Alumni Association

Words of Encouragement

During this difficult time, we invited alumni and friends to share some encouraging words for students in hope that these can help them and inspire them to keep pushing forward. 

Check out what they had to say:

"Students What a tough time to be estranged from your friends, activities and most important the night life. I can’t imagine how difficult this is at your age, but I do know this too shall pass. I want to thank each and every one of you that are choosing to stay home. You are selfless and will be a brilliant contributor to humanity. Stay safe, stay smart and keep up your studies. Education will always have the answers. Proud of each and every one of you. Carry on in grace ❤️"
-Paige Chandler '90

"Even though you are stuck at home studying away, I understand the pain that you hard working students are al in. Graduation is upon seniors that are anxiously waiting to start their careers, but graduation will seem different than previous years. Just don't think about this deadly virus and focus on your schoolwork to finish Spring term successfully. PSU is known for "Let Knowledge Serve the City" and you're surrounded by 'fearless' students!! #goviks2020!!!"
-Trevor Lee '14

"I know this is an overwhelming time to go to college. I started college 2 weeks after 9/11 and it was difficult to focus on school with so much uncertainty in the world. What I want to tell you is that your education matters and will make the world a better place. Do not give up or lose your focus. Be kind to yourself and engage in good self-care. But please continue your education. We need equity-focused, smart, talented leaders like yourself now more than ever. Please take care of yourself and know that I am cheering you on!"
-Cecilia Orphan '06

"We never know what obstacles will be placed in front of us. We deal with them best we can. We remain positive and stay optimistic for the future. Our job is to figure out the best way we can contribute to society and fulfill our personal goals while having fun along the way. Keep at it. Don't waiver in your commitment to your future. And remember, we are all in it together. There is always someone to turn to when you need it. Reach out. People care and want to help. Be proud of your unique strengths and use them to help build a brighter tomorrow."
-David Jamieson '89

"Hang in there Vikings! Your PSU degree will mean even more to you when you battle through the challenges of this day & time. Get that Degree! You will be SO glad you did!"
-Kurt Winchell '86

"Nothing lasts forever even it were this global health crisis. Years from now when you will look back it will be your class of 2020 that persisted despite all the odds. Stay strong, stay positive we shall all come out of this stronger than ever."
-Ankita Guchait '17

"To all the students and or faculty who are struggling with an eating disorder right now during this overwhelming time I want you to know that you are not alone. I am recovered from Anorexia-Bulimia. Most of my recovery process was done while I was also working two jobs and trying to finish university. I know you might feel alone, lost and vulnerable. But I want you to know that your recovery and your health is worth more than any lie the eating disorder could tell you. YOU deserve to nourish your body. YOU deserve to ask for help from your support team. YOU deserve to recover and you can recovery. COVID-19 has brought up a lot of challenges for all of us and while there will always be someone who is struggling more or less YOUR struggle is still valid. Hang in there and keep reaching out. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!"
-Hannah Latimer-Snell '17

"Hi, Vikings! What a challenging time to be a student and thinking about the future. I graduated from my first graduate degree in 2009 in the depths of the recession, and I was terrified about being able to get a job. So much hard work to have your career end before it even starts? Here's what worked for me: I talked to anyone who would talk to me and did every informational interview I could. Coffee meetings might not be possible right now, but have a phone call! Talk to a mentor, a professor, have alumni make industry introductions, cold email people from LinkedIn! While folks might be busy right now, there is an overwhelming desire to help. Everyone wants to see smart, equity-minded, innovative young people succeed and improve the future, ESPECIALLY now. Leverage every connection you can, thank them for their time, and stay in touch. When the economy improves, they'll think about you when they hear of job openings or want to hire. And you'll learn so much! You got this!"
-Ryan Winterberg-Lipp '18

"When I was a MURP student, I worked with Professor Bill Rabiega on a paper outlining different strategies to get people out of their cars. This definitely wasn’t one of them! We have to keep focusing on the positive things that can come out of this mess. I wish you all well las you navigate to something that works best for YOU. You’re no doubt smart and creative and will get through it."
-Susan Ellis '95

"I have never experienced anything like this in the 70 years of my life. We are fortunate to live in a beautiful area, where we can find solace outdoors. I echo the sentiments of the other alums-stay focused on your goals, keep attending college as it will pay off in ways you have never thought of, support your friends and family, and most important, take care of yourselves. We will all learn and grow from what we are experiencing. Onward..."
-Patricia Leonard '75

"You Got This!" Challenges such as COVID-19 make us stronger. Dig deep, utilize every resource you have, including each other. Always pay it forward where you can. Stay well."
-Patty Foster '98

"You're in my thoughts and prayers. Resilience is going through a traumatic event with a purpose to drive and achieve success. Hang in there, be safe and be blessed."
-Casandra Hyman '17

"The life of a student is full of challenges. As you know, you must constantly adapt. When you graduate and start your new career, you'll be required to adapt as well. Though this pandemic is a huge challenge, stay resilient because this will pass and things will get back to normal for us all. Stay strong and above all, don't give up. You're not seeking a degree and better life because you're a quitter. Continue working hard, stay positive and never, I mean never, give up."
-Doug Merritt '78

"My mother (a nurse) often sent me this message: "Keep on keeping on!" I wish you well...."
-Jim Horn '68