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The Music Man Takes a Bow: After 25 years, Dr. Gary Viebranz, will retire in June

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By Heather Cass, Publications Manager, Penn State Behrend

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Dr. Gary Viebranz, professor of music and director of instrumental ensembles, at Penn State Behrend.

Music is as close to time travel as humans can get. Hearing a particular song can transport you to your early childhood dancing in the kitchen with your mom, to your first solo drive after getting your license, to your high school prom, to the day you buried a loved one.

“Music is a visceral thing that can actually cause changes to our body chemistry,” said Dr. Gary Viebranz, professor of music and director of instrumental ensembles, which includes jazz, concert, and pep bands. “It can make us happy or provide an outlet for pain or grief. Some songs are forever burned into our memories. I can remember songs that I played when I was seven years old.”

And, yes, he has been making music since he was a child. Viebranz got his first instrument—a paper-headed drum set—for his fourth birthday. By six years old, he was playing the trumpet.

“It came somewhat naturally to me, and I practiced a lot because I enjoyed it, so work ethic was easy for me to find,” he said.

Fortunately, he had parents who encouraged his musical inclinations as he grew up in Strongsville, Ohio.

He knew early on that he wanted to be a music teacher. For several years after college, he taught music at the high school level in the Cleveland area. A return to graduate school opened his eyes to the possibility of teaching college students.

“Crazy as it can be at times, teaching at the collegiate level is much calmer and more predictable than public high school,” he said.

He joined Behrend in July 1999 and will retire in June, after his twenty-fifth year. We sat down with Viebranz to learn more about music education, his career, and his post-retirement plans.

Can anyone learn to play an instrument?

Yes, but it takes more persistence than some people want to put into it. It’s never too late, though.

How many instruments can you play today, and what is your favorite?

Tuba, baritone, trombone, and bass guitar. Tuba is my first love and my go-to.

Is there an instrument you want to learn in retirement?

There are things I’d like to play around with, like my theremin, which is an electronic instrument that you don’t actually touch, and I’d like to get back to playing bass guitar again.

Not everyone who participates in a band wants to be a musician, so why do you think students make time for it?

The point of music education isn’t to have a career in music. It’s to spawn creative thinking and to make something abstract into something you can hear and feel. Also, it can serve a lot of purposes in a person’s life. It can be a way to escape or grieve or relax or find joy or relieve stress.

What is your most memorable teaching moment?

To be honest, it wasn’t a positive one, but I think it’s worth sharing. In a general education music class, I shared something interesting that was outside the curriculum of the class and said, “That won’t be on the test, though,” and a student asked, “Then why are you wasting our time?” I was shocked by the idea this student had that because something wouldn’t be on the exam, it wasn’t important or worth knowing.

What other changes have you noticed in teaching for twenty-five years?

It’s become harder to find inroads into students’ mindsets, to widen the focus and have them entertain the idea that there is not always a single solution or result, but that there can be many ways to achieve an expected result.

One of your most popular classes was about the Beatles. What did you cover?

We studied everything from pre-Beatles to Beatlemania and on though the group’s breakup. They recorded thirteen commercial albums, which made it easy to set up the course by covering one album each week through the semester.

Music at Noon, which you also directed, is one of the college’s most enduring musical traditions. How did you get involved?

The program had been going on for ten years when I came to Behrend. Several years later, I said I would do it for a year, and here we are. It’s been going strong for thirty-four years. I have been involved for seventeen of them.  And, yes, it will continue after me.

Are there any Music at Noon performances that stick out in your memory?

In their own way, they have all been memorable. You have to live each concert in the moment. One of the unique things about the program is that it draws an all-ages audience, from Erie City elementary school children to college students to older community members.

What would people be surprised to find on your Spotify playlist?

Well, you might be surprised to know that I don’t have Spotify. That said, I have eclectic musical tastes. I’m open to listening to anything, and I don’t worry about labels. Of course, I enjoy the music of my youth, things that were popular in the mid- to late-1980s, the most.

What will you miss most about Behrend?

The people: Many students, staff, and faculty members become like family.

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Dr. Gary Viebranz, professor of music and director of instrumental ensembles, conducting his final Concert Band performance at Penn State Behrend in April 2024.

VITAL STATS AND PARTING THOUGHTS

Family: Wife, Mari; Daughters, Sofia, 26, and Elizabeth, 23.

First concert: “My older sister took me to see John Denver at the Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, when I was young.”

