CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Ten Penn State Lehigh Valley (PSU-LV) alumni were recognized for their achievements in their respective fields at the inaugural Donor Recognition and Alumni Achievement Awards held at the PSU-LV campus recently.
Twenty-seven PSU-LV alumni were nominated for the award, and the pool of nominees was narrowed down to ten. It was a difficult selection process, said Abigayle Kaiser, PSU-LV interim alumni relations coordinator, which speaks to the caliber of PSU-LV alumni’s impressive professional achievements.
“All of these individuals are great people who represent Penn State Lehigh Valley very well. These 10, however, definitely stood out with their nominations. They were from all different backgrounds, programs, and majors. Some still live locally; others further away,” Kaiser said.
Kaiser added that one goal of the event is to help keep alumni connected to campus in some way, whether as mentors for students, classroom speakers, or simply just to return for a campus visit.
“It helps open doors and start that relationship,” she said.
Along with the alumni awards, top campus donors were honored.
The 10 alumni recognized were:
Christopher M. Bogden, class of 1991. Bogden has been an active Penn State alum for many years. He majored in electrical engineering at Penn State and, as an undergraduate, served as student representative on the Penn State Engineering Alumni Society board. He has been a professional country line dancing instructor since 2007 and in 2012, he teamed up with fellow alums Lori Kapes and Liz Gerancher-Glase and co-founded Dance for a Cure. This popular fundraiser supports PSU-LV students’ THON efforts. Professionally, Bogden is a sales engineer for H.C. Nye Company, and his technical acumen is complemented by his spiritual dedication. He is an ordained interfaith minister through the School of Sacred Ministries of Doylestown. He conducts community ceremonies and volunteers with the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center. He served on the PSU-LV Advisory Board for a decade and continues to serve Penn State in several volunteer roles: as a member of the PSU-LV Justice, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) board. He is also an alumni adviser for this fraternity at Muhlenberg College, supporting and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Marta DaSilva, class of 2004. DaSilva represents the spirit of a true Nittany Lion, both in her educational journey and her career, having essentially spent her entire professional career at Penn State. After earning her bachelor of science in business from Penn State Lehigh Valley in 2004, she began her professional path as the evening and weekend coordinator for the Continuing Education Department at Penn State Lehigh Valley, Corporate Learning Center, where she served until 2010. In 2013, she transitioned to the Center Valley Campus, taking on an advising role and eventually becoming the director of the Student Success Center. In addition to her undergraduate achievements, she earned her master of professional studies in human resources and employment relations from Penn State in 2013. Her passion for helping others shines through in her daily work, where she strives to make a meaningful impact in students' lives. Outside of her professional commitments, she loves spending quality time with her family, exploring new destinations while traveling and enjoys trying new foods.
Murtaza S. Jaffer, class of 2002. Jaffer has become a leader of the area’s business community through example. His story is well-known in the Lehigh Valley and is an inspiration to any business owner. He was born in Tanzania, moved to America at a young age, graduated from college and immediately started a business from scratch. He has grown EBC Printing & Signs over the past 13 years by leading his staff to new heights and leading the print industry with technology and service. His affiliations in the business community include Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce; Discover Lehigh Valley; Center for Retail Solutions; Forum for Ethics, Allentown West Rotary Club. He has won several awards for both EBC Printing and his service to the business community. Additionally, he is fluent in Swahili, Hindi, Urdu, Gujrati and Kachi.
Previn G. Joseph, class of 2019. Joseph, a 2019 graduate with a bachelor of science in information science and technology and a minor in security risk analysis, built a strong academic and personal foundation during his time at Penn State Lehigh Valley. This experience paved the way for his successful career. As a student, Joseph was active with THON and Student Government, and collaborated with departments such as Student Affairs, Admissions, the Multimedia Innovation Center, and Marketing. Currently a program management consultant for Deloitte, Joseph manages complex projects for large technology and social media clients. PSU-LV had a tremendous impact on Joseph, he said, both personally and professionally. He currently serves on the PSU-LV Advisory Board as a way to give back and positively impact future students; additionally, he is a frequent speaker for PSU-LV’s Future State Integrative Design Committee. He's also a musician, playing guitar, piano and ukulele, with his most memorable performance at THON 2019 in the Bryce Jordan Center. An adventurer at heart, he enjoys traveling and once embarked on an epic 8,000-mile road trip across 15 states in a 1998 Ford Escort.
