Student of the Year Recipients Announced

The PennACE Joanne Day Student of the Year (SOTY) selection committee is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2017 awards:

Business: Makenna Kuntz, Clarion University – Human Resources Intern, rue21 Inc., Warrendale, PA

“Her impact added to the success of the Benefits Team and my role as the Benefits Project Manager over rueGIVESback and rueRelief. Makenna’s enthusiasm is contagious!” ~ Lori Kobayashi, Benefits Manager

Technical: Paige Laughlin, The Pennsylvania State University – Malaria Vaccine Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD

“Along with her undeniable scientific skillset, Ms Laughlin was always an absolute joy to work with. She was a true team player, and always managed to foster positive discussion and bring the best out of other employees” ~ David E. Lanar, PHD, Chief, Dept. of Molecular Engineering

Liberal Arts: Emily Parker, Juniata College – Communications Intern, Pachaysana Institute, Quito and Amazonia, Ecuador

“To this day when a community partner is going to work with one of our interns, they ask us to compare them to Emily, using her as the yardstick for quality.” ~ Daniel Bryan, Executive Director, Pachaysana Institute

Associates: Katelyn Fyock-Myers, Clarion University – Student Respiratory Therapist, Allegheny Health Network, West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA

“Kaitlyn exhibits motivation, self-direction, a strong work ethic and reports daily for her rotation with a smile and positive attitude to seek the opportunity to expand upon her clinical skills…”~ Charlotte Fenn, MS, RRT, Supervisor; Robin Nitkulinec, M.ED, RRT, Director, Respiratory Care and Pulmonary Services

Each recipient will receive $250 and a certificate of recognition. Stay tuned for photos and detailed articles in future editions of the newsletter and on our website.

JoAnne Day, longtime colleague and friend to many involved in Cooperative Education, Academic Internships and Career Services, died in March 2005 after a two year battle with cancer. She was the first President of PennACE in 2002 and an active career services professional. Read more about Joanne Day here.

PennACE members serving on the SOTY selection committee are:

Heather Balas, Director of Career & Academic Development, Hiram College

Sarah Bartz, Associate Director of Career Development, Lebanon Valley College

Diana Brush, Assoc. Dir., Career and Professional Development Center, Clarion University

Josh Domitrovich, Coordinator, Mentoring and Internships, Clarion University

Jenelle Henry, Assistant Director, Career Development Center, Kutztown University

Anne Landon, Career Advisor, Lycoming College

Nick Praedin, Associate Director, Experiential Education, Lehigh University

Ashley Rippey, Director, Career & Corporate Connections, Penn State Smeal College of Business

Debbie Smith, Career Advisor, Career Development Center, East Stroudsburg University

Kolleen Woodcock, Career Advisor/Outreach Coordinator, Gannon University