Perfect song: “I don’t know that perfection exists because it’s an arbitrary measure. Perfect presents itself in the moment when the right song comes on at the right time.”

A song he will always sing along with: “’Jar of Hearts’ by Christina Perri. I love to blast it in the car and harmonize along.”

Non-music hobbies: “I love to bike, kayak, and travel.”

Retirement plans: “My wife is still working, and she loves her job, so I’ll be in Erie for the foreseeable future. There are some passions I’d like to revive, like singing, bowling, and fishing.”

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Political Science student published in Wall Street Journal

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By Heather Cass, Publications Manager, Penn State Behrend

Eric O - WSJ contributor
Eric Oelhaf, Penn State Behrend Political Science major.

While at Penn State Behrend, Eric Oelhaf, a senior Political Science major, added something to his resume that few college students can claim: His work has been published in The Wall Street Journal.

In fact, he has had three pieces published in the WSJ’s “Future View” column, in which they invite undergraduate and graduate students to offer their opinion on current topics from Twitter’s rebranding to the future of the NFL to foreign policy to ChatGPT.

Oelhaf’s published essays address the topics of American support for aid to Ukraine; the U.S. border crisis, and why people don’t trust scientists anymore. He is in good company with students from such institutions as Brown University, Harvard University, and West Point Academy.

We talked with Oelhaf, a State College native, to learn more about why he wanted to contribute, how he got published, and what he has gained from the experience.

How did you learn about “Future Views”?  

Dr. Maggie Shum, assistant professor of Political Science, mentioned it in a class that I took with her in the fall semester. Though it’s known to be a conservative publication, The Wall Street Journal said it was trying to provide a diversity of viewpoints in this feature.

Did you immediately contribute?

No. I looked at it as a national writing competition and decided that I was only going to contribute if I had something unique to say. I felt that would improve my odds of being selected. I was surprised that they printed the first one I submitted, which was the piece on the border crisis. The second one was the piece on why people don’t trust scientists.

Then you submitted one about aid for Ukraine?

Yes. That one was a strategic choice. I wanted to dispel myths that are prominent in conservative information spaces about the costs of sending aid to Ukraine. Of course, the reason to support Ukraine is that it’s the right thing to do. Russia has historically tried to eradicate the Ukrainian language and identity from existence since the times of the Russian Empire. And languages are a particularly important part of European political philosophy.

Does the newspaper edit the pieces?

The one on the border crisis is nearly identical to what I submitted, and those are really my thoughts on the matter. There was light editing on the Ukraine piece. But the trustworthiness of scientists’ piece was heavily edited. Looking back on that, I realize that was my fault.

How so?

I had tried to have a more in-depth discussion than what the 250-word-limit would allow, and I didn’t end up making a clear argument in what I originally submitted. The editor then rewrote some of it operating under the assumption that I was trying to critique the behavior of just the authority figures, which I wasn’t. It was a misunderstanding that I know now I could’ve prevented.

What has been the response to your work?

It’s interesting to read through the comments. I’ve learned that people will complain about anything unless your reasoning is airtight or in line with what they believe. I was called an elitist for providing context on the border crisis. Sometimes, readers will even complain that they are listening to college students, despite clicking on a column clearly labeled “Future View.”

What have you learned by reading the feedback?

It seems the current American news consumer is addicted to anger, and the media is more than happy to feed that addiction.

What other topics interest you?

I care most about what is happening in Ukraine and, as a result, I’m concerned about the current state of Congress. I’m also interested in artificial intelligence and the ways in which it’s being handled by our government.

What would people be surprised to know about your generation regarding politics?

My generation seems to care about efficacy to a greater degree than older ones. We want our politicians to be good at what they do. We don’t want them to continually take half measures on humanitarian crises cause by our allies, nor do we want them to spend six months trying to pass a budget.

What do you want to do after college?

I like foreign relations, so I may pursue a career in government in that field. I would certainly take a job in journalism, too, if I had the opportunity.

Oelhaf’s published pieces

Did you know?

Penn State faculty, staff, and students have access to The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal at no cost through the Student News Readership Program. To take advantage of this program, you must register using your Penn State email. Learn more at Penn State’s Student Affairs website.

Nature of Behrend: Freezing Frogs

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The fascinating science of frogs in winter

frogs in winter

Behrend is home to a wide variety of frogs and toads, but have you ever wondered where they go in winter?

