Congratulations to the 2024 Alumni Achievement Award Recipients!
This award aims to recognize individuals who embody the spirit of Penn State Lehigh Valley by demonstrating excellence in their fields, displaying a commitment to community service, and upholding the values of our esteemed institution.
Christopher M. Bogden '91
Christopher Bogden began his journey of Alumni service and leadership while at Penn State, where he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. As an undergraduate, he took on the role of student representative on the Penn State Engineering Alumni Society board, fostering connections between students and alumni. Through a connection with the Admissions Office while taking a class at the Allentown Campus, his commitment to Penn State led him to volunteer with the local campus, visiting area high schools to promote the benefits of a Penn State education.
In the early 1990s, Chris joined the newly established campus Alumni Society. His dedication culminated in his presidency from 2013 to 2015, during which the Lehigh Valley Alumni Society earned three prestigious Alumni Association Awards. A highlight of his tenure was his involvement with Penn State Lehigh Valley Day in Downtown Bethlehem, which was Chancellor Richardson’s first Alumni event at the start of her Lehigh Valley tenure.
Beyond his alumni work, Chris pursues his passion for dance and has been a professional Country Line Dance instructor since 2007. This experience inspired him to collaborate with young alumni Lori Kapes and Liz Gerancher-Glase to create "Dance for a Cure" in 2012. The inaugural events in 2013 have since raised over $92,000 to support Lehigh Valley student dancers in their THON efforts.
Professionally, Chris serves as a sales engineer for H.C. Nye Company, specializing in design, sales, and project management within the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning industry. His technical acumen is complemented by his spiritual dedication; he is an ordained Interfaith Minister from the School of Sacred Ministries in Doylestown. In this role, he conducts community ceremonies and volunteers with the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, demonstrating his commitment to inclusivity and support.
Currently, Chris serves on the JEDI Board, a group that awards Fellowship Grants to Penn State Lehigh Valley students for academic research focused on Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. His influence also extends to others areas of academia, having served on the Penn State Lehigh Valley Advisory Board for a decade. Additionally, he acts as an Alumni Advisor for his fraternity at Muhlenberg College, continuing to mentor and support the next generation of leaders.
Marta DaSilva '04
Marta represents the spirit of a true Nittany Lion, both in her educational journey and her career. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Business from Penn State Lehigh Valley in 2004, she began her professional path as the Evening and Weekend Coordinator for the Continuing Education Department at Penn State Lehigh Valley, Corporate Learning Center, where she served until 2010. In 2013, she transitioned to the Center Valley Campus, taking on an advising role and eventually becoming the Director of the Student Success Center.
In addition to her undergraduate achievements, she earned her Master of Professional Studies in Human Resources and Employment Relations from Penn State University in 2013. Her passion for helping others shines through in her daily work, where she strives to make a meaningful impact in students' lives. Outside of her professional commitments, she loves spending quality time with her family, exploring new destinations while traveling and enjoys trying new foods.
Murtaza S. Jaffer '02
Murtaza Jaffer has been a partner of EBC Printing & Signs in Allentown since 2010, when he and his brother Mustafa, purchased a small pack-and-ship business after graduating from Penn State Lehigh Valley with a Marketing degree.
Over the past 14 years, Murtaza has become one of the Lehigh Valley’s most well-respected, well-connected business owners. He has found success by fostering the success of other business owners. EBC exists to serve business owners throughout the Lehigh Valley, and Murtaza’s sincere desire to help has earned him a reputation for legendary customer service and premier-quality products.
Outside of EBC’s office, Murtaza is a high-value networker. He has helped hundreds of Lehigh Valley businesspeople connect with each other through his leadership roles in the business community. His affiliations are listed below, but the best measure of his accomplishments is the way a crowd lights up with admiration and gratitude any time he walks into an event.
Murtaza’s affiliations in the business community include:
- Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Discover Lehigh Valley
- Center for Retail Solutions
- Forum for Ethics
- Allentown West Rotary Club
Murtaza has won awards for both EBC Printing and for his service to the business community:
- 20 under 40 Young Business Achiever Award, Lehigh Valley Business
- Best Business in the Lehigh Valley/Berks Region, Lehigh Valley Business
- Networker of the Year award, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Three ADDY awards for Excellence in Self-Promotion
Murtaza is fluent in Swahili, Hindi, Urdu, Gujrati and Kachi.
