Alumni Association Litmus Test for Penn State Alumni

[debbeidel4alumnicouncil]

When the darkest days of scandal overtook our university, I hoped that our Alumni Association would rise as Penn State’s defender. It did not, and since I believe that complaining without taking action is futile,I placed my name in nomination for Alumni Council. I hoped to give like-minded souls a voice and send a message to PSAA that we were paying attention and we were not happy.

With your amazing support, I won.

Alumni Council noted, but did not welcome, attempts to shine a light on certain Association practices. Led by current trustee, Kay Salvino, the wagons were circled and steps taken to exclude any influence by Alumni Association members. They rammed through sweeping by-laws changes designed to remove power from the alumni and Alumni Council. All decision making is now in the hands of the Executive Committee, a small group appointed by the President (who isa future Trustee).
The power grab became even more evident with the control that was invested in the very important Nominations Committee. Getting placed on theAlumni Council ballot now rests with this small group, selected without input from the Council at large (sounds like the Business and Industry trustee secret selection process, right?). The Nominations Committee alone now determines who is PENN STATE ENOUGH to serve the Alumni Association.

It is now easier to appear on the ballot for Penn State Board of Trustees or President of the United States than it is to appear on the ballot of PSAA Alumni Council. Believe me; the responsibilities of Alumni Council members are not as great as those other positions, so I am not clear why the hurdle is so high unless the purpose is exclusion.

It has been my privilege to serve as your representative these past three years. However, I will not allow any committee to decide my Penn Stateness. Therefore, I am not running for re-election to Alumni Council. The behavior of this Alumni Association is not consistent with the Penn State that I know and still love – a place where anything was possible and everyone was equal.

 

[91Joe95]

Can't say I blame you. The Iranian mullahs have got nothing on that group. Hopefully you will now feel unencumbered to speak freely about what you have observed.

 

[TenerHallTerror]

thank you for your service. the struggle continues

 

[Norm Petersin]

We need fighters like you.

 

[demlion]

Don't blame you. Thanks for your service.

 

[debbeidel4alumnicouncil]

We need fighters like you.

I feel that if I submit my name and allow others to decide my worthiness, I am just condoning their process of exclusion. They want diversity but they certainly do NOT want diversity of thought.

 

[bjf1991]

When the darkest days of scandal overtook our university, I hoped that our Alumni Association would rise as Penn State’s defender. It did not, and since I believe that complaining without taking action is futile,I placed my name in nomination for Alumni Council. I hoped to give like-minded souls a voice and send a message to PSAA that we were paying attention and we were not happy.

With your amazing support, I won.

Alumni Council noted, but did not welcome, attempts to shine a light on certain Association practices. Led by current trustee, Kay Salvino, the wagons were circled and steps taken to exclude any influence by Alumni Association members. They rammed through sweeping by-laws changes designed to remove power from the alumni and Alumni Council. All decision making is now in the hands of the Executive Committee, a small group appointed by the President (who isa future Trustee).
The power grab became even more evident with the control that was invested in the very important Nominations Committee. Getting placed on theAlumni Council ballot now rests with this small group, selected without input from the Council at large (sounds like the Business and Industry trustee secret selection process, right?). The Nominations Committee alone now determines who is PENN STATE ENOUGH to serve the Alumni Association.

It is now easier to appear on the ballot for Penn State Board of Trustees or President of the United States than it is to appear on the ballot of PSAA Alumni Council. Believe me; the responsibilities of Alumni Council members are not as great as those other positions, so I am not clear why the hurdle is so high unless the purpose is exclusion.

It has been my privilege to serve as your representative these past three years. However, I will not allow any committee to decide my Penn Stateness. Therefore, I am not running for re-election to Alumni Council. The behavior of this Alumni Association is not consistent with the Penn State that I know and still love – a place where anything was possible and everyone was equal.

TY for your efforts

We need to clone 10,000 more of you!

 

[bjf1991]

I feel that if I submit my name and allow others to decide my worthiness, I am just condoning their process of exclusion. They want diversity but they certainly do NOT want diversity of thought.

PRINCIPLES


That is "leadership"!!!!!!

