IST Alumni Newsletter
May 2022
Dear IST Alumni, Donors, and Friends, 

As we near the end of the semester, I wanted to extend a hearty congratulations to IST's class of 2022. It is hard to believe that we've reached the end of the academic year—especially considering how each of you went through a long period of challenges and adapted to a different way of learning. You have persevered and will soon take what you’ve learned to start your career or continue your educational journey.

I remember the anticipation and feeling of accomplishment when I graduated years ago. Every time I visit campus – which unfortunately isn’t as often as I would like – I am filled with pride. I cherish the great friendships I made, the challenging assignments that prepared me for the real world, and the connection I will forever have to Penn State. I wish I could shake every graduate’s hand, but please know that I, my fellow board members, and the entire IST Alumni Society are eager to welcome our newest members and wish you the best of luck as you embark on the next steps in your journey.

And wherever those steps take you, we’d love to see you at our alumni networking events throughout the year. These events and others like them provide great opportunities to make connections with fellow alumni and expand your professional and social network.

Until then, For the Glory!

Luke Simonetti, President, IST Alumni Society
Upcoming Events
Philadelphia Networking Social
Thursday, May 19 from 6-9 p.m.

4120 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA 19127

You're invited to a networking social to enjoy food, drinks, and friendship with fellow IST alumni!
We Are Weekend: "Protecting Your Identity"
June 17 (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)
June 18 (10:00-11:00 a.m.)
E203 Westgate Building, University Park

In this ever-changing technological world, are you safeguarding yourself from cyber-attacks? Hear from IST alumnus Desmond Lamptey ’12, Master Software Engineer for Capital One, as he shares information on how cyber attackers think and clues you can use to prevent getting scammed. Walk away with tips on keeping yourself, your information, and your identity safe.
Save the Date: IST Alumni & Friends Tailgate
Saturday, September 10
vs. Ohio University

Join old friends and make new ones as you get ready to cheer on the Nittany Lions at the first home football game of the season! More information will be available soon about this fun event held just outside Beaver Stadium.
For a full list of Penn State Alumni Association events, visit: alumni.psu.edu/events.
Getting Involved
Become a Mentor to IST Students!
We’re seeking alumni to serve as mentors for IST sophomores and juniors during the 2022-2023 academic year as part of the College of IST Alumni-Student Mentoring Program. Alumni mentors are matched with undergraduate students and offer advice and information about career options, building personal and professional networks, and issues relevant to the student's development. To be considered, complete the IST Volunteer Form by May 31.

LionLink Projects
This initiative connects Penn State alumni with students and recent grads through project-based work. Alumni can post projects that students or recent alumni can complete within eight weeks. Alumni can gain support for their company or organization and students can get real-world experience to add to their resume. Check here for more information. Proposals must be submitted by May 13.

What's the IST Alumni Society?
The College of IST Alumni Society is an official group of the Penn State Alumni Association. The IST Alumni Society is committed to providing opportunities for alumni to get involved and support the Society’s mission and, in turn, the mission of the College of IST, the Penn State Alumni Association, and the University community at large. The Alumni Society Board leads these efforts. If you are interested in serving on the Board or assisting in other ways, please complete the volunteer form.
News & Highlights
A flip of a coin leads to lifelong IST involvement for Nikita Page '17
Alumni Achievement Award recipient Noel Claudio '14 inspires IST students
Stay informed: read the latest issue of iConnect magazine and subscribe to IST Headlines.
Alumni Shout-outs
Thank you to Kelsey Karpinski ’16 (pictured), past president of the IST Alumni Society who steps down this June. We appreciate her efforts to advance the Alumni Society’s mission and continued leadership on the Alumni Council!

Thanks to the following IST alumni for presenting and/or assisting with the IST ConnectX Day for students: Dave Costlow ’03, John Esteves ’18, Briley Marchetti ’16, Nikita Page ’17, Luke Simonetti ’07, Ka’Lee Strawbridge ’18, Melanie Treff ’19, Korey Wallace ’09, and Andrew Weinert ’09. Students were engaged through presentations in their classroom and an interesting case study/networking event. Job well done with special thanks to Nikita for spearheading this event.

Startup Week was held April 4-8. Thank you to Angela Govila ’05 and Luke Simonetti ’07 for presenting to College of IST students. Angela spoke on “Product Management 101: An Introduction on How to Build Digital Products” and Luke spoke on “How Cybersecurity has Changed with the Emergence of Digital Currency Options.” Great presentations by both alumni!
Stay Connected!
If you have career or personal news you'd like to share with IST alumni, send your update to alumni@ist.psu.edu.

Update your information to stay informed of the latest IST news and events.
ist.psu.edu