LEADERSHIP
Murtaza has become a leader of the area’s business community through example. His story is well-known in the Lehigh Valley and is an inspiration to any business owner. He was born in Tanzania, moved to America at a young age, graduated from college and immediately started a business from scratch. He has grown EBC Printing & Signs over the past 13 years by leading his staff to new heights, and by leading the print industry with technology and service.
Murtaza leads the staff of EBC Printing & Signs as the ideal supportive manager. At EBC, every week begins with the Monday all-staff meeting. It’s an opportunity for the staff to discuss ideas for the week, goals and any business-related items. Murtaza’s support extends far beyond the meeting. He invests in each employee for the long term. Employees receive mentoring, team building, outside education courses, workshops and specialized equipment training.
“Our printing presses, signage , and mailing equipment requires training that covers software, design, print production and finishing capabilities,” Murtaza says. “Our staff members frequently travel to software and equipment training workshops which improve their operating skills.”
When it comes to education, Murtaza leads by example. Throughout the year, he and the EBC staff can be found side-by-side at Chamber seminars, learning ways to improve customer service or increase sales effectiveness.
EBC Printing and Signs legendary customer service has its roots in the empowered team that Murtaza has developed. “The workplace is a huge part of people’s lives,” he says. “Employees must be treated as partners and family members. Our employees show none of the frustration common to workplaces where training is not considered an integral part of the business.”
Leading his employees to new levels of responsibility, knowledge and empowerment is the first half of EBC Printing’s success. The employees also need top-quality tools to get the job done – and since day one, Murtaza has been a leader in the printing industry, ensuring that EBC has always has the most advanced technology.
From custom digital packaging solutions to signs to promotional products, apparel, and custom web portals, EBC capabilities are vast. Some of EBC’s machines are worth as much as a small house, but it’s the finished product that matters. Take a tour of their print shop and you’ll be amazed by the never-ending examples of work that Murtaza shows you.
EBC continually updates its equipment and software to deliver faster turnaround times and lower prices than other printers in the Lehigh Valley. Murtaza has also turned EBC into a leader in sustainability, offering a wide range of environmentally friendly print options.
VISION
Murtaza and his brother Mustafa Jaffer founded EBC Printing & Signs to help other business owners become successful, and EBC has grown from his commitment to selfless service.
EBC’s top priority is customer satisfaction. Murtaza makes sure each customer is 100% satisfied and provides a consultative approach to serve each customer’s needs. This approach has led to steady, organic growth for the company. As customers have built relationships with EBC and requested additional services, Murtaza has added capabilities. For example, when one early client wanted blueprints, Murtaza invested in a blueprint machine. Today, EBC does a steady trade in blueprints for many architects and designers.
But sometimes, despite the range of services EBC offers, customers need a particular product or service that EBC doesn’t provide. In these cases, Murtaza draws on his vast network and refers the customer to a trusted business contact. “We’re proud to have developed a wide group of businesses we can recommend with confidence to our own customers,” Murtaza says.
This network is the foundation of Murtaza’s vision, and it’s what makes him such a successful entrepreneur. He is Lehigh Valley’s consummate networker – he’s won the Chamber’s award for Networker of the Year – but his approach to networking is selfless. He prefers to create personal connections between businesspeople, a disappearing skill in the age of online networking. As business people throughout the Lehigh Valley can attest, these personal connections are more than social – they lead to real, bottom-line business growth. And as local businesses grow, sooner or later they need printing – and EBC is there to help.
“We exist to serve our customers, our community and our employees,” Murtaza says.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Murtaza believes that supporting the local community is critical to EBC’s business growth.
He is a member of several boards, offering leadership and vision to both business and charitable organizations.
- Executive Board member of the Great Lehigh Valley Chamber
- Board of Associates Member – Muhlenberg College
- Board Member of LV Hospital Board of Associates
- Paul Harris Award recipient from Allentown West Rotary Club
Murtaza also mentor’s students in Penn State Lehigh Valley’s business program. Interns work alongside him to learn not just the printing industry, but sales and management skills. And each year, Murtaza donates significant amounts of printing work to local non-profits.
Previn G. Joseph '19
Previn Joseph, a 2019 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology and a minor in Security Risk Analysis, built a strong academic and personal foundation during his time at Penn State Lehigh Valley. This experience paved the way for his successful career.