They don’t migrate or hibernate; they brumate.

Brumation is to amphibians what hibernation is to mammals. When temperatures drop and the days get shorter, amphibians seek out a warm, safe hiding place where their metabolism slows to the bare minimum, and they rest until spring.

“Amphibians brumate differently depending on the species,” said Dr. Lynne Beaty, assistant professor of biology.  “Some, like pickerel frogs and bullfrogs, brumate underwater; some, like American toads, brumate on land underground below the frost line; and some, like spring peepers, gray treefrogs, and wood frogs, brumate in the freezing zone.”

If “the freezing zone” sounds like a frigid place to spend the winter at Behrend, be assured that it is. Not only is it cold, but it’s very cool in a nature-is-so-amazing way.

“All frog species that overwinter in the freezing zone exhibit some degree of freeze tolerance—that is, up to sixty percent of the frog can freeze solid and survive. They just thaw out when warmer temperatures arrive,” Beaty said.

“This is primarily due to the action of cryoprotective compounds (i.e., antifreeze) that prevent vital parts from freezing completely,” Beaty said. “Many of these organisms also have an inherent ability to resist structural damage when ice crystals form in the body, and their cells are particularly hardy in the face of massive dehydration that occurs during the freezing process.”

Of all the frogs that do this, the wood frog can handle freezing temperatures the best, which is why they have the northernmost range of all frog species in North America.

“Wood frogs, which we have on campus, are the real ‘super freezers,’” Beaty said. “Watch this cool video to see why.”

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NATURE OF BEHREND is an ongoing series highlighting Behrend’s unique environment, beautiful campus, and outdoor learning opportunities. New items are posted every Monday on the college’s Facebook and Instagram pages. 

Do you have question about something you’ve seen outdoors at Behrend — trees, plants, animals, insects, paths, artifacts, etc.? Email hjc13@psu.edu and we may cover it in a “Nature of Behrend” post, story, or video.

Major Decisions

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By JoLayne Green, Contributing writer, Penn State Behrend

Graduate found confidence, voice when she landed in the right program for her

When Gabi Watson switched her major to English at Penn State Behrend, she finally found her path—and her voice. It just took a little courage for her to follow a passion that was there all along.

“I did every other possible major,” Watson said, with a chuckle.

An Erie native who graduated last semester, Watson started in Forensic Biology at University Park. She learned that a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) field wasn’t truly what she wanted. Her college journey led her to Behrend and included stops in the Division of Undergraduate Studies and the Political Science program.

“I finally realized I belonged in liberal arts,” she said. “I fell in love with the English program and the teachers in it.”

She also felt at home at Behrend.

“I love how close-knit the campus is and how beautiful Behrend is,” she said. “I got all four seasons here in my hometown where I got a great education and had a close relationship with teachers.”

Before landing in the English department, Watson did a little soul searching.

“I grew up reading. I knew I loved English, but I didn’t know if I loved literature,” she said. “I thought choosing English would mean I would just be reading a lot of poetry.”

Then Watson discovered how diverse a degree in English is.

“I didn’t know how many options there were in writing. I felt I was floating around in the English department until I took Writing for the Web,” she said. “I found out you can have a great career in something you are passionate about.”

While she concentrated on professional writing, it was creative writing classes that helped her find her own voice.

“I learned a lot about expressing emotion and how to transcribe my thoughts into words,” she said.

Watson’s budding confidence carried into extracurricular activities. Describing herself as an introvert, she was a junior before becoming involved in activities at Behrend such as the Lion Entertainment Board and an Alternative Spring Break service trip.

She grew from observer to participant to executive director of the Lion Entertainment Board, helping to advance the club from four members to more than thirty while developing event planning skills.

Watson credits her advisor, Dr. Massimo Verzella, associate professor of English, as well staff members in the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement (SLI) with putting her on a path to success.

“Dr. Verzella changed the trajectory of what I wanted to do in my life,” she said. “He educated me on possibilities I didn’t know existed. I don’t think I’d be as social or as well-rounded as I am now without his support and that of SLI staff members.”

In turn, she began mentoring other students.

“I learned I like leading a team and helping people find their passion, and wanted to help other students figure out what they were good at,” she said.

Watson’s success in leadership was recognized beyond campus when she was chosen to receive the 2023 ATHENA Young Professional Award, celebrating emerging women leaders in Erie.

