Institutional Advancement
Staff

Barry R. Stiger

Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Barry R. Stiger

Barry Stiger came to Penn College in 2000 after spending 25 years in the banking industry. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Kutztown State College and a Master’s of Business Administration from Bloomsburg University. As Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Barry is responsible for the advancement of Penn College and oversees the areas of alumni relations, annual giving, corporate relations, the Penn College Foundation, and Special Events.

Robert C. Dietrich

Executive Director of the Penn College Foundation
Robert C. Dietrich

Robb joined the Institutional Advancement team in 2008. Prior to Penn College, professional positions held include Director of Resource Development and Communications at the Lycoming County United Way and Sports Information Director at Lycoming College. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Westminster College and is currently working on a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Penn State University. As Executive Director of the Penn College Foundation, Robb works with the 39-member Foundation Board of Directors to secure financial and other support necessary to assist the College in achieving its mission; primarily through generating scholarship support for students. Personally, Robb enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, playing a round on the golf course, food and wine tastings, and following Pittsburgh professional sports teams.

Valerie L. Fessler

Director of Alumni Relations
Valerie Fessler

Valerie joined the Institutional Advancement team in 2009. Her professional experience includes serving as Development Officer of Direct Marketing and Children ’s Miracle Network Coordinator at Geisinger Health System and Assistant Director of Development at Bloomsburg University. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies and a Master’s in Business Education, both from Bloomsburg University. As Director of Alumni Relations, Valerie’s primary responsibly is to develop and implement programs and activities to engage alumni and retirees in the life of Penn College. Personally, Valerie enjoys cooking, tap dancing, and spending time with her husband and two yellow Labradors.

Debra M. Miller

Director of Corporate Relations
Debra M. Miller

Debbie joined the Institutional Advancement team in 2004. Prior to Penn College, Debbie served as Manager of Program and Scholarship Services for the Williamsport-Lycoming Community Foundation/First Community Foundation of PA. She attended Williamsport Area Community College and received a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University in Indianapolis. As Director of Corporate Relations, Debbie is committed to developing and sustaining mutually beneficial relationships with business and industry to increase support for Penn College and enhance the educational opportunities for Penn College students. Debbie also oversees the annual giving campaign. Personally, she enjoys listening to music, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Lenore G. Penfield

Director of Special Events
Lenore G. Penfield, Director of Special Events

Lenore launched her Penn College career in 1978 as a dental hygiene instructor for the College ’s Dental Hygiene program. She has held a number of positions at the College including Assistant Professor of Dental Hygiene, Director of Tech Prep, and Executive Director of the Penn College Foundation. She received an Associate of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from Montgomery County Community College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Science from Lock Haven University. As Director of Special Events, Lenore provides the administrative direction for special events sponsored by the College such as dedications, receptions, commemorative events, and campus-wide observations. Lenore is also the Director of the Gallery at Penn College. In her personal life, she enjoys traveling with her husband, especially when combined with kayaking, skiing, or golfing, and visiting their two sons who live in metro areas. She also has a part-time decorating business that occupies her spare time.

Jim F. Finkler

Annual Giving Officer
Jim F. Finkler

Jim came to Penn College in 1996. He started as Admissions Representative before joining the Institutional Advancement team in 2001. Prior to Penn College, Jim’s professional experience includes over 10 years as News Anchor/Reporter and Assistant News Director at WILQ-FM/WLYC-AM in Williamsport. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Lycoming College. As Annual Giving Officer, Jim manages the annual fundraising appeals to alumni and friends of the College. Building relationships with current and prospective donors, he also manages the print and e-communications for Institutional Advancement with the exception of Alumni Relations. Personally, he enjoys fishing, painting, working with his son's Boy Scout troop and the local Cub Scout pack, and spending time with his family.

Myra K. Shaffer

Institutional Advancement/Foundation Assistant
Myra K. Shaffer

Myra began her Penn College career in 1989 serving as secretary/bookkeeper for the Penn College Foundation. In her current position as Institutional Advancement and Foundation Assistant, Myra provides technical and database support for the Institutional Advancement team. She received her Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management from Williamsport Community College and a Bachelor of Science degree from Bloomsburg University.

Becky J. Shaner

Alumni Relations Assistant
Becky J. Shaner

Becky started her Penn College career as an Admissions Representative in 2004. Two years later, she joined the Institutional Advancement team. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Penn College. As Alumni Relations Assistant, Becky is responsible for increasing alumni engagement. She coordinates alumni events including Homecoming and reunions and is responsible for electronic communication to alumni. Personally, she enjoys running, scrapbooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Denise R. Miller

Institutional Advancement Secretary
Denise R. Miller

Denise joined the Institutional Advancement team in 2008 after starting her Penn College career in 2000 with the Technology Transfer Center, now Workforce Development and Continuing Education. Denise received her Associate of Applied Science degree in Office Administration from Penn College.  Denise provides administrative support for the Director of Corporate Relations, Executive Director of the Penn College Foundation, Annual Giving Officer, and the Assistant to Institutional Advancement and Foundation. She also serves as the Recording Secretary on the Elections and Communications Committee at the College. Personally, Denise loves spending time with her two children. She is Treasurer of the Elimsport Elementary PTO and is a member of the Montgomery Area Independent Football League Board.

Marilyn L. Palmer

Secretary to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Marilyn L. Palmer

Marilyn started her Penn College career 20 years ago and has over 40 years of secretarial experience. She joined the Institutional Advancement team in 2000 as Secretary to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement. Marilyn assists the vice president as well as other Institutional Advancement staff members with a variety of projects. She inputs data, processes gifts, and sends follow-up correspondence to our constituents. Marilyn also acts as the office receptionist, greeting visitors to our department. In her personal life, she enjoys watercolor painting, reading suspense thrillers, hiking, and swimming. She is a member of the West End Youth Commission, the Friends of the James V. Brown Library, and LAPS.

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