Meet the 2025 Board of Directors!
President: Luke Macdonald - [email protected]
Hey everyone! My name is Luke Macdonald, and I am the 2025 SSM President. I’m a Junior studying Finance with a minor in Economics. I’m a passionate leader who believes in doing everything I can to be the best resource possible for everyone around me. SSM has a track record of some of the greatest leaders at Penn State, and I plan on building on that to continue the tradition of the best organization in Smeal! Outside of SSM, I started and have operated a landscaping business for the past 4 years in my hometown of Oley, Pennsylvania. I am also an SCM 200 Teaching Assistant and previously was on the Executive Board of Net Impact. I’m from Eastern Pennsylvania and come from a Penn State family, which means I love Penn State and Philadelphia sports; I also like listening to (and playing) music, hanging out with friends, and keeping myself physically active.
Hey everyone! My name is Luke Macdonald, and I am the 2025 SSM President. I’m a Junior studying Finance with a minor in Economics. I’m a passionate leader who believes in doing everything I can to be the best resource possible for everyone around me. SSM has a track record of some of the greatest leaders at Penn State, and I plan on building on that to continue the tradition of the best organization in Smeal! Outside of SSM, I started and have operated a landscaping business for the past 4 years in my hometown of Oley, Pennsylvania. I am also an SCM 200 Teaching Assistant and previously was on the Executive Board of Net Impact. I’m from Eastern Pennsylvania and come from a Penn State family, which means I love Penn State and Philadelphia sports; I also like listening to (and playing) music, hanging out with friends, and keeping myself physically active.
Vice President: Sabrina Velegol - [email protected]
Hey everyone! My name is Sabrina Velegol, and I am so excited to serve as the Vice President of Smeal Student Mentors this year! Currently, I am a second-year majoring in Supply Chain Management with a minor in Management Information Systems. Outside of my involvement in SSM, I am also a part of the dance organization Vole, where I choreograph dances and am in the performance company performing in THON and other events around campus. In my free time I love to spend time with friends and family, travel, and decorate my apartment for different events. I am so grateful to be Smeal Student Mentor’s new Vice President and cannot wait to see all we will accomplish together this year!
Training/Recruitment Director & Treasurer: Ben Hamaty - [email protected]
My name is Ben Hamaty and I am this year’s Treasurer & Recruitment Director for 2025. I am a Junior Finance major with a minor in B-Law. I am involved in Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity, Smeal Student Council, and Cru. In my free time I like bodybuilding, water sports, and spending time with friends and family.
Events Coordinator: Kara Martin - [email protected]
My name is Kara Martin, and I'm your Events Coordinator this year! I'm in my third year at Penn State majoring in Management & Accounting, with a minor in Information Systems Management. My other involvements include the Professional Management Association (PMA) as VP of Marketing, a THON Merch Committee, Ski Club, and working as a Front Desk Agent at the Scholar. I love cooking, skiing, and getting out of my comfort zone. Stay tuned for some new & improved events!!!
My name is Kara Martin, and I'm your Events Coordinator this year! I'm in my third year at Penn State majoring in Management & Accounting, with a minor in Information Systems Management. My other involvements include the Professional Management Association (PMA) as VP of Marketing, a THON Merch Committee, Ski Club, and working as a Front Desk Agent at the Scholar. I love cooking, skiing, and getting out of my comfort zone. Stay tuned for some new & improved events!!!
Marketing/Communications: Matt Basileo- [email protected]
Hi, I’m Matthew Basileo, Marketing and Communications Director. I’m a junior majoring in Marketing with aspirations of pursuing a career in sales. As the Marketing and Communications Director for Smeal Student Mentors, I manage our social media, write the 'Monthly Mentor' email newsletter, and help first-year students navigate the challenges of college. I love providing guidance and being a supportive presence for others. Previously, I served as President of Zeta Beta Tau, where I led my chapter in philanthropic and leadership initiatives, personally raising over $3,500 for THON. I’m also a Networking Chair for Smeal Student Council, organizing professional development events, and a Project Manager for the Penn State American Marketing Association, where I oversee sales-focused projects. As a Collegiate Ambassador for Monster Energy, I promote the brand through campus events and community engagement. Outside of school and work, I channel my entrepreneurial spirit by running 'Long Island College Guys Powerwashing,' a business I co-founded and have successfully operated for two summers. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, fishing, and planning events.
