Board Member Spotlight
Name: Jill Crossman Abbott '79
Major: Elementary Education - Masters in Special Education from Providence College
Company: Last school I taught at: Montessori Regional Charter School
Title: Learning Support Teacher
Job Description: Supporting students K-4 with reading and math
LEC-PSAA Position/Committee Chair:
Co-chair the Football Watch parties
Why are you involved with the Lake Erie Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association?
I was involved with LEC-PSAA immediately after I graduated from Penn State. It was great to hear about upcoming events at University Park and be with other Penn Staters. I really enjoyed the summer BBQ, door prizes and the speakers. I moved a few years later to Texas, Ontario and Rhode Island. Now that I’m back, it made sense to come back and now I am a board member.
What is your favorite Penn State moment?
There are a hundred favorite memories but I think back about my time in the Blue Band. I flew for the first time to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl, being on tv, playing in front of thousands of people and being in my sorority sister’s wedding that Joe Paterno attended.
What do you like most about your career?
I loved getting to know hundreds of children throughout my 40 years of teaching. I continue that love now as a piano teacher.
What are your hobbies?
Knitting with the Knotty Knitters, sewing American Girl doll clothes for my 2 granddaughters, gardening, walking, biking and playing the piano.
Where else do you volunteer?
I am a deacon at my church and have a multitude of volunteering opportunities there.
One piece of career advice to recent Penn State graduates:
Your Penn State degree can open up many doors. Be persistent if you are job searching and remember to send thank you notes.
Why should alumni get involved with LEC-PSAA?
Alumni should get involved with LEC-PSAA for the joy of the camaraderie and the philanthropic projects the club does: Thon, Autism Walk, Christmas gifts for kids etc.
Major: Elementary Education - Masters in Special Education from Providence College
Company: Last school I taught at: Montessori Regional Charter School
Title: Learning Support Teacher
Job Description: Supporting students K-4 with reading and math
LEC-PSAA Position/Committee Chair:
Co-chair the Football Watch parties
Why are you involved with the Lake Erie Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association?
I was involved with LEC-PSAA immediately after I graduated from Penn State. It was great to hear about upcoming events at University Park and be with other Penn Staters. I really enjoyed the summer BBQ, door prizes and the speakers. I moved a few years later to Texas, Ontario and Rhode Island. Now that I’m back, it made sense to come back and now I am a board member.
What is your favorite Penn State moment?
There are a hundred favorite memories but I think back about my time in the Blue Band. I flew for the first time to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl, being on tv, playing in front of thousands of people and being in my sorority sister’s wedding that Joe Paterno attended.
What do you like most about your career?
I loved getting to know hundreds of children throughout my 40 years of teaching. I continue that love now as a piano teacher.
What are your hobbies?
Knitting with the Knotty Knitters, sewing American Girl doll clothes for my 2 granddaughters, gardening, walking, biking and playing the piano.
Where else do you volunteer?
I am a deacon at my church and have a multitude of volunteering opportunities there.
One piece of career advice to recent Penn State graduates:
Your Penn State degree can open up many doors. Be persistent if you are job searching and remember to send thank you notes.
Why should alumni get involved with LEC-PSAA?
Alumni should get involved with LEC-PSAA for the joy of the camaraderie and the philanthropic projects the club does: Thon, Autism Walk, Christmas gifts for kids etc.
