Alumni

Ryan Monteleone

Donor
Information Technology

There's no vote of confidence stronger than when alumni invest in their alma mater. Thanks to generous donors like Ryan, the next generation of tomorrow makers can take advantage of scholarships and focus more time on preparing for their futures.

TAKING THE LEAD

Q&A with Ryan

TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK WITH PFIZER.

I manage our Cyber Security Assessment Operations Team. My team assesses Pfizer’s third-party suppliers to ensure that the proper security and compliance is being met when handling Pfizer data.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT AN INNOVATIVE PROJECT YOU LED.

Currently I am leading a large-scale application migration to the cloud from on-premise data centers. Using Pfizer’s agile methods and digital processes, we have been able to reduce the overall timelines on migration using cloud solutions. This includes highly regulated and validated applications, which would typically take years, can now be done in months.

WHY PENN COLLEGE? AND HOW HAS IT INFLUENCED YOUR PROFESSIONAL CAREER?

Penn College has given me much more than just a degree; it has given me a career. I received not only a top-notch education, but also grew my professional network and soft skills so that I can continue to grow as a young leader in the corporate world.

DURING YOUR FIRST VISIT TO CAMPUS, WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST?

I remember vividly the first time stepping on campus and seeing first-hand the technology in the labs. Students were using hands-on labs and technology to learn, rather than solely relying on lecture. On top of the technology in the classroom, seeing the individual attention that each student got was exciting. With many of the class sizes being 16 students, it really gives the students 1 on 1 attention from professors.

WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE PROFESSOR AND WHY?

Dr. Sandra Gorka. She has and still to this day teaches me real world experiences from her time in the information technology industry. That knowledge that she provided to not only me but my classmates has proved invaluable. This is what sets Penn College apart. Having professors in our labs that come from industry, teaching students every day, truly sets our graduates apart from others.

IF SOMEONE WAS HEARING OF PENN COLLEGE FOR THE FIRST TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM?

Go tour the campus and see first hand how the students are learning in the state-of-the-art labs and facilities. Speaking with professors and current students will allow you to see our amazing labs.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE PENN COLLEGE IS A SOUND INVESTMENT? WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR RETURN?

The education that I received is unmatched to any other college. There is no other place that can set you up to succeed like Penn College. The small class sizes that provide 1:1 attention, the state-of-the-art labs and technology that you get to learn from, matched with the professor’s first-hand knowledge from industry, has proved invaluable.

TOMORROW IS IN THE MAKING AT PENN COLLEGE. HOW HAVE YOU SEEN THIS STATEMENT COME TO LIFE?

Our students graduate to become tomorrow makers and tomorrow builders. When you leave Penn College with a degree, you are set up to succeed and grow in whatever you set off to do. Your degree allows you to grow into a leader in each specific field.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE THE MONTELEONE SCHOLARSHIP?

I attribute this incredible opportunity and my continued success at Pfizer to the world class education I received at Penn College. As a student leader, I saw firsthand the stress financial concerns can place on students and the immediate relief provided through scholarship support–taking them one step closer to their dream of a Penn College degree and a sustainable career. I couldn’t be more proud that I am able to support Penn College students now and in the future.