Lori Kapes, class of 2008. Kapes said she found her passion for volunteering when she was a student at Penn State Lehigh Valley. She was a co-chair for Penn State Lehigh Valley Benefitting THON, co-editor of the student newspaper, a Lion Ambassador, and a member of the Student Government Association. Kapes credited her THON adviser, the mission of THON, and her experiences at Penn State Lehigh Valley for instilling in her the drive to continue down the road of philanthropy. In 2012, she co-founded Dance 4 a Cure with fellow alums Christopher Bogden and Liz Gerancher-Glase. She graduated from PSU-LV in 2008 with a degree in journalism. She regularly draws on her background in journalism and event planning in her current role as the divisional administrative assistant for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship at East Stroudsburg University. In her current role she assists the divisional vice president, as well as the Business Accelerator Program and the PA Tick Research Lab. She is also the graphic designer for the division and creates the promotional and marketing materials for all division sponsored events, including the annual Economic Outlook Summit for the Pocono region. When she isn’t volunteering or working, Kapes said she loves spending time with her friends and family, especially her niece and nephew. She has a voracious appetite for exploring and learning and said she believes that, when it comes to cancer, “one day we will dance in celebration… until then, we will dance for a cure!”
Kenneth Keitt, Jr., class of 2019. Keitt is the CEO and founder of ParaPe4mance, a health tech company focused on improving the quality of life for individuals with mobility impairments. At the age of 17, he joined the United States Marine Corps. After honorably serving four years with one combat deployment to Iraq, Keitt left active duty to pursue an education in business. He enrolled at Northampton Community College, and earned an associate degree in business administration, later transferring to Penn State Lehigh Valley, where he finished a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing. Keitt uncovered his purpose through his biggest obstacles after becoming paralyzed due to a tragic rollover in a car accident, and he's dedicated to helping others do the same, he said. Outside academics, Keitt has won more than 10 gold medals in adaptive javelin. He qualified for the Paralympics but could not attend Paris due to a recent injury. Keitt continues serving the community by serving on the Penn State Lehigh Valley board for diversity, equity, and inclusion, working for various military profits, and serving people globally through social media, public speaking, and customized digital programs. He is currently writing a book, "Born Broken Reborn," in hopes of inspiring and educating others on the road to building confidence and regaining independence.
Keitt said, “The award not only symbolizes my hard work at the campus, but it shows the campus recognizes that hard work and accomplishments over the years. It shows they are paying attention to the people connected to the campus who bring value. For me, I’ve always had burning desires in my heart, but not coming from a family of entrepreneurs, I was able to surround myself with other students and mentors who helped me build a structure for a workable, scalable business. PSU-LV molded me into the person I am today. Having the support of a big organization and unlimited resources helped me as a business owner. It taught me to think outside the box and take risks if it was something I really wanted to do. That’s how I had the confidence to keep doing more. PSU-LV helped me believe in myself, which helped me go further in life.”
Mandy Marquardt, class of 2014. Marquardt is a professional track sprint cyclist racing for Team Novo Nordisk, the world’s first all-diabetes professional cycling team and for the USA Cycling National Team. A multi-time National Champion, 5-time American record holder, and 2-time Pan American Games medalist, she excels in her career while living with type 1 diabetes. She is currently working toward her dream of competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, while also pursuing her MBA through the Penn State World Campus Smeal College of Business program. Originally from Florida, Mandy moved to Pennsylvania to attend PSU-LV and further her cycling career. She earned her undergraduate degree in business management and marketing from PSU-LV, where she competed as a student-athlete for the cycling club. After graduating, she honored her late coach Jim Young by serving as PSU-LV’s Cycling Coach, recruiting and mentoring student athletes. Marquardt served on the PSU-LV Alumni Board of Directors for five years, where she remained committed to giving back to her community. As an ambassador for organizations like St. Luke’s University Health Network in Allentown, Marquardt is dedicated to being a role model for children and those affected by diabetes worldwide.
