Thomas Steiner

DUS Experience

When did you enter DUS?
As a sixth-semester engineering major.
How many semesters did you spend in DUS?
One.
Why did you choose DUS?
I was doing poorly as an engineering candidate, and I had no idea of what to choose as a new major, or if I should continue college at all.
What resources did you use in your exploratory and decision-making process?
The DUS experience was my first exposure to any type of decision-making process. Penn State people that influenced me included Ms. Sarah Haddad and Ms. Josie Hatala of the McKeesport campus. Faculty at the main campus that influenced me were Dr. Pat Farrell and Monty Christensen.
Did DUS benefit you? If so, how?
My experience in DUS was very beneficial. It gave me the opportunity to continue college while trying to decide on my next step.

Penn State Experience

What major(s) (and minor(s), if applicable) did you end up choosing?
Recreation and Park Management (now Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management)
What year did you graduate?
1979
What extracurricular activities made a difference in your college experience?
Serving as President of the Penn State Recreation and Parks Society and in a work-study position at Stone Valley. My confidence and self-esteem were both raised through the responsibilities of these experiences.
Looking back, would you have done anything differently during your time at Penn State?
I would have availed myself of the DUS services earlier in my college work.

Professional Experience

What jobs have you held since graduation?
  • Director of Recreation Programs for Handicapped Persons, Westmoreland County Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Admissions/Veterans Coordinator, Westmoreland County Community College
  • Financial Aid Director, Westmoreland County Community College
  • Counselor/Associate Professor, Westmoreland County Community College
What is your current occupation?
Counselor/Professor, Westmoreland County Community College

Profile Last Updated: May 21, 2004