 

[fairgambit]

The Old Guard cabal has a stranglehold on this University and, short of intervention by the State Legislature or the courts, nothing will change anytime soon. I don't blame you for leaving the Council. Thank you for caring enough to try to bring about change. I have cut nearly all my ties with Penn State and while I still vote in elections, I realize my vote is meaningless. No one I help elect will have any meaningful power. I am well past caring what happens to the school I once loved so much. I will always have my memories and that will be enough for me.

 

[psu00]

When the darkest days of scandal overtook our university, I hoped that our Alumni Association would rise as Penn State’s defender. It did not, and since I believe that complaining without taking action is futile,I placed my name in nomination for Alumni Council. I hoped to give like-minded souls a voice and send a message to PSAA that we were paying attention and we were not happy.

With your amazing support, I won.

Alumni Council noted, but did not welcome, attempts to shine a light on certain Association practices. Led by current trustee, Kay Salvino, the wagons were circled and steps taken to exclude any influence by Alumni Association members. They rammed through sweeping by-laws changes designed to remove power from the alumni and Alumni Council. All decision making is now in the hands of the Executive Committee, a small group appointed by the President (who isa future Trustee).
The power grab became even more evident with the control that was invested in the very important Nominations Committee. Getting placed on theAlumni Council ballot now rests with this small group, selected without input from the Council at large (sounds like the Business and Industry trustee secret selection process, right?). The Nominations Committee alone now determines who is PENN STATE ENOUGH to serve the Alumni Association.

It is now easier to appear on the ballot for Penn State Board of Trustees or President of the United States than it is to appear on the ballot of PSAA Alumni Council. Believe me; the responsibilities of Alumni Council members are not as great as those other positions, so I am not clear why the hurdle is so high unless the purpose is exclusion.

It has been my privilege to serve as your representative these past three years. However, I will not allow any committee to decide my Penn Stateness. Therefore, I am not running for re-election to Alumni Council. The behavior of this Alumni Association is not consistent with the Penn State that I know and still love – a place where anything was possible and everyone was equal.

Deb- thanks for doing what you could. The system is rigged by the old guard, but it was better that you were there than not there.

I totally get your decision to stop hitting your head against the brick wall but your leaving is a loss for the group of Penn Staters that think critically and don't just 'do as they are told'. I wish you were staying, but thank you for all your hard work.

 

[debbeidel4alumnicouncil]

Deb- thanks for doing what you could. The system is rigged by the old guard, but it was better that you were there than not there.

I totally get your decision to stop hitting your head against the brick wall but your leaving is a loss for the group of Penn Staters that think critically and don't just 'do as they are told'. I wish you were staying, but thank you for all your hard work.

Thank you. I will find another way to "make an impact."

 

[EPC FAN]

The Old Guard cabal has a stranglehold on this University and, short of intervention by the State Legislature or the courts, nothing will change anytime soon. I don't blame you for leaving the Council. Thank you for caring enough to try to bring about change. I have cut nearly all my ties with Penn State and while I still vote in elections, I realize my vote is meaningless. No one I help elect will have any meaningful power. I am well past caring what happens to the school I once loved so much. I will always have my memories and that will be enough for me.

The State Legislature? The Senate led by Jake on the take Corman and Pat 3 DUIs Browne? Good luck.

 

[fairgambit]

The State Legislature? The Senate led by Jake on the take Corman and Pat 3 DUIs Browne? Good luck.

True. That's shows my level of desperation.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

It has been my privilege to serve as your representative these past three years. However, I will not allow any committee to decide my Penn Stateness. Therefore, I am not running for re-election to Alumni Council. The behavior of this Alumni Association is not consistent with the Penn State that I know and still love – a place where anything was possible and everyone was equal.

so, so frustrating. You are immensely talented, and also brought passion and ideas to Alumni Council. It's a governing body that needs more Deb Beidel types, not fewer.

Those that serve on the Alumni Council are not reimbursed by the PSAA for their travel expenses to attend the two Alumni Council meetings held each year. Deb does not live within easy driving distance of State College, so her service was done on her dime, as well as being an inconvenience for the other aspects of her life (though it's always nice to be back in State College). Add to that the way that she (and other likeminded folks that joined Alumni Council) were treated by the PSAA, and I don't think her decision is a huge surprise.

