Penn State Wilkes-Barre recognizes 2019 Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year

LEHMAN, Pa. — Robert Mastropole, III, an administrative justice student at Penn State Wilkes-Barre, has been honored by the Luzerne County Council on Adult Higher Education as the Penn State Wilkes‑Barre 2019 Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year.

Mastropole was joined by his family as well as faculty and staff from Penn State Wilkes‑Barre when he accepted his award at the Luzerne County Council on Adult Higher Education 30th Anniversary award dinner, held on March 26 at Hayfield House on the Wilkes‑Barre campus.

Mastropole was born in Carmel, New York, and grew up in Mahopac, New York. He has had a life-long interest in athletics, playing football, track and basketball from childhood through high school. Prior to coming to Penn State Wilkes‑Barre, he attended King’s College and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps — serving for five years in active duty and deploying twice. Mastropole also loves mechanics, which was strengthened by working on Huey and Cobra helicopters while serving as a Marine. In addition to attending Penn State Wilkes‑Barre on a full-time basis, he works part time in the campus bookstore. Diane Hoyt-Green, manager of the bookstore, nominated him for the award.

Mastropole plans on a career in government, and said he hopes to work in a federal agency after graduation.

Penn State Wilkes‑Barre provides a world-renowned university education in a smaller, more intimate setting. Dedicated staff and teachers have helped students of all ages since the campus’ inception in 1916 and continue to provide excellent education and support today. Penn State Wilkes‑Barre boasts eight bachelor’s degrees and four associate degrees; the campus also offers the ability to start one of over 275 degree programs at Penn State Wilkes‑Barre and then complete the degree at another campus.