Watson, who graduated in December 2023, envisions a career that involves writing, generating social media content, travel, event planning, and possibly work in diversity, equity, and inclusion. First, she is going to Walt Disney World for a six-month stint in the Disney College Program in Florida.

After that? Who knows, but she knows she won’t be a silent observer.

“You can be an introvert and still be a leader,” she said. “I never thought I could, but with the right support, I’ve been able to find my voice in writing and in leadership. Wherever I end up next, I know Behrend has given me a solid foundation to build on.”

Behrend student says semester-long experience in France was life-changing

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By Heather Cass, Publications Manager

Office of Strategic Communication, Penn State Behrend

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One thing Sophia DiPlacido knew for sure when she started at Penn State Behrend is that she wanted to leave — for at least a semester.

“I have always wanted to study abroad,” said DiPlacido, a junior dual majoring in Marketing and Psychology. “I was slightly worried about language barriers, though, so I looked at countries with residents who spoke English as a first or second language.”

She ultimately chose France and set off in January to spend the spring 2023 semester in Aix-en-Provence, known as “Little Paris.” She lived with a host family in a home with three other students who were also studying abroad from other U.S. universities.

“My host mother had done a study abroad experience, so she wanted to help others have that opportunity,” DiPlacido said.

She took five classes–International Business, French, History of Christianity, Wine Marketing, and Drawing and Painting–at the Institute for American Universities, where DiPlacido said curriculum is king.

“Extracurricular activities are not a thing in European universities,” she said. “College in France is actually closer to what I had been told in high school that college would be like, which is to say that instructors would not be very accessible, the classes would be mostly lectures, and your grade was made up of a few exams.”

While her college experience was quite different from the experience at Behrend, DiPlacido said she quickly felt at home in France.

“I easily adjusted,” she said. “The geography reminded me of California, and the people were very welcoming, which is not what you sometimes hear about the French. I expected to encounter some resistance because I didn’t speak their language, but everyone was nice about it.”

She didn’t have classes on Fridays, so she was able to explore several nearby countries as travel throughout western Europe is relatively easy and inexpensive. Among her many adventures: visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris; skydiving in Switzerland; scuba diving in Marseille; making pasta in a cooking class in Venice; and seeing the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. She also visited Budapest, Brussels, London, Madrid, Nice, and Prague as well as cities in Germany and Luxembourg.

DiPlacido said that all that travel helped her develop important life skills.

“I didn’t have a strong sense of direction,” she said, “but I developed it getting around on my own. It gave me a lot of self-confidence.”

DiPlacido said she would recommend a study abroad experience to students in any major but cautions that it takes work to prepare for it, even with guidance from Behrend’s Learning Resource Center, the campus experts on global programs.

“You have to be proactive and get your visa and passport and stay on top of what needs to be done when,” she said. “But in that responsibility is personal growth. Studying abroad was the most amazing thing I have ever done. You come back a whole different person with an entirely new perspective on the world.”

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STUDY ABROAD BASICS

Does it have to be a full semester?

No, at Behrend, the international study experience can be as short as ten days or as long as a full academic year, depending on the type of program a student selects. International study programs are happening throughout the year—during fall and spring semesters, at semester breaks, and over the summer.

Do you need to speak a second language?

No, but you do have to be a strong student, academically, to be eligible for international study. The minimum grade point average is a 2.5, and many programs require a 3.0. Prerequisites vary by program.

How much does it cost?

Cost varies depending on the program and location a student chooses, but you can expect to pay tuition, travel expenses, and for meals and personal expenses while abroad.

Scholarship funds are available for those who qualify. DiPlacido received funding from Penn State Behrend’s Study Abroad program and the University’s Schreyer Honors College, and she won a competitive Gilman Scholarship, which is administered by the U.S. Department of State.

How can a student learn more?

Attend a Study Abroad Information Session. Meetings are held weekly at Behrend throughout the semester. A list of upcoming sessions is available at behrend.psu.edu/studyabroad, where students can also learn about the different types of programs; explore upcoming opportunities; and find out about the application process and deadlines, as well as financial aid and scholarships.

Standout Seniors ’23: Meet Chase Schultz (Mechanical Engineering)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2023 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and the things they’ve accomplished and learned while here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we’ll be introducing you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technology, participated in important research projects, and left an impression at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Chase Schultz.

