Campus Life

Alumnus presents 'Economics and The Power of Money: A Real World Perspective'

Business executive Keith E. Forrest shares knowledge in Future Summit program

The Shaping The Future Summit is designed to engage the Penn State community in discussion and interactive programs focused on global issues and leadership scenarios. Credit: Schreyer Honors College / Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – While the name “Happy Valley” evokes thoughts of Utopia, Keith E. Forrest, Penn State University alumnus, 1969 bachelor of science in earth and mineral sciences, will share his knowledge about economics and the "real world" in a Thursday presentation for the Shaping the Future Summit: The Power of Money series. Forrest’s presentation will begin at 6 p.m. in Atherton Hall, Room C-9 on the University Park campus. The event is free and open to the public.

Even with the most advanced technology at our fingertips, debt clocks, retirement calculators and money management apps, a clear understanding of the economy, and how it affects individuals and our nation, is sometimes lost. Forrest will use examples to define his points, provide a five-minute crash course on “Finance 201” and discuss principles as they apply specifically to students as well as national perspectives on money and finance.

Forrest’s career with Fortune 500 companies spanned more than three decades, the last two as chief economist and vice president at Union Mutual and UNUM Corporation. The public spokesperson on the U.S. economy and external environment for the life insurance company, Forrest traveled to every state and has spoken before thousands on those matters. He also worked with Aetna Business Credit and in the corporate headquarters of American Airlines as the senior manager of forecasting following his graduation from Penn State in 1969.

Now a consultant who continues to write and speak on topics relating to the insurance industry and other economic and financial issues, Forrest remains involved with his alma mater as an unofficial ambassador for Nittany Lion Women’s Athletics teams, the School of Music, Hershey Medical Center and The Four Diamonds Fund.

The "Shaping the Future: The Power of Money" series was created with the purpose of engaging the Penn State community in a discussion and programming focused on global issues and leadership scenarios in the next decade. More information on upcoming Future Summit events can be found at http://futuresummit.psu.edu.

Schreyer Honors College promotes academic excellence with integrity, the building of a global perspective and creation of opportunities for leadership and civic engagement. Schreyer Honors Scholars, including Gateway Scholars admitted after their first year of enrollment, total more than 1,800 students at University Park and six Commonwealth campuses. They represent the top 2 percent of students at Penn State University who perform well academically and lead on campus.

Last Updated March 25, 2015