Marquardt said she was thrilled to return to her alma mater. “It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since graduation! It was a beautifully organized event, and it was a great evening to reconnect with friends, faculty and staff. Hearing about each former students’ experiences and the impact Penn State Lehigh Valley has had on their lives was incredibly inspiring, and how they are all continuing to stay involved and give back speaks volumes,” she said. “While the Velodrome initially brought me to this area, Penn State Lehigh Valley made it feel like home and it still does. I've always said we're a small, but mighty campus. We’re so lucky to be surrounded by so much industry and opportunity right here in the Lehigh Valley. I’m genuinely grateful for all the faculty, staff and professors who became not just my mentors, but my friends.”
Sen. Nicholas P. Miller, class of 2017. Miller represents the 14th Senatorial District, including parts of Lehigh and Northampton counties. He is a fifth-generation Allentown resident. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Penn State, a master’s in public administration from the University of Pennsylvania, and a master’s in law degree from Penn Carey Law School. He has had his real estate license since 2021. Elected to the state senate in 2022, he was voted chair of the Senate Policy Committee in fall 2024. He remains an unwavering advocate for students, educators and economic success for families and small businesses in the Lehigh Valley. Miller is a staunch supporter of Penn State and never misses the opportunity to catch a football game at Beaver Stadium.
Miller said he is indebted to the campus for setting him on the path to future success. “I began my college career at Penn State Lehigh Valley and hold a deep appreciation for the community and relationships I developed there. Many professors and staff members remain valued mentors to this day. The university provided me with incredible opportunities, from internships to job prospects, which ultimately paved the way for my election to the Pennsylvania state Senate, where I now represent the Lehigh Valley,” he said. “I encourage current students to take full advantage of the resources and opportunities available to them — they can truly set the stage for future success. Receiving this award is an immense honor, and I am forever grateful for everything I gained from Penn State Lehigh Valley."
Hiba Moussa, class of 2014. Moussa is an experienced admissions counselor at PSU-LV dedicated to helping students successfully navigate the college application process. With a decade of experience in higher education, she said she has had the privilege of guiding hundreds of students on their journey toward higher education, empowering them to discover their passions and achieve their academic goals. Her comprehensive understanding of the admissions landscape allows her to provide invaluable support to prospective students as they tackle the often-complex steps of college entry. She has a degree in psychology from Penn State. Fluent in both English and Arabic, Moussa is able to foster strong connections with a diverse range of students and their families, ensuring that language is never a barrier to clear and meaningful communication. She said she believes in an open-door policy, encouraging students to engage in open dialogue, share their thoughts, and feel comfortable voicing any concerns they may have. Her commitment to student success is evident in her personalized approach, as she is always ready to listen, support and guide students throughout their academic journey. Outside of her professional life, Moussa said she enjoys traveling to new destinations, discovering unique coffee shops, and cherishing time with her family.
Andrew J. Weinert, class of 2009. Weinert is a distinguished technical staff member at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, where he focuses on the safe integration of new airspace entrants with a particular emphasis on drones. For over a decade, he has played a pivotal role in advancing aviation safety, contributing to the development of cutting-edge modeling technologies and concepts that have shaped both industry standards and regulatory frameworks. He has been a leader in making foundational technology free and open source to enable safe economic development. He holds a master of science degree in electrical and computer engineering from Boston University and a bachelor of science from Penn State. He is recognized as a senior member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and is an alumnus of the prestigious NASA Space Grant program. His contributions to the field have cemented his reputation as a thought leader in aviation safety and emerging technologies.
Weinert said he credits PSU-LV with helping him build a strong professional foundation. “I am honored to receive this award and would like to express my sincere gratitude to Penn State Lehigh Valley,” he said. “My time there was truly transformative, providing me with a strong foundation for my career. The experiences and knowledge I gained during those formative years have been instrumental in my success over the past 15 years. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and support I received at Penn State, and I am proud to trace my professional journey back to those seminal moments.”