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Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Edinboro, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Erie Insurance Open Doors Scholarship; Moyer Trustee Scholarship; Arloween Zurn Todd Leadership Scholarship; Jim and Lynn Levinson Memorial Scholarship for Penn State Behrend’s Educational Partnership Program; ASM International Northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter Scholarship; and Ryan E. Knoll Open Doors Scholarship

On choosing his major: Mechanical Engineering is very broad, and I knew I would have a lot of opportunities in many different industries.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Participating in the Steel Founders’ Society of America (SFSA) Cast in Steel competition twice, creating a sword and a spear. These two projects were done through the Materials and Manufacturing Group (MMG) club. We handled all aspects of creating a new Celtic Leaf sword and an African spear point, exploiting the casting manufacturing process from design conception to performance.

Campus involvement: I’m the president of the Outdoors Club and treasurer of the Materials and Manufacturing Group.

His definition of living a good life: Working hard, playing hard, and loving even harder.

Passion project: In 2017, a friend and I started a brand called flowdaddyfishing. We have an Instagram page to promote hunting, fishing, and making the most of every day.

Advice for first-year students: Get your priorities straight and go after what you want. Make friends who are smarter than you are. Find some healthy hobbies. Work hard and accept that college, and any career path, is going to be difficult. Without the struggle, there will be no reward.

Have job, will travel: I’m looking forward to my job at ExxonMobil. I will have the opportunity to travel domestically and internationally to both inland and offshore well site locations on a rotational schedule.

Chase has accepted a position as a well operations supervisor with ExxonMobil following his graduation in May.

Standout Senior’s ’23: Meet Carly Evans (Marketing)

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Penn State Behrend’s class of 2023 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Carly Evans: 

carly Evans

Major: Marketing

Minor: Communication Arts and Mass Media

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend because of the Black School of Business and the Penn State network of resources. Also, I like that you are not just a number here and are able to build strong connections with professors and staff.

On choosing her major: I chose Marketing because it’s versatile. From content creation and social media marketing to analytics and search engine optimization, there is something for everyone. I have always enjoyed the creative aspects of marketing and how a career in the field can look different each day.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: In my junior year advertising class, we partnered with professors in the School of Science and Erie Brewing Company to create an integrated marketing campaign for a new aquatic invasive species draft series. Partnering with Pennsylvania Sea Grant, we created the campaign to raise awareness about these local invasive creatures. I worked on the creative team, developing graphics for the campaign using Adobe Illustrator. This project allowed me to use my graphic design skills and gave me an idea of what it is like to create real marketing materials. It was gratifying to see something I worked on come to life for a local business.

Campus involvement: I am a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. I have held several leadership positions in our chapter over the years.

Her definition of living a good life: Being somewhere warm and sunny, surrounded by my family and friends and my cat, Daisy. I think that living a fulfilling life is prioritizing self-care but giving that same energy back to the important people in your life. Making a difference in the lives of others starts with you.

Her passions: In my free time, you can find me on the golf course, creating art, or seeking out a new coffee spot. I’m a pretty go-with-the-flow person, so I’m always down to try something new.

Advice for first-year students: Use your resources and don’t be afraid to ask for help. College can be overwhelming at times. Keeping an organized planner has helped me keep track of my schedules, class assignments, and extracurriculars. Also, get involved. Being a part of a club or organization can greatly develop your leadership and problem-solving skills and your confidence.

Students Spend Spring Break in Washington, D.C.

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By Heather Cass, Publications Manager

Office of Strategic Communication, Penn State Behrend

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Penn State Behrend students with U.S. Senator Bob Casey Jr. at the Capitol Building in Washinton, D.C.

Political Science class gets a first-hand look at how U.S. government works

It’s one thing to study the U.S. government and how it operates in Washington, D.C. It’s another to experience it, walking the same halls that senators and congresspersons do, sitting in the same courtrooms where federal judges preside, and meeting with foreign ambassadors and lobbyists.

“After being taught in the classroom, actually seeing the historical locations in person gave me a whole new perspective,” said Justin Lopez-Beltran, a second-year student dual majoring in Political Science and Economics.

More than a dozen Penn State Behrend students enrolled in Dr. Robert Speel’s PLSC 177N Politics and Government of Washington, D.C., spent their spring break in our nation’s capital where they squeezed a lot into one week.

The group met with members of Congress and leaders of federal government agencies; received briefings from foreign embassies and international organizations; participated in seminars led by interest groups, political party officials, and consultants; and toured government offices and facilities. They visited monuments, memorials, museums, and Arlington National Cemetery, and met with many Penn State Behrend alumni who live and work in D.C.

