Bucks County (Warrington) native Jade Veit is the Alumni Relations and Stewardship Officer at Penn State Great Valley, where she is responsible for the oversight and management of the alumni engagement and stewardship programs.

“I manage marketing and communication efforts for our department, planning, and implementation of many campus events, as well as acting as the primary contact for endowment management,” said Veit. “I also act as the liaison for our Alumni Society Board, the Alumni Relations committee of the Advisory Board, as well as the Nominating Committee of our Advisory Board. I recruit and manage alumni volunteers and coordinate the alumni awards program. What I enjoy the most about my job at Penn State Great Valley is all the amazing people I get to work with. This campus is like a family and my colleagues are always eager and willing to support each other.”

Veit has a robust early job history, with her first job starting at 13 as a nanny for multiple families in her neighborhood.

“I continued to nanny throughout my teenage years, high school, and even college,” said Veit. “During those years, from the ages of 17-21, I also worked as a waitress at several restaurants, including Giuseppe’s Pizza and Select Bar and Grill, also known as The Cage Cocktail Bar.”

Veit graduated from Central Bucks High School South and went on to obtain her undergraduate degree from West Chester University. At WCU, Veit earned her bachelor’s degree in communication studies with a minor in media and culture. Her quest for education continues; in her time working for Penn State so far, she has acquired a professional development certificate in project management through the continuing education program at Great Valley, as well as an Adobe Analytics badge.

Reflecting on her career path, she credits Erica McLeod, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Subaru and former Director of Campus Development at Penn State Great Valley, as having the biggest impact on her career thus far.

“Erica hired me to work in the Department of Development and Alumni Relations at Penn State Great Valley in June of 2022,” said Veit. “Erica was my direct supervisor for the next year or so after being hired. Her energy and bright demeanor not only made our office a vibrant and fun place to work, but she also created a unifying presence on our campus. Erica taught me how to transform the knowledge that I gained in college into action and success in my position.”

Still, early on in her career, Veit states that she is currently most proud of being named a 2024 VISTA Millennial Superstar.

“It is an honor, and I am proud of the work I have done thus far to get me to where I am,” she said. “I am also very proud of my dedication to continuing my education. I believe that learning never stops, and I am proud that I have received certifications, got into grad school, and have been pursuing a master’s degree all while also working full time.”

A few of Veit’s favorite Chester County restaurants are Mas Mexicali Cantina, Barnaby’s, and Mercato Ristorante and Bar.

Veit and the rest of the 2024 Class of VISTA Millennial Superstars will be honored at the Awards Reception & Celebration on Thursday, May 9 at Penn State Great Valley, Malvern.

Sponsors are still being sought. Click here to learn more about the various opportunities available to partner with VISTA Today as it celebrates Chester County’s next generation of leaders, or contact Steve Knickerbocker at steve.knickerbocker@acj.today or 484-437-2826.