Currently a Program Management Consultant at Deloitte, Previn manages complex projects for large technology and social media clients. His expertise extends beyond technical skills—he is a passionate advocate for Global Learning and Development and a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. His leadership, kindness, and commitment to excellence have earned him high regard among clients and peers alike.
Previn’s career was profoundly influenced by his experiences at Penn State Lehigh Valley, where he built lasting relationships with faculty and staff who encouraged him to pursue his goals. This connection remained so significant that, despite completing his degree at University Park, he chose to walk at the Lehigh Valley campus. As a way to give back, Previn now serves on the Penn State Lehigh Valley Advisory Board, providing valuable insights to help guide future students.
During his time as a student, Previn was known for his leadership and involvement. He actively participated in Student Government, THON, and collaborated with departments such as Student Affairs, Admissions, the Multimedia Innovation Center, and Marketing. His passion for mentoring continues as he provides guidance to students from Penn State and other universities and serves as Technology Chair for Dance for a Cure, an organization raising funds for pediatric cancer research.
Dedicated to collaborative efforts, Previn offers resume reviews and career advice to students while working to shape Penn State Lehigh Valley's future through the Future State Integrative Design Committee. He is also a frequent speaker on admissions panels and delivered the impactful keynote speech “Fitting In vs. Finding Your Fit.”
Outside of his professional pursuits, Previn is a talented musician, playing the piano, guitar, and ukulele, with his most memorable performance at THON 2019 in the Bryce Jordan Center. An adventurer at heart, he enjoys traveling and once embarked on an epic 8,000-mile road trip across 15 states in a 1998 Ford Escort.
Lori Kapes '08
Lori Kapes found her passion for volunteering when she was a student at Penn State Lehigh Valley. She was a co-chair for Penn State Lehigh Valley Benefitting THON, co-editor of the student newspaper, a Lion Ambassador, and a member of the Student Government Association. Kapes credits her THON advisor, the mission of THON, and her experiences at Penn State Lehigh Valley for instilling in her the drive to continue down the road of philanthropy.
Not long after she graduated in 2008 with her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Kapes co-founded a fundraiser event with her fellow Penn State alumni to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer and THON. The inaugural Dance for a Cure was held in 2013 and raised a modest $1,300. Kapes quickly learned what it takes to be a volunteer and event planner and eventually solidified herself as the head of Marketing for Dance for a Cure. This unique fundraiser event has gone on to win the 2015 Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group Fundraiser of the Year award, the 2016 Penn State Alumni Society New/Innovative Event, and Kapes was individually honored for her efforts in 2017 winning the Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group Volunteer of the Year.
In addition to her volunteering, Kapes incorporates her talent for marketing and event planning into her illustrious career in higher education. Her professional career began at Marywood University as the administrative assistant for the Master of Social Work Program, then she transitioned to the Master of Nursing Program at Cedar Crest College where she served as the administrative assistant, and she was a volunteer for the Cedar Crest College Faculty and Staff Gender and Sexuality Resource Group. She currently serves as the divisional administrative assistant for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship at East Stroudsburg University. In her current role she assists the divisional Vice President, as well as the Business Accelerator Program, and the PA Tick Research Lab. She is also the graphic designer for the division and creates the promotional and marketing materials for all division sponsored events including the annual Economic Outlook Summit for the Pocono region.
When she isn’t volunteering or working, Kapes loves spending time with her friends and family, especially her niece and nephew. She has a voracious appetite for exploring and learning and believes that, when it comes to cancer, “one day we will dance in celebration… until then, we will dance for a cure!”
Kenneth Keitt, Jr. '19
Kenneth Keitt is the CEO and founder of ParaPe4mance, a health tech company focusing on improving the quality of life for individuals with mobility impairments. At the age of seventeen Kenneth joined the United States Marine Corps. After honorably serving four years with one combat deployment to Iraq, Kenneth left active duty to pursue an education in Business. Kenneth enrolled at Northampton Community College, where he attained an associate Degree In Business administration—following the completion of the degree, he transferred to Penn State Lehigh Valley, where he Finished A Bachelor's degree In business administration with a concentration in marketing. Kenneth has uncovered his purpose through his biggest obstacles after becoming paralyzed due to a tragic rollover in a car accident, and he's dedicated to helping others do the same.
