beaver stadium with the sun setting and glowing orange in the background

Golden GEMS

Welcome to the GOLDen GEMS Network. We hope this website will continue to be a resource in growing your Earth and Mineral Sciences community. The GOLDen GEMS ambassadors are prepared to assist you in becoming an advocate for the college in your community, workplace, and with EMS and industry stakeholder groups. Updates on exciting, groundbreaking research from faculty, alumni-to-alumni mentoring, career assistance, and hiring EMS students as they enter the workforce are only some of the benefits you will receive from joining this pride. Whether conquering a new career peak or embarking on a personal adventure, 'We Are" here to help.

Virtual Event Recordings

GOLDen GEMS LinkedIn Panel

This is the recording of the 7/30/2025 GOLDen GEMS LinkedIn Panel. This talk features Kevin Fleck, Director of Career Services in the Ryan Family Student Center, Holly Stolzfus, Assistant Director of Penn State Alumni Career Services, Col. Jenni Hesterman ('86 B.S. Geography), and Beth Hancock ('86 M.S. Polymer Science).

April 1, 2025 Golden GEMS Virtual Get-2-Gether

Recording of the April 1, 2025 Golden GEMS Virtual Get-2-Gether. This talk featured EMS THON and a talk from Yvette Richardson, Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education and Paul Markowski, Department Head of Meteorology on storm chasing.

GOLDen GEMS Ambassadors

Denver

Robert Pyle ('86 MS Meteorology)
robert.pyle@live.com

Hershey

Joel Reed '82 Ceramic Science and Engineering
jgreednc@comcast.net

Chad Wallaesa '02 Industrial Health and Safety
chadpsu@alumni.psu.edu

Houston

Don Cordier '79 Petroleum & Natural Gas Engineering
don@dcmcinterests.com

Pittsburgh

Rich Wagner '03 Mining and Engineering
rwagner201@gmail

Philadelphia

Laura Schell 2011 Materials Science and Engineering
laurarschell@gmail.com

Washington, D.C.

Tony Hutchinson '80 Geography
hutchpa@yahoo.com

Looking for More Ways to Get Involved?

Please visit our Get Involved page to find out ways you can engage with the college.

For ways to get involved with Penn State in your city, visit the following Penn State Alumni Association Chapter pages for more details.

Additional Resources

Subscribe to e-News

Want to stay informed about the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences' and Penn State's latest news and events? You can subscribe to the college's weekly e-newsletter - EMS Headlines; to the daily Penn State Today Headlines; and to the college's research magazine.

Visit our Subscribe to e-News webpage for more details.

Be Honored

The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences and the University recognizes alumni and friends who have made significant contributions of their time, talent or financial resources. Their noteworthy accomplishments benefit both society and our campus community.

To see more details on our awards and recognition opportunity, visit our Awards and Recognition webpage.

Alumni Career Services

No matter your profession or what stage of your career you’re at, Alumni Career Services is here to help. Located on the University Park campus, Alumni Career services is available to all Penn State alumni, regardless of location.

Visit the Alumni Associations Career Services webpage for more details.