The People of Penn State

In this special episode of The People of Penn State, we talk with Forrest Coley '85 HHD, '90g Bus, a member of the Educational Equity Advisory Board, about the University’s Office of Educational Equity and his participation in Penn State’s Black Alumni Reunion. 

Forrest shares why educational equity matters, the importance of supporting first-generation students, and how alumni can help create opportunities for the next generation of Penn Staters. He also reflects on the power of bringing Black alumni together to celebrate shared experiences, strengthen connections, and shape the future of the Penn State community.

Hear from other BAR attendees about their experience on our YouTube channel!

For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

In this episode, we chat with Amanda Gifford Lockwood ’04 Com, Edu, a senior vice president of production at ESPN, where she helps lead coverage of some of the network’s biggest sporting events.

Amanda reflects on her time at Penn State and the experiences that shaped her career, shares the journey that led her to ESPN and her work in sports production, and talks about how she stays connected to the Penn State community. 

She also discusses the lessons she’s learned throughout her career, the people who have influenced her along the way, and more.

For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

This week, we chat with Jared Freid ’07 Bus, a stand-up comedian, podcaster, and author known for his sharp, relatable take on dating, relationships, and everyday life. 

But comedy wasn’t always the plan. After graduating from Penn State, Jared began his career in insurance before leaping to pursue comedy full-time.

Jared looks back on his time at Penn State and the unexpected path that led him to a career in comedy. He talks about deciding to leave insurance, building a career as a comedian and podcaster, and his first book, Walking Red Flag: Dating Advice From Your Favorite Guy Friend. He also discusses his 2026 Netflix special, The Family Plan, and how his perspective on comedy, dating, and relationships has evolved throughout his career.

For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

Jim Minarik ’75 Bus, ’77 MBA is an author, investor, board member, and CEO coach who began his entrepreneurial journey as a Penn State student. After a 25-year career as a CEO, Jim went on to create Sound United, a billion-dollar global home audio business with brands including Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, and Polk Audio.

Now, Jim is the author of Reckoning: A Journey Through Tragedy, Triumph, and Transcendence, a deeply personal book about navigating tragedy, achievement, loss, and transformation.

Jim shares his story and reflects on how those experiences changed how he sees life, success, and what it means to be present in the moment.

Learn more about Jim and purchase Reckoning: A Journey Through Tragedy, Triumph, and Transcendence.

Listener note: This episode includes conversations about suicide, murder, death, and grief. Some listeners may find these topics difficult or emotionally challenging.

For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

In this episode, we chat with Mattie Leon ’09 A&A, a soulful folk singer-songwriter from Hamilton, Ontario, whose journey from student-athlete to musician has taken him far from the golf course and back to Penn State in an unexpected way.

Mattie shares what it was like balancing life as a student-athlete at Penn State, accepting a golf scholarship, and making memories that would stay with him long after graduation.

We also talk about his transition from competitive golf to a career in music and the stories, places, and experiences from his time at Penn State that inspired his newest album, 607 West College Avenue.

Listen to part one of the album!

For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

In this episode, we sit down with Eric Yeamans, '10 A&A, to explore the intersection of design, technology, and digital strategy. As the leader of digital initiatives at Actual Size, Eric shares how he leverages emerging technologies, data-driven insights, and innovative marketing strategies to help organizations grow their digital presence and create meaningful audience engagement. 

We also discuss Actual Size's work on the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, the evolving role of digital experiences in design, Eric's Penn State journey, and the impact of recognizing the next generation of creative talent through the Ryan Russell Award for Design Excellence in Graphic Design.

Learn more about the Ryan Russell Award for Design Excellence in Graphic Design.

For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

In this episode, we sit down with Eric Wagner '96 Lib and Eric Vishnevetsky '15 Bus to explore their career journeys in wealth management, leadership, and the power of building meaningful relationships.

Eric Wagner, a Managing Director at UBS Private Wealth Management and co-founder of PWJ, has helped build one of New York City’s premier wealth management teams while bringing together his background in finance and law to serve clients and lead with a people-first approach. 

Eric Vishnevetsky has spent his career at UBS, growing from the firm’s Graduate Talent Program into a senior role with The Wagner Abrams Group, where he focuses on next-generation client initiatives, financial planning, and team strategy.

Together, they share insights from their professional paths, discuss the importance of mentorship and lifelong learning, and reflect on how their Penn State experiences continue to shape their careers and connections.

For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

In this episode, Jackie Layer '13 EMS shares how childhood weather events sparked a passion that led her to a career in broadcast meteorology. 

Now the Chief Meteorologist at DC News Now, Jackie reflects on her Penn State experience, covering everything from devastating tornado outbreaks to tropical storms, earning her AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation, and the responsibility that comes with keeping communities informed before, during, and after severe weather. 

She also discusses mentoring future meteorologists and why her connection to Penn State remains as strong as ever.

For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

On this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we chat with Dan Barefoot '13 A&A, a professional landscape architect and Team USA skeleton athlete who represented the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. 

Dan shares how he discovered the sport after graduating from Penn State, what it took to balance a full-time career with the demands of elite international competition, and the journey from complete beginner to Olympian. 

He also reflects on the power of perseverance, embracing uncertainty, and chasing ambitious goals while staying connected to his profession and community. Plus, hear what's next as he sets his sights on the 2030 Winter Olympics.

For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

On this episode of the People of Penn State podcast, we sit down with Jennifer Colvin ’97 Behrend, chief innovation officer at Learning Undefeated and self-described “crazy ideas captain.”

Jen reflects on her time at Penn State Behrend, where she earned her biology degree in 1997, and shares how her Penn State experience helped shape her passion for STEM education and community impact. 

She shares how Learning Undefeated allows her to fulfill her mission of making STEM education equitable and accessible for all learners, including the development of more than 20 mobile laboratory programs, the importance of community partnerships, and the Penn State values and experiences she carries with her every day.

For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com