Penn State Dickinson Law celebrates successful Alumni Weekend and Professional Development Conference

CARLISLE and UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.—On a busy weekend in late October, Penn State Dickinson Law hosted a donor recognition dinner, Alumni Weekend, and Professional Development Conference (PDC). The latter two events took place at both the Law School’s Carlisle and University Park locations, highlighting a memorable weekend of connection, reflection, and growth.

The PDC, produced by the Career Services Office, is a required event for all first-year law students at Penn State Dickinson Law. It gathers students and practitioners for networking and panel sessions on career-related topics.

Alumni from both locations attended Saturday’s Alumni Weekend, held simultaneously with the PDC. The event included opportunities to earn continuing legal education (CLE) credits, a catered luncheon, an open Alumni Society Board meeting, and a closing celebratory reception. Alumni also assisted with the PDC, serving as speakers and topic table hosts, where they answered students’ questions about career opportunities and offered tips on navigating law school.

The day’s festivities followed an invitation-only Celebration of Philanthropy: Donor Recognition Dinner on Friday, when 23 donors were inducted into the John Reed Society, the Law School’s lifetime giving society.

Celebrating donors’ generosity

The donor recognition dinner, held at the Hilton Harrisburg on October 24, brought together alumni, faculty, and staff from Penn State Dickinson Law to pay tribute to donors’ generous philanthropy.

The event included remarks from Penn State Dickinson Law Dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law Danielle M. Conway and student scholarship recipients Ayah Manalastas ’26 and Jamesha Caldwell ’25.

Conway also welcomed the new John Reed Society members. Entering the Second Century Circle with lifetime giving of $100,000 or more were Distinguished Professor of Law Emerita Beth Farmer, Deborah B. Betron '63 LIB, Joseph A. Cottonaro '74 and Jane Cottonaro, Craig A. Diehl '88 and Stephanie Diehl, Curtis B. Toll '94 and Jacinta M. Toll, and The Honorable Daniel P. Wallace '95 and Susan J. Wallace.

Entering the Heritage Circle, with lifetime giving of $50,000-$99,999, were Robert P. Barbarowicz ’68 COM, ’71; Kevin W. Rethore ’94; and Eric J. Young ’80 LIB. Entering the Founders Circle with lifetime giving of $25,000-$49,999 were Zachary R. Brecheisen ’12, Daivy P. Dambreville ’13 and Teleicia J. Dambreville ’13, William J. Dorgan ’98, Sarah F. Mika ’80 BUS and Andrew J. Mika, Steven L. Miller ’86 LIB, Jodi Pitchok French, and Christie B. Tillapaugh ’02 and Andrew T. Tillapaugh ’02.

An ‘incredibly insightful and genuinely reassuring’ opportunity

The next day, students and alumni in Carlisle and University Park engaged in a full lineup of activities. The PDC included keynote speakers Mina Jefferson, chief culture and engagement officer at Bricker Graydon, and Verna Williams, chief executive officer at Equal Justice Works, in Carlisle, and Kelly Lloyd ’10, deputy district attorney at the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, in University Park.

They discussed topics ranging from the evolution of professionalism in the legal field to the importance of maintaining personal as well as professional connections. Students found the addresses engaging and beneficial.

“One thing I took away from the conference is that being yourself is encouraged in your networking,” said Tahyolis Valero ’28, who attends the University Park location. “Professionality is important, but what makes you memorable is you, so do not be afraid to be yourself.”

Students also appreciated the interactions with current practitioners.

“The most valuable part of the Professional Development Conference was the opportunity to network with alumni in various fields, and it was incredible to listen to the keynote speakers share about their extensive experience,” said Prodigy Bossele-Meehan ’28, who attends the Carlisle location. “One alumnus spoke about how being an attorney was their fifth career. As someone who is starting my second career path, speaking to someone who went through this and shared useful tips on navigating this new path was incredibly insightful and genuinely reassuring.”

‘People are very excited about the future’ of Penn State Dickinson Law

Alumni also enjoyed learning and reconnecting throughout Saturday’s lineup of events.

Francesca Kester Burne ’17 and Christian Burne '17 traveled from Northern Virginia to attend Alumni Weekend in Carlisle.

“We come back almost every year to reconnect with classmates and other alumni,” said Christian. “It is always fun to wander around and see what is new.” His wife agreed. “There is a positive energy here right now. I think people are very excited about the future of one Law School with two locations,” said Francesca. Both said they hope to see more recent graduates attend Alumni Weekend in the future.

Hunter B. Schenck ’14, an Alumni Society Board member, spoke to a number of students while attending the University Park event. “I enjoyed being able to address their questions and even discuss things they may not yet have thought a lot about,” said Schenck.

She also liked connecting with other members in person during the board meeting. Led by President Ely Ross ’11, this special meeting was an open session for all alumni to participate in. The simulcast format provided an opportunity for board members to connect in person and virtually at both locations. “Due to scheduling allowances, it is not always possible for everyone to travel and attend in person, but being in the same place with other alumni was great,” said Schenck.