Deb, I salute you for your efforts over the past 3 years.

Please let us know how we can be of assistance in any future ways you engage with PSU.

 

[debbeidel4alumnicouncil]

so, so frustrating. You are immensely talented, and also brought passion and ideas to Alumni Council. It's a governing body that needs more Deb Beidel types, not fewer.

Those that serve on the PSAA are not reimbursed for their travel expenses to attend the two Alumni Council meetings held each year. Deb does not live within easy driving distance of State College, so her service was done on her dime, as well as being an inconvenience for the other aspects of her life (though it's always nice to be back in State College). Add to that the way that she (and other likeminded folks that joined Alumni Council) were treated by the PSAA, and I don't think her decision is a huge surprise.

Deb, I salute your for your efforts over the past 3 years.

Please let us know how we can be of assistance in any future ways you engage with PSU.

Thank you Tom. The support of this Board is meaningful to me and it continues to be important to the other alumni-elected council members who currently serve. Penn State is in my blood. My education there was the foundation for all that I have become. I will never leave my alma mater. I will find a different way to serve.

 

[PSUMATT85]

When the darkest days of scandal overtook our university, I hoped that our Alumni Association would rise as Penn State’s defender. It did not, and since I believe that complaining without taking action is futile,I placed my name in nomination for Alumni Council. I hoped to give like-minded souls a voice and send a message to PSAA that we were paying attention and we were not happy.

With your amazing support, I won.

Alumni Council noted, but did not welcome, attempts to shine a light on certain Association practices. Led by current trustee, Kay Salvino, the wagons were circled and steps taken to exclude any influence by Alumni Association members. They rammed through sweeping by-laws changes designed to remove power from the alumni and Alumni Council. All decision making is now in the hands of the Executive Committee, a small group appointed by the President (who isa future Trustee).
The power grab became even more evident with the control that was invested in the very important Nominations Committee. Getting placed on theAlumni Council ballot now rests with this small group, selected without input from the Council at large (sounds like the Business and Industry trustee secret selection process, right?). The Nominations Committee alone now determines who is PENN STATE ENOUGH to serve the Alumni Association.

It is now easier to appear on the ballot for Penn State Board of Trustees or President of the United States than it is to appear on the ballot of PSAA Alumni Council. Believe me; the responsibilities of Alumni Council members are not as great as those other positions, so I am not clear why the hurdle is so high unless the purpose is exclusion.

It has been my privilege to serve as your representative these past three years. However, I will not allow any committee to decide my Penn Stateness. Therefore, I am not running for re-election to Alumni Council. The behavior of this Alumni Association is not consistent with the Penn State that I know and still love – a place where anything was possible and everyone was equal.

Deb

Thanks for your efforts. Sadly , I agree with your decision. Although I believe this is what the cabal, I no longer see an end game win within the current structure.

Best of , and thanks for listening the times I sent you something

 

[chrisrn1965]

When the darkest days of scandal overtook our university, I hoped that our Alumni Association would rise as Penn State’s defender. It did not, and since I believe that complaining without taking action is futile,I placed my name in nomination for Alumni Council. I hoped to give like-minded souls a voice and send a message to PSAA that we were paying attention and we were not happy.

With your amazing support, I won.

Alumni Council noted, but did not welcome, attempts to shine a light on certain Association practices. Led by current trustee, Kay Salvino, the wagons were circled and steps taken to exclude any influence by Alumni Association members. They rammed through sweeping by-laws changes designed to remove power from the alumni and Alumni Council. All decision making is now in the hands of the Executive Committee, a small group appointed by the President (who isa future Trustee).
The power grab became even more evident with the control that was invested in the very important Nominations Committee. Getting placed on theAlumni Council ballot now rests with this small group, selected without input from the Council at large (sounds like the Business and Industry trustee secret selection process, right?). The Nominations Committee alone now determines who is PENN STATE ENOUGH to serve the Alumni Association.

Deb:

Thank you for everything that you have done. This is why I will not renew my PSAA membership and will tell them why if they call me to try to get me to re-join.

