After decades as an involved student and alum, Greg Pilewicz wants to have a greater say in the governance as an alumni-elected representative on Penn State’s Board of Trustees.

During his time in college, Pilewicz was president of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity and held positions in the Interfraternity Council.

All of Pilewicz’s children and his wife are alumni. His wife, Maura Pilewicz, was a cheerleader and serves on the advisory board of Teammates For Life, enhancing the experiences of Penn State’s female student-athletes.

His older son, Jake Pilewicz, was a pitcher for the baseball team and an Academic All-Big Ten honoree in 2018.

His youngest son, Adam Pilewicz, was on the men’s hockey team and served as a captain in 2022 while earning Academic All-Big Ten honors. His daughter, Emily Pilewicz, was a four-year THON committee member and a member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority, representing them as THON chair and a dancer in 2021.

Pilewicz remains active with the university through many facets, including being a co-founder of the advisory board for the men’s ice hockey NIL efforts and publicly supporting Greek life’s shift to independence. Now, he’s ready to take it a step further with a seat at the trustees’ table.

“It’s a wonderful thing to want to give back to the university,” Pilewicz said. “You’re really putting yourself in the middle of a lot of challenging situations. But at the same time, any individual who can bring 20 years of operational, strategic planning, and financial management experience to the table to make it better for the university, thank God. I think that’s the difference maker in terms of a board member.”

Leadership and supervisory experience will have a big impact on his role. Pilewicz’s resume boasts being appointed as the senior vice president of human resources for a newly formed entity tasked with acquiring Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Corporation; president, COO, and member of the Board of Directors of Esmark, Inc.; CEO of Esmark Industrial Group; and president & COO of JSCE Enterprises.

Pilewicz understands why President Neeli Bendapudi and university officials are moving toward shutting down several Commonwealth Campuses. However, he would like to use his time on the Board of Trustees to ensure that while closing some Commonwealth Campuses, the university keeps in mind the effect on the local communities in which these campuses are located.

“We’ve got some work to do,” he said. “I’m interested in what they’re going to say. I have a good feeling that they are going to knock that list down by at least a couple [campuses], if not maybe more.”

Pilewicz is a big fan of the football gameday atmosphere, as he’s been a season ticket holder since 1986. He’s also part of a group of Penn Staters who believe Joe Paterno’s legacy should be reinstated.

“I am of the opinion that Joe Paterno and Sue Paterno, his wife, who gave so much to this university, need to be recognized for what they have done,” he said. “Quite frankly, we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Sue and Joe Paterno. We need to find a way to recognize the Paternos. They did so much.”

“Students also need to drive the university’s direction, where we can leverage modern technology to foster collaboration, essential skills, and efficiency, creating an environment where faculty and staff thrive while recognizing the meaningful connections and teamwork these same students have created,” Pilewicz continued.

Throughout his time at Penn State, Pilewicz has witnessed this on campus and feels it is just the beginning of what Penn State can do for so many students preparing for the real world.

“This election is crucial for Penn State’s future,” he said. “I am dedicated to supporting our alma mater and being an advocate for Penn State alumni.”

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Editor’s note: Pilewicz‘s interview is one of a multi-part series aiming to feature alumni running for open seats on the Board of Trustees. Onward State does not, and will not, endorse any candidate(s) in this election. Check out our site to read more about the remaining candidates vying for spots on the board throughout this year’s election cycle.