College hosts annual Professional Network Symposium | Our Campus

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa.– Westminster College undergraduates and alumni are invited to participate in the 2025 Professional Network Symposium (PNS) beginning at 8:45 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 26. Attendees will have the chance to explore various post-graduation opportunities, including career paths and graduate school options.

The symposium gives current students a chance to network and interact with alumni and local professionals in their field. The day includes a career fair, professional development presentations, career panels and workshops; and each event provides an opportunity for participants to grow their professional networks. The sessions are designed to highlight specific topics for students in all majors.

Attendees can explore 22 diverse professional development sessions throughout the symposium. A wide range of topics is covered, such as AI, budgeting, entrepreneurship, resume skills and LinkedIn support. Presentations will also include subjects like professional and personal purpose, growth mindset, student involvement and specialized areas in the sciences, healthcare, and education. Nearly 20 career panels will represent areas ranging from finance to STEM fields to government.

Almost 60 employers and graduate schools are attending this year’s PNS. Local New Wilmington and Volant businesses, including FNB, Shenango on the Green, Derailed Distillery and The Tavern, will participate, along with local community agencies such as Arise, Forward Lawrence, MCAR, Lawrence County Children and Youth Services, Kelly Education and New Castle Public Library.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds will also be part of the day, as will organizations such as PNC, Baker Tilly, BDO, BNY, EY, HBK, Holsinger PC, Mahler Duessel, Matthews Inc., Schneider Downs, SMS Group, and SR Snodgrass.

Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Widener University Commonwealth Law School and the WC School of Business and Education will be among the Graduate schools participating in the day’s events.

Students attending PNS may qualify to earn the Dr. Christie Nelson ’06 and Ben Nelson ’06 Networking Success Award by attending sessions and connecting with panelists, presenters, alumni and fair representatives. These awards recognize students who show exceptional initiative in building and maintaining professional relationships throughout the symposium. Professionals in attendance or faculty and staff can nominate students. The winners are chosen based on their nominations and personal reflections shared at the conclusion of the event.

“The Professional Networking Symposium is more than an event—it’s a bridge that connects students with real-world opportunities, supported by the wisdom, guidance and encouragement of alumni and friends of Westminster College. Together, they remind us that education extends beyond the classroom and into the communities and careers we aspire to join,” said Justin Gregorich, Director of Professional Development and Community Engagement.

Westminster’s PNS was founded by Dr. Daniel Fischmar, professor of economics emeritus at Westminster College and alumni Dr. Christie Nelson ’06 and Benjamin Nelson ’06.