It is now easier to appear on the ballot for Penn State Board of Trustees or President of the United States than it is to appear on the ballot of PSAA Alumni Council. Believe me; the responsibilities of Alumni Council members are not as great as those other positions, so I am not clear why the hurdle is so high unless the purpose is exclusion.

It has been my privilege to serve as your representative these past three years. However, I will not allow any committee to decide my Penn Stateness. Therefore, I am not running for re-election to Alumni Council. The behavior of this Alumni Association is not consistent with the Penn State that I know and still love – a place where anything was possible and everyone was equal.

 

[Mary QBA]

My respect for Deb is immense - I have had the privilege of working with her and know she has the patience of a saint. To have a retired office manager (oh, hi Kay!) repeatedly belittle a doctor who is helping cure war veterans with PTSD is a disgrace, yet Paul Clifford and Kevin Steele have no problem with it. Every minute Deb has spent in Alumni Council meetings, staying professional while other smirk condescendingly (coughShawnMandersoncough), is a minute Penn State stood a chance of retaining it's dignity.

Now that Alumni Council is off her calendar, though, I think Deb has time for Board of Trustees. I wish she would run because we've all seen what she can do.

She needs to become Paul Clifford's boss.

Run, Deb, run.

 

[91Joe95]

My respect for Deb is immense - I have had the privilege of working with her and know she has the patience of a saint. To have a retired office manager (oh, hi Kay!) repeatedly belittle a doctor who is helping cure war veterans with PTSD is a disgrace, yet Paul Clifford and Kevin Steele have no problem with it. Every minute Deb has spent in Alumni Council meetings, staying professional while other smirk condescendingly (coughShawnMandersoncough), is a minute Penn State stood a chance of retaining it's dignity.

Now that Alumni Council is off her calendar, though, I think Deb has time for Board of Trustees. I wish she would run because we've all seen what she can do.

She needs to become Paul Clifford's boss.

Run, Deb, run.

Great idea! Perhaps you could also meet up with ps4 and discuss with them how to set up an independent alumni association. At the very minimum we'd love to hear all the garbage that the alumni council is doing, with names, as their message actually gets out to large swaths of alumni. You're story deserves to be heard by the alumni paying for this cluster****.

 

[MtNittany]

I watched Clifford and Kevin Horne having a twitter mutual appreciation moment when Clifford unveiled his "Tuddies" hoodie right before the Rose Bowl.

I almost lost a monitor.

 

[Fizz1]

When the darkest days of scandal overtook our university, I hoped that our Alumni Association would rise as Penn State’s defender. It did not, and since I believe that complaining without taking action is futile,I placed my name in nomination for Alumni Council. I hoped to give like-minded souls a voice and send a message to PSAA that we were paying attention and we were not happy.

With your amazing support, I won.

Alumni Council noted, but did not welcome, attempts to shine a light on certain Association practices. Led by current trustee, Kay Salvino, the wagons were circled and steps taken to exclude any influence by Alumni Association members. They rammed through sweeping by-laws changes designed to remove power from the alumni and Alumni Council. All decision making is now in the hands of the Executive Committee, a small group appointed by the President (who isa future Trustee).
The power grab became even more evident with the control that was invested in the very important Nominations Committee. Getting placed on theAlumni Council ballot now rests with this small group, selected without input from the Council at large (sounds like the Business and Industry trustee secret selection process, right?). The Nominations Committee alone now determines who is PENN STATE ENOUGH to serve the Alumni Association.

It is now easier to appear on the ballot for Penn State Board of Trustees or President of the United States than it is to appear on the ballot of PSAA Alumni Council. Believe me; the responsibilities of Alumni Council members are not as great as those other positions, so I am not clear why the hurdle is so high unless the purpose is exclusion.

It has been my privilege to serve as your representative these past three years. However, I will not allow any committee to decide my Penn Stateness. Therefore, I am not running for re-election to Alumni Council. The behavior of this Alumni Association is not consistent with the Penn State that I know and still love – a place where anything was possible and everyone was equal.

