Beyond the Personnel File: Jennifer Stubbs
by Stephanie Koons
Q: What are your primary responsibilities as director of alumni relations for IST?
I’m excited to motivate our alumni base. In alumni relations, we always talk about time, treasure, and talents. I want to be a resource to alums who are interested in giving—at whatever capacity they feel comfortable. Some alums like to network with students while others are interested in contributing towards the Alumni Society’s scholarship.
Q: What did you do before you came to the College of IST?
Before joining the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, I was in corporate relations for IST’s Office of Career Solutions. I was responsible for building and maintaining company relationships as they translated to internship and full-time opportunities for our students. Moving from corporate relations to alumni relations has been a smooth process since many of my recruiting contacts were also alums!
Q: Where are you from originally?
Tinton Falls, N.J., aka, the Jersey Shore. (Yes, I embrace big hair. No, I don’t have an orange tan.)
Q: Where did you go to college, and what did you major in?
I have a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Penn State.
Q: When you were in school, did you envision yourself doing what you do now?
While in school, I served as the business manager for La Vie, the Penn State yearbook. That experience inspired me to pursue a career in higher education.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
Meeting alumni and hearing their stories! I love seeing other people’s Penn State pride—whether it’s the 5-year old in a Penn State cheering uniform or the senior citizen wearing the “Penn State Grandpa” shirt, I love to see people showing their Penn State pride.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests?
Most of the time, I’m hanging out with my husband, Chris, and our dog, Kuma. During football season, we love to tailgate. Kuma even has her own football jersey. I’m a pretty big foodie. When traveling, I love to “eat my way” through a city. I think it’s the best way to learn about an area’s culture.
Q: Where are your favorite places to travel?
Whenever possible, I like to experience new cities. I’m into the slow foods movement. So, I make a point to stop by a farmers market at any city I visit. I’m also a pretty big Starbucks fan. So, it’s no surprise that Pike’s Place, Seattle, is one of my favorite places.
Q: You have a birthday coming up, are you doing anything exciting?
I’ll be celebrating a big birthday this year—I’m hoping to sky dive over Happy Valley.
Q: I hear you have a theory about Penn State squirrels?
Yes, my theory is that loyal Penn State alums return in their next life as campus squirrels. I hope to be one of those squirrels someday. I think I could easily live off of leftover Berkey Creamery ice cream and grilled “stickies” from The Diner.
Q: Is your husband a Penn State fan?
Yes, Chris is a Penn State graduate as well. We met in East Halls during our freshman year. Eight years later, on a random Thursday, we surprised our families and eloped in State College. In fact, we had our first dance by the Hintz Family Alumni Center’s pond with music from my husband’s iPod. Our audience? Appropriately enough, Penn State squirrels.
