My name is John Dibert. I am a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University. I graduated with a degree in Communications, with concentrations in event planning, public relations, mediation, multimedia production, and strategic communications -but that’s only part of the story. Throughout life, I have been (among other things) a professional, a warrior, and a scholar. This is the abridged version:
I am a native of Claysburg, Pennsylvania. If you are unsure of where that is, you’re likely not alone. For most of my life, it was (literally) a one-stop-light town. In recent years, a second was added.
On my 18th birthday, I enlisted in the United States Army as an infantry soldier, and I was on my way to my first combat zone before I could legally drink a beer at home. I am thankful for the plethora of experiential learning provided by my military career. I learned a lot of life lessons which helped build an ability to think strategically, problem solve under pressure, and think on my feet: excelling in real-life, real-time scenarios and overcoming complex problems in a diverse array of atmospheres and locations.
Stateside (US,) much of my time with the military was in Georgia and Mississippi. OCONUS (outside the continental United States) I can confirm having been in Kosovo, Serbia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and a few places in between. Prior to a departure from service (prompted by combat-related injury,) I was attached to a few branches (including a combat tour with the 2nd Marine Division). I was able to operate at a high level in various cultures and climes all over the world, with an exceptionally diverse variety of people.
Returning to my humble home in Pennsylvania, my first steps in continuing my journey involved learning to rehab both my body and my mind. This involved the humbling challenge of honest introspection and having the motivation, drive, and personal work ethic to push through hardship. In time, I taught myself a skilled trade and worked at a place called Smithmyer Electronics. I enjoyed working for Smithmyer’s and I left still being on good terms with the owner (Joe,) but my life’s path felt a call to venture elsewhere.
So, I suppose that brings me to college.
Despite several productive and enjoyable visits to Lycoming College, I decided to start my full-time academic career at Penn State Altoona. I graduated with a 3.89 GPA, perpetual existence on the Dean’s List, earning (among other accolades) the Lion’s Pride Award, and several of my written works being published in Penn State’s literary magazine. I also served as president for the Pennsylvania Beta chapter of Omega Delta Sigma Veterans’ Fraternity.
Professionally, I have been worked as an assistant technical director and creative consultant for Imagine Wrestling. I have also been the lead on organizing local charity events to raise funds for the DAV; organizing charity events to support mental health among veterans; organizing events to raise awareness for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); organizing civil (and constitutional) rights awareness events for Young Americans for Liberty; helped make the first ever Pride Parade in Altoona (Pennsylvania) a success, and have successfully run for a minor county-level political position. My likeness was also used by SJ Games in one of their products.
I do/accept work involved in a variety communications, public relations, and promotional fields.
On a personal level, I enjoy “shooting” darts, speculative fiction, creative design, tabletop and card games, rock climbing, and the occasional stiff drink.
I’m looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here. Maybe you or your company will be involved in the next chapter. I can be contacted at jud332@psu.edu; for professional inquiries, my private phone number is also available upon request.