Thank you for having the courage to take stands amidst strong opposition. Your experiences as shared on this board have also helped put the spotlight on PSAA activities we would not otherwise know and I have shared with others. I believe it has impacted the donations of some.

 

[psu00]

My respect for Deb is immense - I have had the privilege of working with her and know she has the patience of a saint. To have a retired office manager (oh, hi Kay!) repeatedly belittle a doctor who is helping cure war veterans with PTSD is a disgrace, yet Paul Clifford and Kevin Steele have no problem with it. Every minute Deb has spent in Alumni Council meetings, staying professional while other smirk condescendingly (coughShawnMandersoncough), is a minute Penn State stood a chance of retaining it's dignity.

Now that Alumni Council is off her calendar, though, I think Deb has time for Board of Trustees. I wish she would run because we've all seen what she can do.

She needs to become Paul Clifford's boss.

Run, Deb, run.

Mary and Deb- I'd love to hear these stories. The more light shined on these individual's behavior, the better.

 

[bjf1991]

There is no "Penn State Alumni Association".....or, at least, the group that has hijacked that moniker is certainly not a "Penn State Alumni Association"

The group that has hijacked that moniker is nothing but a cabal of Scoundrels that uses that name to perpetuate a strategy in direct contradiction to the best interests of Penn State and of Penn State Alumni.

In total, Penn State, and Penn State Alumni, would be far better off if that organization was burned to the ground.....never to be seen or heard from again.

 

[Victor E. Bell]

Nothing matters, and what if it did?

 

[Zenophile]

When the darkest days of scandal overtook our university, I hoped that our Alumni Association would rise as Penn State’s defender. It did not, and since I believe that complaining without taking action is futile,I placed my name in nomination for Alumni Council. I hoped to give like-minded souls a voice and send a message to PSAA that we were paying attention and we were not happy.

With your amazing support, I won.

Alumni Council noted, but did not welcome, attempts to shine a light on certain Association practices. Led by current trustee, Kay Salvino, the wagons were circled and steps taken to exclude any influence by Alumni Association members. They rammed through sweeping by-laws changes designed to remove power from the alumni and Alumni Council. All decision making is now in the hands of the Executive Committee, a small group appointed by the President (who isa future Trustee).
The power grab became even more evident with the control that was invested in the very important Nominations Committee. Getting placed on theAlumni Council ballot now rests with this small group, selected without input from the Council at large (sounds like the Business and Industry trustee secret selection process, right?). The Nominations Committee alone now determines who is PENN STATE ENOUGH to serve the Alumni Association.

It is now easier to appear on the ballot for Penn State Board of Trustees or President of the United States than it is to appear on the ballot of PSAA Alumni Council. Believe me; the responsibilities of Alumni Council members are not as great as those other positions, so I am not clear why the hurdle is so high unless the purpose is exclusion.

It has been my privilege to serve as your representative these past three years. However, I will not allow any committee to decide my Penn Stateness. Therefore, I am not running for re-election to Alumni Council. The behavior of this Alumni Association is not consistent with the Penn State that I know and still love – a place where anything was possible and everyone was equal.

Thank you for everything, Dr. Biedel.

 

[kgilbert78]

I thought about running as I am a former chapter president among other service to the Association (and we won at least one Chapter Award during my tenure--though I prefer to give credit to the folks i was working with rather than anything I did on my own). But then I decided "why waste my time". The game is rigged. But it would have been interesting to see if I would have been accepted on the ballot or not. I'm betting not, as I'm sure I'm on a list or two somewhere due to letters I've sent to the Admin and AA, even though I'm surely qualified.

 

[LafayetteBear]

So PSAA organizes its affairs just like the BoT. That is both surreal and laughable. No wonder they focus on selling "lifetime memberships" and then refuse to recognize resignations. Real theater of the absurd kind of stuff.

 

[Keyser Soze 16801]

PSAA is all about money. Don't give them any and you win.

 

[bjf1991]

PSAA is all about money. Don't give them any and you win.

Well. OK
Can't disagree with that......not at all


But, no matter what you (or I) do - the University as a whole, losses


Now, I'm not sure what ANY of us can do about that - - - 'cause the fight to try to make things right seems to be almost insurmountable