Counselor

Welcome to Penn State! My name is Ed McKeon and I am one of the newest counselors at the Multicultural Resource Center (MRC). Prior to joining the MRC staff, I worked as an academic counselor in the Smeal College of Business, and as a graduate intern in both the College of Communications and Morgan Academic Support Center for Student-Athletes. I obtained my Bachelor's of Science in Business Logistics and my Master's of Education in Counselor Education from Penn State.

I am originally from south central Pennsylvania, but lived in Jersey City for four years and then Austin, TX for four years prior to moving to State College in 1999. The highlight of my time spent in Austin was meeting my father who is Mexican-American in El Paso, TX.

In 2005, I had the opportunity to visit my wife’s home country of the Philippines. She is from the island of Caluya, which is a four hour boat ride from San Jose, Mindoro, plus an hour's flight from Manila. This trip really "opened my eyes" and gave me an appreciation for many cultural differences and a way of life so different from my own. Although the boat ride was an experience that I hope to avoid in future excursions, I anxiously await my next trip back to Caluya.

I like visiting new places and to interacting with people. Through my travel and work experiences, the thing that has meant the most to me is meeting and learning from people whose backgrounds are different than mine. It is one of the reasons I am so excited to have the opportunity to work with multicultural students at the MRC.

Through my experiences as a Penn State student and employee, I have gained a wealth of knowledge about "navigating the system" at the University. I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of MRC students, by helping them feel welcome and comfortable and by assisting them in achieving success at Penn State and beyond. If my knowledge can make this a reality for you, then I have achieved my goal.

Once again, I welcome you to Penn State and hope that your experience is one of significant growth and development. I am here to assist you with any academic, personal or social issues and concerns that you may have. I hope to meet with you soon. Let me know how you are doing and if there is anything I can do to help make your experience here a memorable one.

• Contact Ed McKeon [eam214].
• Return to MRC Staff.