A Team Player

From scooping ice cream at Alumni Society events and teaching the 'how-to's' of events planning to advising Lion Ambassadors and writing news releases, Marty Jo Irvin-Stellabotte has viewed the Penn State Altoona experience through many different lenses. Her professional focus turned in yet another direction earlier this year when she was appointed assistant director of Development.

Irvin-Stellabotte began her Penn State career as a counselor in the Undergraduate Admissions Office at the University Park campus, assisting students and their families in navigating the often-difficult college admissions process. Approximately two years later, she accepted a position in the Office of University Relations at Penn State Altoona, a professional opportunity that returned the Altoona native to her hometown and the campus where she began her undergraduate studies.

"While serving as editor of the student newspaper at Penn State Altoona, I interviewed a staff member who worked in the University Relations office for a story I was writing," Irvin-Stellabotte recalls. "I remember thinking that someday I would like to have her job. I had my chance when I saw that position vacancy advertised in the local newspaper."

Irvin-Stellabotte served as the media relations coordinator for nearly ten years, publicizing college news and planning special events. She also served as a part-time instructor for the Communications degree program, a job she found especially rewarding.

In her new position, Irvin-Stellabotte will work closely with N. Susan Woodring, director of Development and Alumni Relations, to expand the college's major gift program through scholarships and faculty and program support, while reconnecting alumni with their alma mater.

In addition to her involvement on campus, Irvin-Stellabotte keeps active in the local community as well. She serves on the board of directors of the Blair County Arts Foundation and is active with Leadership Blair County and GRYP (Growth and Relationships of Young Professionals), as well as the Altoona Community Theatre and First Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she is former church council treasurer and current co-chair of its fall festivals.