Meredith Topalanchik, ’99 Comm, put all her eggs into one basket when applying to college—sending out just one, lone application. But according to her mother, there was never a doubt that Meredith would soon be a proud Penn State alumna.
And that pride has only grown. Almost immediately after graduating with a degree in advertising and public relations, Meredith continued her commitment to Penn State by serving as a board member and secretary for the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications Alumni Society Board, focusing on student and alumni networking activities. In addition, she served as co-founder and co-president of the Advertising/Public Relations Alumni Network. She is one of only two alumni to serve on both the Alumni Society Board and the Advertising/Public Relations Alumni Network.
“Volunteering is all about community for me. Even before I stepped on campus as a first-year student, I felt Nittany Lion pride. I get just as much in return when I help a fellow Penn Stater.”
In addition to serving on Penn State volunteer boards, Meredith has been a long-time mentor to students. “When I was a student, I leveraged on-campus activities as a way to get involved, boost my resume and be an even greater part of the Penn State community. I can still remember walking through campus on a quintessential fall day thinking how amazing it was to be there at that time. I think back on that when I talk with students and remind them to soak it all up.”
Professionally, Meredith has compiled over twenty-three years of experience in business-to-business, corporate, and consumer product communications. Currently, she serves as the managing director of the New York office of G&S Business Communications. This past spring, she and her team had the opportunity to host Penn State students on their visit to the city for the Maymester in Manhattan career exploration trip—an experience she described as paralleling her passion and support of the Bellisario College’s Success in the City, an annual in-person New York City internship and job fair.
Meredith’s ongoing accomplishments, contributions, and successes were recognized in October 2022 when she received the 2022 Alumni Achievement Award. The award recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to the Bellisario College of Communications and the University. During her acceptance speech, she said, “When I give back to the University, I’m thinking about the students and the pride I have when I walk across campus. I want them to feel that same sense of pride.”
Outside the Penn State community, Meredith is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, has spoken on panels for the Council of Public Relations Firms, and has served on the New Leadership Council of the Make-A-Wish Metro New York Chapter.
When asked what message she would like to deliver to her fellow Penn State community, Meredith stated, “I encourage all alums to be there for other Nittany Lions. The feeling you get when you are surrounded by 110,000 fellow Penn Staters in Beaver Stadium, you can also feel in those one-on-one conversations.”
If you’re inspired by Meredith’s service, please give to Penn State in whatever capacity possible, and to the program that interests you the most.