Arts and Entertainment

Three Arts and Architecture staff win college awards

University Park, Pa. -- The College of Arts and Architecture recently honored three staff members with the Staff Award for Outstanding Servce. Joyce Robinson, curator in the Palmer Museum of Art; Laura Sullivan, director of marketing and communications in the Center for the Performing Arts; and Deb Veneziano, staff assistant in the School of Music, were recognized for their exceptional job performances that best exemplify professionalism and dedication to the mission of the college and the University.

Joyce Robinson serves as curator at the Palmer Museum of Art, a position she has held since 2001. A Palmer Museum staff member since 1996, Robinson is known for organizing exhibitions that are compelling and relevant to both students and the local community. A respected scholar and teacher as well as a strong editor and poetic writer, she has authored and contributed to many exhibition catalogues. She is a major player in helping the Palmer Museum fulfill its dual roles as Penn State's academic art museum and one of Pennsylvania's principal civic and cultural institutions. Robinson received her bachelor of art degree in religious studies from Davidson College, and her master of art and doctoral degrees in art history from the University of Virginia.

Laura Sullivan has been the director of marketing and communications at the Center for the Performing Arts since 2001. She and her staff are responsible for all of the center's publications and printed pieces, advertising, direct mail, media buying, special events, and new media. This year the Center for the Performing Arts was a recipient of a $25,000 sponsorship from TIAA-CREF, due in part to the efforts of Sullivan and her staff. They designed a very sophisticated proposal and its appearance was considered to have an impact on the sponsor's decision to make that financial commitment. She is an active participant on the major University Presenters Marketing Committee and is currently co-managing a 13-university consortium research study aimed at developing a universal customer profile and customized database software for all arts marketers. Previously the marketing and public relations director for the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center in York, Pa., and an account executive for a marketing firm in Pittsburgh, she received her bachelor of arts degree in journalism and public relations from Duquesne University.

Deb Veneziano has been a member of the administrative support staff in the School of Music since 1997 and has a total of more than 20 years' experience at Penn State. Faculty, students and visitors to the School of Music appreciate her knowledge of policies and procedures, familiarity with student concerns and courteous service. One of her observations about students' problems with the change-of-major process and transfer to University Park led to the development of a better procedure for communicating with and advising students during the summer when many faculty are not on campus. Veneziano helps all students with course registrations and registers the music lessons for all music majors (over 300). She is a graduate of Bald Eagle Area High School and has participated in numerous professional development opportunities at Penn State.
 

Last Updated January 9, 2015

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