Hi, I’m Matthew Basileo, Marketing and Communications Director. I’m a junior majoring in Marketing with aspirations of pursuing a career in sales. As the Marketing and Communications Director for Smeal Student Mentors, I manage our social media, write the 'Monthly Mentor' email newsletter, and help first-year students navigate the challenges of college. I love providing guidance and being a supportive presence for others. Previously, I served as President of Zeta Beta Tau, where I led my chapter in philanthropic and leadership initiatives, personally raising over $3,500 for THON. I’m also a Networking Chair for Smeal Student Council, organizing professional development events, and a Project Manager for the Penn State American Marketing Association, where I oversee sales-focused projects. As a Collegiate Ambassador for Monster Energy, I promote the brand through campus events and community engagement. Outside of school and work, I channel my entrepreneurial spirit by running 'Long Island College Guys Powerwashing,' a business I co-founded and have successfully operated for two summers. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, fishing, and planning events.
Technology Director: Angelina Aviles- [email protected]
Hi everyone! My name is Angelina Aviles and I am so excited to serve as the Technology Director for Smeal Student Mentors this year! Currently, I am a third year majoring in Marketing with a double minor in Spanish and Information Systems Management. Outside of my involvement in SSM, I am also the VP of Merchandise for Smeal Student Council and I am the Donor and Alumni Relations (DAR) chair for Ohana which is a Special Interest Organization dedicated to THON. In my free time I love to be with friends and family, listen to music, specifically Country or Spanish, and traveling (when I can). I am thrilled to be in my current role and cannot wait to help SSM excel this year!
Professional Development/Alumni Relations Director: Alina Hatfield- [email protected]
My name is Alina Hatfield and I am so happy hold the position of Professional Development and Alumni Relations Director this year! I’m a second year majoring in Marketing with an intended minor in International Business. My previous marketing experience includes holding a position as Marketing Chair for the Smeal Student Council and Secretary for Penn State Prime. Outside of academics and extracurriculars, I love to play tennis and pickleball and spend time with friends and family.
Faculty Advisor: Denise Campbell- [email protected]
Hello! Welcome to the Smeal Community! WE ARE! so excited to have you join us! I am Denise Campbell, the Faculty Adviser for the Smeal Student Mentors, and an academic adviser in the office of Undergraduate Education. I am excited to be working with this exceptional student group as we provide guidance and support to the incoming first-year Smeal students by actively engaging, leading by example, and demonstrating our ability to be both a friendly face and an effective resource. As our mission states— We, the Smeal Student Mentors, aim to create the easiest adjustment possible for our first-year students. “WE ARE! Your first friend on campus and your first Smeal connection.”
I earned my Bachelors degree in Corporate Communication from the Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Baltimore and my Masters degree in Education from the Pennsylvania State University where my graduate thesis focused on student support services in higher education, this has prepared me well for this most enjoyable and rewarding part of my job with Smeal Student Mentors. Having raised my family in Happy Valley, I am happy to share that I am now a proud Penn State Mom! When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our family and friends. I love kayaking, bicycling, hiking, and spending time enjoying this beautiful Pennsylvania landscape.
Hello! Welcome to the Smeal Community! WE ARE! so excited to have you join us! I am Denise Campbell, the Faculty Adviser for the Smeal Student Mentors, and an academic adviser in the office of Undergraduate Education. I am excited to be working with this exceptional student group as we provide guidance and support to the incoming first-year Smeal students by actively engaging, leading by example, and demonstrating our ability to be both a friendly face and an effective resource. As our mission states— We, the Smeal Student Mentors, aim to create the easiest adjustment possible for our first-year students. “WE ARE! Your first friend on campus and your first Smeal connection.”
I earned my Bachelors degree in Corporate Communication from the Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Baltimore and my Masters degree in Education from the Pennsylvania State University where my graduate thesis focused on student support services in higher education, this has prepared me well for this most enjoyable and rewarding part of my job with Smeal Student Mentors. Having raised my family in Happy Valley, I am happy to share that I am now a proud Penn State Mom! When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our family and friends. I love kayaking, bicycling, hiking, and spending time enjoying this beautiful Pennsylvania landscape.