Testimonials
"I have been involved with PennACE since my graduate program at Slippery Rock University in 2016. As I continued my career services journey I started my first full-time role at the University of Pittsburgh as a STEM Career Consultant. Throughout my experience over the past 6 years, I have created long lasting relationships that have helped shape the way I do my work. Over the past year I was elected for the role as Professional Development and Employer Engagement for the Western part of the state. I have truly loved working with the executive board and seeing the ins and outs of what other universities are doing and how the annual conferences are ran. At the 2022 Annual Conference I was honored with the Keystone Award that made me realize my hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed. I always return to Pitt after the conferences and brag about how great and beneficial the conferences are, for such an affordable price. I would recommend getting involved in PennACE, even just as a member, to anyone interested in continuing their professional development in the field."
--Lauren Fagan, Career Consultant, University of Pittsburgh
"PennACE has afforded me a network of local higher education professionals to keep up with the current trends, build means of collaboration, and learn how to be a better instructor. This experience has opened my perspective and provided me with ideas of things to do in the classroom and the ability to work across institutions to make us all better in our current positions. Thank you, PennACE!"
--Paul M. Miller, Assistant Professor of Media Studies, Central Penn College
"Seton Hill University was the recipient of a PennACE grant for the 2019-2020 academic year. The intended use of the grant money was to match university funding to purchase copies of the Job Hunting Handbook for distribution at our Sophomore Professional Development Summit. Unfortunately, that program was scheduled for the week when the pandemic hit so we were not able to host the event or distribute the booklets as planned. Instead, the booklets were distributed to our senior students who were preparing to graduate. Since our in person touch points with students was limited during this time, the booklets were very helpful for providing career-related information for students. I am grateful to PennACE for providing the grant to make this possible for our students."
--Renée Starek, Director, Career and Professional Development Center, Seton Hill University
"When I began my career in higher education 20 years ago, I was an office of one. While I had experience as a vocational specialist, I knew virtually nothing about running a career services department. PennACE quickly became my “go to” network to expand my knowledge and grow my career. 20 years later, I hope that I can give back to others in that network, as I continue to grow professionally myself. My staff have implemented many of the things we have learned at the annual conference and professional development sessions, and we have been the recipient of PennACE grant monies to assist us in offering new and innovative programming. I highly recommend PennACE to all my colleagues!"
--Steve Hassinger, Dean of Career Services & Development, Central Penn College