Among the alumni in D.C. is U.S. Representative Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.), a 2004 Political Science graduate, who serves on the House Rules Committee and invited the students to sit in on a committee meeting.

with Guy Reschenthaler
Penn State Behrend students with U.S. Representative Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.), a 2004 Political Science graduate (center in striped tie) in Washinton, D.C.

“This is not something the average person can do,” said Casey Mitolo, a fourth-year Political Science major. “He even gave a shout out to the class and Dr. Speel during the meeting. It was special.”

“My favorite part was visiting Capitol Hill and seeing all the politicians you admire and even some you might disagree with,” Lopez-Beltran said. “After taking multiple political science courses, it was fascinating to see politicians we have discussed and even argued about in the classroom.”

Classmate Nicklas Richar, a second-year Political Science major, agreed. “It was really cool to be inside the Capitol building and to see all the senators and representatives I’ve watched on TV and realize that they are real people doing an actual job.”

Mason Milliard, a third-year Political Science major, said he especially enjoyed meeting with Behrend alumnae Yuri Unno, director for international trade policy for Toyota, and Elizabeth Buck, deputy assistant director of the U.S. Marshals Service. “It was also really interesting to watch votes from the Senate and House galleries and sit in for a lecture at the Supreme Court,” he said.

Mitolo was surprised by the number of Behrend alumni in the capital. “It was extremely eye-opening to see all the doors that a Behrend Political Science degree can open,” he said. “We met alumni who work as political consultants, representatives, union leaders, and much more.”

The students interviewed for this story all agreed that the experience solidified their career choices.

“It was one of the most fascinating experiences of my life,” Richar said. “Every single place that we visited had a rich history and important part in how our government functions. It really inspired me to continue in my career path, and I learned that the potential for jobs in this field is endless.”

“This trip 100 percent solidified my career decision,” Lopez-Beltran said. “I learned that there are countless opportunities in D.C. and a wide variety of options from campaign work to legislative work to lobbying.”

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4 Takeaways

Things are not always what they seem: “I learned that, occasionally, lobbyists are the ones who have to rein in the legislators,” Milliard said. “It was surprising to hear that, from a lobbyist’s perspective, they sometimes must remind politicians that the ideas they are pushing are unrealistic. This contradicted a belief I had that politicians were the ones who had to curtail persistent ‘radical’ lobbyists.”

It’s more complicated than it seems. “I learned how many outside influences affect how lawmakers make legislation,” Richar said. “We learn in class about the types of legislation they create but not always about the work that goes into it or what causes lawmakers to think the way they do. Now, after meeting them, I have a much better understanding.”

Prepare for a workout.  “The trip was exhausting!” Mitolo said. “We walked more than ten miles one day, according to my Apple watch. But it was totally worth it.”

D.C. runs on youth. “One of the staff members that I spoke to privately made a joke about how the government is really run by a bunch of 20-year-olds, and it made me laugh because it was clear that there was an element of truth to it,” Lopez-Beltran said. “They were the ones rushing around delivering mail, moving legislation, setting up tours, and more.”

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Penn State Behrend students meet with some Behrend alumni who live and work in Washington, D.C.

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Business Etiquette Still Matters in 2023

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By Hope Robbins

Contributing Writer

If you want to stand out in the corporate world, brush up on your business etiquette.

“It will be the skill that sets people apart in the professional world,” said Eric Robbins, associate teaching professor of finance and associate director of corporate outreach and research for Penn State Behrend’s Black School of Business. “The people who will rise to the surface are those with good soft skills for virtual meetings, email communications, and in-person interactions.”

That’s why, Robbins, with help from Phil Stuczynski, assistant teaching professor of finance, and Carol Peterson, co-curricular programs coordinator, put together “Make the Fork Be With You,” a business etiquette dinner that included a presentation on the importance of professional etiquette and communication.

Speakers at the event were George Emanuele, senior director of Global Investments for BNY Mellon, and Ann Scott, community outreach manager for Erie Insurance. Thirty Behrend students attended as well as sixteen alumni who were invited to network with the students.

According to Emanuele, it isn’t a question of whether or not you need business etiquette; it’s something that should innately encompass 100 percent of your job. He stressed the importance of many daily factors in business etiquette, such as the “sundown rule,” (that is, responding to emails within 24 hours).

