President's Message - Spring 2023

Greetings PennACE members! I hope the magic and wonder of your holiday season was complete with sharing gifts and continuing traditions with loved ones to the cozy feel of gathering around the fireplace or just hunkering down to binge-watch holiday movies!! Cold weather has settled in, but winter isn’t for everyone. Some associate it with short, dark, and cold days; others focus on staying in and getting cozy. For PennACE, however, things are heating up!

We are pleased to share that PennACE has formed a partnership with Pennsylvania Career Development Association.  This strategic partnership allows our members to gain access to expanded professional development opportunities, sometimes at a reduced cost, and increase networking opportunities.  In addition, this partnership will open our events to their members and partners for a discounted rate.  We encourage you to check out their website with available partner events to attend!  Pease take advantage of the new PennACE | PACDA partnership!

The kickoff of our spring semesters provided an opportunity to participate in interactive roundtable discussions. Our Professional Development/Employer Relations Chair team lead by Phyllis Schoen, offered in-person events in both the east (Kutztown University) and the west (Indiana University of PA). The event in the west was co-sponsored by Western Pennsylvania Career Services Association (WestPACS). The conversations, at each location, centered around common obstacles, best practices and sharing unique perspectives on career development while allowing us to network. It was great to

see familiar faces and welcome new ones!

Our Student of the Year Committee, lead by Diana Brush and Andrew Stopko, have been working swiftly to identify and award the JoAnne Day Student of Year Awards to undergraduate students from our member institutions that have completed and internship or co-op. Please check out and congratulate our 2022 recipients.

The 2023 PennACE Conference registration is open and Vice President Kate Labriola-Gorentz, and her committee have been planning an exciting event at Toftrees Resort in State College, PA! Early bird pricing is available until March 21 st . Join us as we celebrate 20 years of PennACE!!

Members are the lifeblood of our organization, and we continue to identify opportunities to keep our members engaged and cultivate a truly valuable and unique experience! Our Executive Board, composed of amazing, hard-working individuals are working to grow our membership and continue to provide opportunities for our members to benefit professionally. Please promote PennACE and consider joining the board.

Please do not hesitate to contact any of us with your comments or suggestions. We hope spring weather is just around the corner but in the meantime, the fresh snow inspires us to make our mark and have a great year!

Krissie Doppelheuer

PennACE President