want to join is to just DO IT. Apply for one of our committees in the fall semester and talk to those involved currently to get an idea of what steps to take. And if you aren’t sure yet if it’s the place for you, there multiple volunteer opportunities for either the fall concert, or for Movin’ On.

Dejanae Gibson

Tell us about your organization:

I am the Director of Events for the Student Programming Association (or SPA). Part of my job is to oversee all of our programming chairs so that includes Special Events, Concerts, Noontime Concert Series, and Lectures. I also run Edventures, which just so happens to be one of my favorite things to do because it gives me a lot of flexibility to work hands on with students and to really help people program things that could benefit other students, not in just an entertainment way but also in an educational way. Edventures is on the track to growing. We have programmed a lot of events in terms of discussions about cultural appropriation, dating and relationships in college. We are currently planning our event for April which is going to be surrounded around relaxation. It’s a very different committee than any other committee we have because it really allows people to be more creative and think more outside of the box.

 

Why do you think your organization is important and meaningful on campus?

One thing about college is that you get a really good experience, socially. Yes, you may go to class and you may talk to your professors and connect and network with others but it’s really the social aspect of college that really makes people grow. One of the things that the Student Programming Association does is make people grow in a social way. Even if it’s through listening to music or being exposed to different activities, they can do it and bring their friends along with them to something that’s apart of the co-curricular experience. It’s not just about books, studying, and exams. It’s also about having a good time, being entertained, and learning in an entertaining way and that’s what Edventures does. It educates students in an entertaining way.

 

How did you decide to take on your role as director of your club?

Funny story. I was involved in our Noontime committee at the beginning of my sophomore year and I really started to enjoy what SPA did. It really coincides with what I want to do in my career being a line producer and working in production management. This really resonated with me and I also saw personal growth in myself to be more ambitious and to really get out there. So, in the spring of my sophomore year I applied to be on the executive board. I checked to be Director of Events and Director of Operations and I interviewed and ended up getting Director of Events which was my top position. I was very proud of myself but also shocked that I was able to get there. I just felt like it was time for me to do the one thing that I really wanted to do which was to help people. To contribute to something bigger than myself because SPA has taught me that everything that you do in some way is a service to somebody else. We are all interdependent and that’s something that I live by personally that no man is an island. We don’t do things on our and and we don’t do things by ourselves. There’s never a moment where something I do will not affect somebody and I really wanted to be in a position where my presence, my work ethic, my ambition, my love for this type of thing will affect somebody in a positive way.

 

How does your work with SPA & Edventures give you the opportunity to use your gifts and passions?

A lot of what my job entails is supporting people, connecting with others, and talking to people. I have to be good at that as a journalism major but it’s something I enjoy a lot. I love connecting with people and figuring out what people do and what makes people tick and what people like, and what is the best way to bring out the best in this person. It puts me in an environment where I have to interact and connect with people constantly. I think, personally, my gift is communication, empathy, and positivity but also extreme curiosity. I’m very curious to know what makes people themselves. That kinda goes into my minor which is Human Development and Family Studies. I think this has allowed me to ask that question frequently and explore all the answers.

 

Anything to say for students who might want to join this club?

Don’t be afraid. It is a great opportunity. It is one that will help you connect with other people, network, be excited about something. I think that is something that I got out of it that I became excited about something. If you’re in a position right now where you feel like I’m not excited about anything or you’re a freshman and you don’t know what to do and you want to get involved, this is one way to do it and it will lead you down so many other paths that you will be surprised.

Tell us about THON & Donor and Alumni Relations

The Donor and Alumni Relations, Alumni Engagement Committee is one of the 16 Committees a pivotal role in developing a lasting future for THON as an organization. While our involvement as THON volunteers may be limited to our time as students, our relationships with THON and the Four Diamonds Families we support are lifelong. Alumni have the potential not only to be THON’s most dedicated and generous supporters, but to be ambassadors of our organization, actively spreading THON’s mission across the country and the world. Alumni bring their passion, knowledge, and experiences with THON to their hometowns and into their professional and social networks. I also think the Alumni Engagement Committee is important because it empowers students to interact with donors, University staff, and various stakeholders of THON. There is a great deal of professional development that comes with Alumni Engagement, as these experiences provide a tremendous amount of experience learning how to build meaningful, lasting relationships with various demographics of stakeholders who are passionately invested in the prosperity of Penn State.

 

Why do you think THON is important and meaningful on campus?

I think THON is a cause that truly lies at the heart of Penn State. THON is an organization that represents the unwavering passion, pride, and dedication that all Penn Staters exude.

 

How did you decide to take on your role as director?

I wanted to take the opportunity to serve on the Executive Committee and devote myself to a role that I felt could bring about a great deal of growth for this organization as a whole. This position continuously fills me with an overwhelming sense of pride for the past, present, and future of Penn State. I am tremendously passionate about the innovative, empowering, and impactful strides that can be made through meaningful engagements between THON and our alumni supporters, and being able to help foster the impact alumni can have on THON and our shared fight against childhood cancer inspired me to apply for this position.

 

How does your work with THON & Donor and Alumni Relations give you the opportunity to use your gifts and passions?

THON is one part of the Penn State experience that truly touches all corners of this University. No matter who you are, where you come from, what you study, everyone student can be a member of the THON community. THON is not just an organization, it is truly a community of supporters united in the fight against childhood cancer. The mission of THON spreads far beyond Penn State.

Tell us about your organization:

Engineering Ambassadors is an organization that focuses on advocating for engineering as a career. We give tours to prospective Penn State engineers, network with corporate sponsors, and do outreach to local primary schools to teach young kids about engineering.

 

Why do you think your organization is important and meaningful on campus?

Engineering Ambassador tours are one of the biggest ways we can reach prospective students. I went on a general Penn State tour when I was deciding where to go to school, and after, I remember still being really unclear on whether or not this was the place to study engineering. After my tour given by an Ambassador, I knew that Penn State’s engineering school was truly incredible and had everything I was looking for in a college. Our members get to share the College of Engineering with prospective students and help shape the next class of graduates.

 

How did you decide to get involved in Engineering Ambassadors?

After the tour that sold me on coming here, I knew that I wanted to do the same and give tours to other prospective students. I joined for the primary reason of giving tours. I was also really excited about making more friends within the College of Engineering.

 

How does your work with Engineering Ambassadors give you the opportunity to use your gifts and passions?

I get to talk a lot about what it is like to be a female in the computer science major. Often on tours, there will only be one or two girls, and I think that it is really helpful to see someone like you doing what you want to do. On outreach trips, I get to talk about some of the things I’ve built in my classes, and younger kids are absolutely amazed by the things that are almost magical to them. It’s cool to see what I do every day can encourage a young person to pursue a career as an engineer.

 

Why do you think your organization makes a difference in this world?

This organization has the power to reach children who may have never heard of engineering before or never thought they were capable of becoming engineers. We focus a lot on doing outreach to schools in low income areas, where the kids may not have had the opportunity to take advanced classes or learn about engineering. If one of them becomes an engineer who otherwise would not have, then our organization is doing its job.

 

Anything to say for students who might want to join this club?

I would say that it’s a lot of work to miss class for outreach trips, but totally worth it. Look back at all of the people who inspired you to be an engineer, and imagine if you had never met them. It’s easy to forget that if you are an engineer, you are lucky enough to have had the support you needed to make it this far. A lot of students never have that, but by joining this club you can help be that for someone else.