Scott also talked about the maintenance of etiquette and how unprincipled table manners can distract from the subject of a company dinner. Everything that you do (for example, writing emails, wearing professional attire, and behaving appropriately at networking events and business lunches) is a representation of your employer.

If you don’t raise yourself to meet that professional bar, metaphorically speaking, Emanuele stated, “You’ll be stuck in a back-office position, and you will never see a front-end client.” For anyone seeking to rise in the ranks of the company they are a part of, this poses a professional risk and should be a call to action.

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Why is the concept of behaving respectfully and engagingly in a professional environment becoming harder for the younger generation to understand? Scott said she thinks it is a byproduct of emerging from COVID-19.

“A lot of people haven’t been able to utilize their interpersonal skills in person,” Scott said, which inspires “a lack of confidence among the younger generation.” Making a phone call, for example, may seem more intimidating than sending an email or communicating online.

One of Scott’s pet peeves is seeing people at networking events gathered in groups with others they already know rather than fulfilling the purpose of being there: networking, or as she calls it, “making new friends!”

Emanuele and Robbins both say that business etiquette is becoming a lost art and there is a contentious device (literally) behind the decline in professionalism: cell phones. According to Robbins, a new generation of employees has become accustomed to “short bursts of unprofessional communication that are typed rather than spoken” via texting and online posting. This has led to a decline in professional phrasing, creating a causal conversation style that is less than business appropriate.

Another reason business etiquette skills may be less common today? Scott said it might be a lack of practice with in-person communication, a byproduct of COVID. And along with becoming accustomed to more casual conversation, our sense of personal presentation has adjusted into a more comfortable routine.

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While there are many nuances to business etiquette, Scott summed it up with a single rule to thumb: “The basics of etiquette is to make other people feel comfortable and confident.” The only way to succeed in this is to make yourself comfortable and confident in any professional situation.

Hope Robbins is a junior majoring in Digital Multimedia Design at Penn State World Campus.

10 takeaways from “Make the Fork Be With You”

  • Do not overshare or make the conversation all about you.
    • Find common ground when networking – vacations, hobbies, etc. Have a list of conversation starters.
  • Introduce and include others in conversation.
  • Stay positive – Do not complain or talk about co-workers.
  • Follow the lead of your host (in choosing your meal based on price, whether or not to order an alcoholic drink, and where you’re seated).
  • If seated, introduce yourself to everyone at the table.
  • Look for ways to give, help, share in a conversation.
  • Demonstrate good table manners – Avoid ordering “messy” foods, eating too quickly, and putting your napkin on your chair if you leave it.
  • Respect everyone, including the staff serving you.
  • Follow up after the event, reference something specific from your conversation.

Secret Lives of Faculty: Ricardo Estremera, home remodeler and Olympic-level athlete

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There’s so much more to Penn State Behrend’s faculty and staff members than what you see them doing on campus. In this occasional series, we take a look at some of the interesting, unconventional, and inspiring things that members of our Behrend community do in their free time. 

By Heather Cass
Publications Manager, Office of Strategic Communications, Penn State Behrend

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What’s an Olympic-level runner to do when he is injured and can’t work out and the entire country is taking a pandemic pause? How does a guy who runs sub-4-minute-miles survive being stuck at home for months?

He flips.

A house.

Trading in his racing flats for a tool belt, Ricardo Estremera, 36, assistant teaching professor of Spanish, and his wife, Sherez Mohamed, a professor of Spanish and linguistics at Mercyhurst University in Erie, invested in a fixer-upper and got to work.

“We figured it would keep me busy,” said Estremera, who was training for a spot on the Puerto Rico Olympic steeplechase team when Achille’s tendon issues forced a layoff.

The couple had their work cut out for them. The house, while solidly built, needed an entire interior overhaul.

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“The home was built in the 1890s, and I think cats have been peeing in it since 1891,” Mohamed wrote in a post on the Instagram page—The Professors Flip—that the couple started to document the progress of turning a $33,000 stinker into a sparkling, modern home on a tight budget.

Estremera approached the job with all the energy and enthusiasm he would have spent at the track, as did Mohamed who did her share of the remodeling, renovating, and restoration work, too.  Estremera learned his handyman skills as a reluctant teenage helper to his father, repairing things around their home in Puerto Rico.

“When you’re a kid, parents make you do things and you hate it, but you end up learning a lot,” he said. “I didn’t like having to help fix things back then, but I love it now. Going to Home Depot is a good day for me.”

