UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Steven Wagman, a 1982 Penn State graduate with a degree in health planning and administration, now known as the health policy and administration program (HPA), fully subscribes to the philosophy of “paying it forward.”
That’s why he regularly appears in classrooms at Penn State, where he talks with students and shares lessons he learned throughout his career.
“The HPA program provided me with a foundation for my success and I strongly believe it’s important, in the tradition of Penn State, to pay it forward,” Wagman said. “When I meet with students, in and out of the classroom, I encourage them to do the same when they are in a position professionally to contribute to future students' learning and growth. Having professionals engaged provides a different perspective based on practical application of leadership and management principles from the professional and supports classroom learning.”
Most recently, Wagman spoke to students enrolled in the master of health administration (MHA) program as part of the ninth annual Professionals in the Classroom event sponsored by the Department of Health Policy and Administration and the Health Policy and Administration Affiliate Program Group (HPA APG). The event was held from Oct. 21 to 23 and included 26 professionals visiting classrooms.
Over the course of his career, Wagman led organizations in health care information technology implementation and strategic consulting; medical imaging site planning, design and construction services; and program management for Siemens One. He also represented the Siemens US Healthcare organization in the global Project Management @ Siemens forum, working with colleagues internationally in the delivery of products and services to Siemens customers globally. Additionally, he served as the chair for the Siemens USA Healthcare Diversity & Inclusion Council, which was nationally recognized as an Association of ERGs & Diversity Council Top 25 organization for three consecutive years.
Wagman is also a past-president for HPA APG and is the current vice president and member of the executive board of the Penn State Alumni Association.
While Wagman retired in June as vice president for Enterprise Solutions Implementation at Siemens Medical Solutions, USA, after 33 years of service, he remains committed to mentoring Penn State students.
“I find that I am energized by the quality of the students, the questions they ask and the advice that they seek,” Wagman said. “As I work with students directly, or just see them in a few classes over the course of their time in the program, I smile when seeing the growth in their knowledge, confidence and professionalism year over year.”
Students appreciate alumni like Wagman, who return to share their wisdom, including MHA student Katie Spangler.
“It helps us to gain insight on classroom topics and learn how they apply to the real-world setting,” Spangler said.