Outside academics, Kenneth has been awarded over ten gold medals in adaptive javelin. He has qualified for the Paralympics but could not attend Paris due to a recent injury. Organizations like the Philadelphia Eagles and global news stations have also featured Kenneth. On his journey to raise capital, Kenneth has had the opportunity to pitch to industry-leading venture capital firms and angel investors.
Kenneth continues serving the community by serving on the Penn State Lehigh Valley board for diversity, equity, and inclusion, working for various military profits, and serving people globally through social media, public speaking, and customized digital programs. Kenneth is currently working on writing his book, “ Born Broken Reborn,” in hopes of inspiring and educating others on the road to building confidence and regaining independence.
Mandy Marquardt '14
Mandy Marquardt is a professional track sprint cyclist racing for Team Novo Nordisk, the world’s first all-diabetes professional cycling team and for the USA Cycling National Team. A multi-time National Champion, 5-time American record holder, and 2-time Pan American Games medalist, Mandy excels in her career while living with type 1 diabetes. She is currently working toward her dream of competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, while also pursuing her MBA through the Penn State World Campus Smeal College of Business program.
Originally from Florida, Mandy moved to Pennsylvania to attend Penn State Lehigh Valley and further her cycling career. She earned her undergraduate degree in Business Management and Marketing from Penn State Lehigh Valley, where she competed as a student-athlete for the cycling club. After graduating, she honored her late coach Jim Young by serving as Penn State Lehigh Valley’s Cycling Coach, recruiting and mentoring student-athletes. Mandy served on the Penn State Lehigh Valley Alumni Board of Directors for 5 years, where she remained committed to giving back to her community.
As an ambassador for organizations like St. Luke’s University Health Network in Allentown, Mandy is dedicated to being a role model for children and those affected by diabetes worldwide.
Senator Nicholas P. Miller '17
Senator Nick Miller represents the 14th Senatorial District, including parts of Lehigh and Northampton counties.
Senator Miller is a fifth-generation Allentown resident. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and a master’s in public administration from the University of Pennsylvania. He recently received his master’s in law degree from Penn Carey Law School. He has had his real estate license since 2021.
Elected to the state Senate in 2022, he continues as an unwavering advocate for students, educators and economic success for families and small businesses in the Lehigh Valley.
Sen. Miller is a staunch supporter of Penn State University and never misses the opportunity to catch a football game at Beaver Stadium.
Hiba Moussa '14
Hiba Moussa is an experienced admissions counselor dedicated to helping students successfully navigate the college application process. With a decade of experience in higher education, she has had the privilege of guiding hundreds of students on their journey toward higher education, empowering them to discover their passions and achieve their academic goals. Her comprehensive understanding of the admissions landscape allows her to provide invaluable support to prospective students as they tackle the often-complex steps of college entry.
Hiba holds a degree in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University, a school she considers to be one of the finest in the nation. Her academic background in psychology complements her empathetic and student-centered approach to admissions counseling. As a bilingual professional fluent in both English and Arabic, Hiba is able to foster strong connections with a diverse range of students and their families, ensuring that language is never a barrier to clear and meaningful communication.
Outside of her professional life, Hiba enjoys traveling to new destinations, discovering unique coffee shops, and cherishing time with her family. She believes in an open-door policy, encouraging students to engage in open dialogue, share their thoughts, and feel comfortable voicing any concerns they may have. Her commitment to student success is evident in her personalized approach, as she is always ready to listen, support, and guide students throughout their academic journey.
Andrew J. Weinert '09
Andrew Weinert, Penn State class of 2009, is a distinguished Technical Staff member at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, where he focuses on the safe integration of emerging aircraft technologies, with a particular emphasis on drones. For over a decade, he has played a pivotal role in advancing aviation safety, contributing to the development of cutting-edge technologies that have shaped both industry standards and regulatory frameworks. His work extends beyond the laboratory, influencing policy at both domestic and international levels.
In addition to his technical expertise, Andrew leads an innovative open-source initiative that provides the global aviation community with AI and machine learning models to enhance the understanding of aircraft behavior. His leadership in this initiative demonstrates his commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation within the aviation industry.
Andrew holds a Master of Science degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Boston University and a Bachelor of Science from Pennsylvania State University. He is recognized as a senior member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and is an alumnus of the prestigious NASA Space Grant program. His contributions to the field have cemented his reputation as a thought leader in aviation safety and emerging technologies.