As soon as they closed on the house, they began a to-the-studs overhaul and transformed it into a modern home with an open concept. (See  photos on Instagram. Click on the “Before and After” story.)

“The first house was an experiment to see if we could do it,” Estremera said. “We learned a lot. It’s amazing what you can figure out watching YouTube tutorials.”

Given the results, they decided to renovate another home – a duplex, which they are now renting out.

Being landlords wasn’t in the original plan for Estremera and Mohamed. It’s more of an altruistic endeavor than a business for them.

“We decided we wanted to provide beautiful, affordable housing for people in Erie,” he said. “The city has lots of old houses with charm that are not taken care of, and the landlords don’t seem to care. We do. We will take care of our properties and renters.”

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Behrend Blog caught up with Estremera after he wrapped up a morning workout (yes, he’s back in training) to learn more about his life off campus.

What are the things you’re looking for when you’re investing in a new property?

We are very patient and look for deals in neighborhoods that are in the sweet spot. For example, houses in one area of Erie might be $130,000, but if you go a few blocks in any direction, you can find them for $60-$70,000. We are looking for residential areas where we can find a bargain, fix it up, and improve the community.

We also look at what the home needs, especially if there are any big-ticket improvements needed, such as a roof, electric, furnace, chimney or foundation repairs. These things are not deal-breakers, but we need to factor that in and make sure the renovation will pay off.

How many properties have worked on?

Our first was the home we live in. Then, we did the duplex, and we just bought another house.

So, you don’t actually “flip” them?

No. We learned that it’s actually very hard to make money flipping houses. The more time you spend doing it, the less cost effective it is.

Do you do all the home renovation work yourselves?

Most of it, yes. I enjoy the challenge, and it’s cost-effective to do the work yourself. Neither of us love painting, but it’s expensive to hire someone to do it, so we paint to save that money for other things, such as electrical work.

What have you learned the hard way?

Old houses are not square.

What are your top tips for anyone who might want to do what you do?

Do your research, shop around, and negotiate. I do a lot of research when we are looking for a new property, contractor or appliances/materials. I know how much things should cost. We shop around, even when looking for a bank loan, and we negotiate. My wife is an expert negotiator.

Switching gears, how is the running going? Are you injury-free now?

I am injury-free now, but I have found that it’s hard to stay in shape over winter in Erie due to the lack of indoor facilities. A treadmill is fine for a regular run, but not when you’re doing fast-paced training and I cannot run hurdles until at least April, so I’m months behind my competition. My plan is to train for longer distance (half marathon) in the fall and winter, then slowly shift to track season.

What are you training for now?

My end goal in the 2023 season is to wear my Puerto Rican jersey at the Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC Games) and Pan American Games.  After the 2023 season, I will retire from track and field and compete in road races, like 5k, 10k, 21k and 42k.

Do you train with anyone?

I wish that I could. It’s hard to find partners who can run my pace. I do my hard workouts at a sub-4:00 to 4:30 (minutes per mile) pace. A recovery day is a 5:45 to 6:30 pace. I do volunteer with Behrend’s track-and-field team, though.

When did you start running?

I was about 15 or 16 years old when I started running seriously. Before that, I was a competitive swimmer. I hated it, though. I only did it because my brothers did, so we all went. When I started running, I knew that it would be my ticket to college.  (Editor’s note: It was not only his ticket to college, but to a spot on the Puerto Rico Olympic team in the steeplechase. Read more about that here).

What do you enjoy about running?

It’s relaxing and it’s my time to think. I get a lot of work done while I’m running. I like to teach and then run because it gives me time to reflect on what went right, what went wrong, and what I might change.

Switching gears again…Why should students consider a Spanish minor?  

A second language is an asset to any field or major and will make you stand out. In a global world, being bilingual is beneficial. It also gives you the full experience when traveling abroad. It will open the doors to another world!

You are a full-time faculty member, a husband, a member of the Puerto Rico Olympic team, a volunteer with the college’s track team, and a Ph.D. candidate who renovates homes in his spare time. What do you say to students who don’t turn in their assignments on time?

(Laughs). I say: Do you have a better excuse than I might to not get your work done? But seriously, I tell them they need a plan. Look at your calendar and fill it in with your No. 1 priorities and things that can’t move, such as classes. Then, find the gaps in your schedule to fit in other things—a workout, lunch, a date, meal prep, etc. Time management is key to success.

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