The Penn State Behrend Speaker Series brings distinguished and accomplished individuals to campus to inspire thought and spark conversation about compelling issues and events. Our guest speakers, with their unique perspectives, enhance understanding of current events; community and economic development; and political, business, and societal challenges.
The Speaker Series is made possible by the college's Student Activity Fee, the Division of Student Affairs, and the Harriet Behrend Ninow Memorial Lecture Series Fund.
The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Brenda Zinram in advance of your participation or visit.
Fall 2024 Speakers
Adam Fracassi-Wier, Deputy Director of Elections
Monday, October 21
7:30 p.m.
Metzgar Center Lobby
Adam Fracassi-Wier graduated from Penn State Behrend in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, International Studies, and English. During his time at Penn State, he served as editor-in-chief of the Behrend Beacon and was actively involved in Kappa Delta Rho National Fraternity, the Student Government Association, the Interfraternity Council, THON, and the Political Science Society. He earned his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law in 2014. Fracassi-Wier's career includes serving as Michigan's assistant attorney general from 2015 to 2018, as an adjunct professor at Michigan State University College of Law, and currently as deputy director of elections at the Michigan Bureau of Elections.
Vincent Intrieri
Thursday, November 7
7:30 p.m.
180 Burke Center
Vincent J. Intrieri ’84 is the founder and CEO of VDA Capital Management LLC. Prior to founding his private investment firm in 2017, Intrieri was senior managing director of Icahn Capital LP for twenty years and served as director or partner for a number of Icahn subsidiaries and holding companies
Intrieri was described by Fortune Magazine as “one of Carl Icahn’s two chief scouts and dealmakers … a CPA with a sharp eye for salvageable bankruptcy situations.” Prior to joining Icahn, Intrieri served as a portfolio manager for distressed investments at the New York City investment firm Elliot Associates. He also worked at Price Waterhouse in Dallas and was a partner with Arthur Anderson in Chicago. A nontraditional student who worked full-time while attending Penn State Behrend, he began his accounting career in Erie, before joining Coopers and Lybrand in Pittsburgh.
Intrieri sits on the boards of directors of Conduent Inc., Hertz Global Holdings, Navistar International, and Transocean Ltd.
In 2012, Intrieri and his wife, Joanne, gifted the initial $100,000 to create the Intrieri Family Student Managed Fund, a real-world portfolio overseen by Black School of Business students. With additional gifts from the Intrieris and others and reinvested profits, the fund balance now is $708,000.
Intrieri is a member of the Penn State Behrend Campaign Committee. He also is active with the Black School of Business, sitting on its Advisory Board. Intrieri has lectured on global business operations and the future of global corporations. He also annually hosts a lunch in New York City for members of the Penn State Behrend Economics Club, Black School of Business faculty, and alumni.
Previous Speakers
A list of previous speakers is available.