Angelique Bacon-Woodard ’96 M.Ed ’01 D.Ed. came from humble beginnings, and she credits her character to a childhood spent within a military household, multi-ethnic surroundings, and diverse communities.
Angelique was born in Limestone, Maine to a large, loving family, and has lived in Germany, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. She shared, “I am so grateful for the many experiences, opportunities, and adventures that I’ve had thus far in my well-lived life.” Angelique has a wide array of interests including learning, exploring, spending time outdoors, and entertaining as well as giving back. She shared, “I grew up with Easy-Bake Ovens, three-speed bikes (for those who remember), and imaginative dreams, and I learned about leadership throughout middle and high school, college, and beyond, and by immersing myself around people from all walks of life.” Her love of learning motivated her to not only earn her undergraduate degree in early childhood education from Lock Haven University, but to go on to earn her master’s and doctoral degrees from Penn State in educational administration and higher education with a focus on organizations and leadership, respectively. She believes it is important to maintain an open mind while also remaining curious. “Curiosity is and always will be my best friend. It is without judgment and has allowed me to learn, explore, embrace, and enjoy the goodness that comes from putting oneself out there and making a difference in the lives of others. That is a tenet I choose to live by.”
Angelique has lived her values by serving as a volunteer at Penn State for many years. She said, “I began supporting students on their journey as they navigated the complexities and successes within an academic realm. A part of my presence on campus has always been helping students with the excitement or challenges of student life as they made their way through the University and into the world. I’ve had the pleasure and opportunity to mentor and support students and colleagues in various volunteer capacities.” She has mentored both undergraduate and graduate students from the College of Education, served as a social mentor for the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (also known as the McNair Scholars Program), and as a Penn State Alumni Association FastStart alumni mentor. From 2006 to 2009, Angelique spent time working with the College of Health and Human Development’s Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) which was conceptualized and supported by alumni of the college and leaders throughout the nation. From 2008 to 2010, she served as an overall co-advisor for the Ohana organization benefitting THON™. And in 2011, she participated in the LeaderShape Institute, a six-day intensive retreat that gave students the opportunity to create meaningful interactions with their peers while focusing on three aspects of leadership: vision, teamwork, and integrity. In addition, she served as a faculty/staff mentor with the former Commission for Women’s Mentoring Program, which was a personal highlight of her volunteerism on campus. She currently serves on the College of Education’s Dean’s Development Council, where she also served in an advisory role during the Greater Penn State campaign.
While Angelique sees the value of volunteerism in all forms, she believes it is extremely important to support and mentor women. She shared, “As one who benefited from the time, wisdom, and care of many, giving back to women from diverse backgrounds is a natural gift for me to keep on giving.” Through the programs in which she has been engaged as a volunteer on campus and in the community with LEADERSHIP Centre County, Angelique has had the opportunity to work with many phenomenal women. She shares her time, knowledge, and insights–especially about her own lived experiences–with them; however, she finds her true joy in listening and learning from those women. “I found and continue to find pride in watching them elevate themselves with respect to their thinking, confidence, resilience, growth, and perseverance to step in and show up as they truly want to in life, both personally and professionally. Our engagement was and remains mutually fulfilling, and I remain awe-inspired by their wisdom, strength, and capacity to be the successful change agents and the kind of leaders our world deserves.”
Having benefited from others’ generosity while she was a student, Angelique has always seen the importance of philanthropy as well. “Giving back, especially to Penn State students, is very important to me. I would not be here in the capacity that I am if not for the kindness and generosity of others. I received numerous scholarships and funds from various sources that made my achievements possible. I understand the challenges of trying to pay for one’s educational experiences and remain forever grateful to those who stepped up to provide students like me with financial gifts.” Angelique also believes in paying it forward—a motto she lives by. “This is the least that I can do to ensure that others who strive for knowledge and degree attainment have some financial support so that they can focus on other matters, especially their academics and engagement in the campus and neighboring communities.”
Angelique has many fond memories that inspire her philanthropy; however, spending time with the student volunteers associated with THON over many years stole her heart and reassured her of the love, compassion, and goodness that young adults embody. She shared, “I witnessed selflessness, and I do mean selflessness, from so many students, volunteers, dancers, and committee members over 48 hours during THON a few years ago. “I am still moved today as tears come to my eyes in awe of their love, care, and commitment to eradicating childhood cancers.”
“And, WOW, my time and treasure have paid off through the collection of ‘thank you’ notes that I receive (and keep), especially the ones from 10, 20, or 30 years ago. These notes of gratitude serve as a constant reminder that I’ve been in the right places, at the right times, and for the right reasons to give back and pay it forward. As a servant leader in this life, I seek no monetary reward for giving back to others with my time, talents, or gifts, especially in a mentoring capacity. I’ve already won the lottery a million times over by supporting others and watching them grow, create, and live promising and rewarding futures for themselves. How fortunate am I? I am extremely grateful.”
Throughout her life, there have been multiple women and men who have inspired Angelique’s philanthropy and volunteerism. “I am from a family of givers. If we recognize and see a need, then we are there to support others in whatever ways that we are able.”
Angelique noted that she is not alone in her Penn State passion or dedication. “There are countless individuals who show up and give back to Penn State with their time and their financial gifts, and I want to acknowledge and give a shout-out to all of YOU – yes, YOU know who you are – including my husband, Bob. Although the spotlight happens to be on me at this moment, I want everyone to know that I am grateful and want to thank and recognize them, too, for caring and sharing. Together, we’ll continue to make a difference in the lives of others – especially Penn Staters!”
Inspired by Angelique’s service to Penn State?
Give to the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Children’s Hospital
Give to the College of Education General Scholarship