UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Last October, the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) opened a new engagement area for student organizations. Now, thanks to a recent gift from IST alumnus Nick Berardi and his wife, Melinda, the space will be converted into a versatile meeting and event center where students can unite, exchange ideas, learn collaboratively and participate in activities that enrich their educational journey.

“It is a tremendous pleasure to announce the Berardi Family Student Engagement Center,” said Andrea Tapia, interim dean of the College of IST. “Nick and Melinda Berardi have generously committed to transforming our gathering space into a vibrant and fully equipped activity hub that inspires greater student involvement. We couldn’t be prouder or more grateful that they are giving back in such a big and meaningful way.”

Nick Berardi earned his bachelor’s degree in 2003 as a member of the College of IST’s first graduating class and now serves as the head of engineering for Alexa Mobile Foundations and Release at Amazon.

“The inspiration for naming the student engagement center stems from my profound appreciation for the dynamic and collaborative spirit fostered within IST students,” he said. “The ultimate goal is to create an environment that supports not just academic growth but also personal development, leadership skills and social responsibility.”

Engaged students have been found to be more academically prepared and have higher retention and graduation rates than disengaged students, according to Tyler Estright, student engagement coordinator in the College of IST. Providing students with the resources and space they need to organize is important.

Last summer, Estright enlisted the help of Chris Gamrat, assistant teaching professor and faculty liaison to IST’s Office of Enrollment, Engagement and Belonging, to find out more about what student organizations need to need to meet their co-curricular goals. Gamrat hosted a workshop that sparked creative ideas from students, and Estright identified a space that could serve as a hub of innovation and interaction for IST students.

The center is located in the east wing of the Westgate Building, which is home to the College of IST. The high-traffic area, formerly occupied by the college’s Red Cell Analytics Lab, is ideal for making student engagement more visible and providing organizations with a dedicated space for meetings, receptions, office hours and recruiting activities.

“I envision a flexible space equipped with cutting-edge technology that promotes openness and accessibility and provides areas suitable for both formal and informal gatherings,” Nick Berardi said. “It is my hope that the center will cater to a diverse range of activities, such as group study sessions and workshops, and perhaps even serve as a restful haven between classes.”

Nick and Melinda have been married since 2006 and have three daughters: Betsy, 13; Abby, 11; and Cassie, 8. Weekends are dedicated to family excursions, like hiking and sightseeing. The family is also actively involved in their local community. 

"Contributing time and expertise to help guide and support the missions of local organizations enables us to give back in a fulfilling way while staying connected and grounded within the community," Nick said. 

Donors like the Berardis advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients, and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.