JOSH TREGO JOINS PENN STATE DICKINSON LAW AS DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI AFFAIRS
January 2025 — When Josh Trego joined Penn State Dickinson Law in late 2024 as director of Development and Alumni Affairs, it felt to him like a full-circle moment.
As an undergraduate at Penn State University, Trego paid his own way by working multiple jobs, including as a lifeguard and resident assistant. The political science major dreamed of attending law school but ultimately decided not to apply because he was unsure how to finance a legal education. “I thought I would be responsible for all the payments. I did not know nearly as much about scholarships, financial aid, and donor-directed philanthropic support as I do now, of course,” said Trego.
Fast-forward two decades, and Trego now helps raise the funds to support the types of programs and scholarships he could have benefited from. “To me, it feels like I have come full circle. I am so happy to be able to put my skills to use to make the law school experience more affordable, accessible, equitable, and enriching for all the students who want to pursue this path,” said Trego.
He is excited to return to Penn State. “It is exhilarating to see how the work that we do on the development and alumni affairs team at Penn State Dickinson Law fits into and funnels up to bolster the greater goals at Penn State,” said Trego, a 2002 Penn State graduate. “I look forward to matching our alumni and other donors with the many opportunities available at Penn State Dickinson Law. To that end, I believe the best gift officers are the ones who use their mouths a lot less than their ears. We are ready to be creative.”
“Josh is a fantastic addition to Penn State Dickinson Law, demonstrating an exceptional ability to cultivate relationships and impressive leadership qualities,” said Penn State Dickinson Law Dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law Danielle M. Conway. “He will play a critical role as we move forward during this exciting time of change and growth for Penn State Dickinson Law.”
From Capitol Hill to Carlisle
Trego put his political science background to use after graduation, working for a U.S. Senator on Capitol Hill for several years. He performed community and economic development work that involved matching nonprofits with funding sources, a challenge he enjoyed more than he anticipated. Trego’s next role focused on grassroots fundraising and revitalization in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he met his wife, Valerie. Next, he shifted into higher education, becoming assistant director of The Parents Fund at Bucknell University.
After nearly six years at Bucknell, he and his family moved to Carlisle for a job at Dickinson College, where Trego began as director of The Dickinson Fund, then rose to senior advancement officer. The Tregos loved the local community, and when the opportunity at Penn State Dickinson Law arose, Trego jumped at the chance to return to his beloved University while remaining in Carlisle. “It was always a dream of mine to work for Penn State in some capacity,” said Trego.
He resides in Carlisle with Valerie, who also works in development, and their 14-year-old twins, Reece and Sydney. The family stays busy attending Reece’s football, basketball, and baseball games and Sydney’s dance recitals. Outside of work and time with his immediate family, Trego enjoys reading as well as hunting and fishing with his father.
‘We are leading important work’
Trego said his early conversations with alumni and donors have sparked encouraging feedback. “They see that our young attorneys and other alumni are out there changing the world,” said Trego. “Our graduates are delivering real, tangible, and authentic results and impact. Alumni and donors also see that we are at the forefront of important work being done in the legal academy, with Dean Conway being elected president-elect of AALS and leading national antiracism efforts through the Antiracist Development Institute. They love to see that.”
Right now, Trego is eager to connect with new people. “My goal is to get out there and see as many donors as possible and do that on a one-to-one basis,” said Trego. “So, if you see an unfamiliar number from Carlisle popping up on your phone or receive an email from me, I hope you will answer it. I would love the opportunity to get to know you and discover, together, how we can continue to move Penn State Dickinson Law forward!”