Shenandoah Valley grad at helm of Penn State arena has full-circle career moment
KATE BEAN / PENN STATE BRYCE JORDAN CENTER - Al Karosas, shown here receiving the 2023 Tourism Business Leader of the Year award, has once again been recognized for his leadership in the live event industry with his appointment as an instructor at IAVM’s Venue Management School.
UNIVERSITY PARK – It’s a full-circle moment for a 1991 Shenandoah Valley graduate leading central Pennsylvania events venue.
Al Karosas, general manager of the Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State, was recently selected to serve as an instructor at the International Association of Venue Managers’ Venue Management School.
He graduated from the program in 1999 and completed their graduate institute in 2014.
“It’s amazing how things come full circle,” Karosas said. “The IAVM has been an invaluable resource throughout my career. The people I’ve met, the conferences I’ve attended, and the education I’ve received have all played a role in my success. Venue Management School, in particular, gave me the tools and connections I needed to thrive in this industry.”
Penn State described the appointment as “a prestigious recognition in the live entertainment and public assembly industry.”
“It’s a tremendous honor to be invited to teach at VMS,” he added. “I’m excited to contribute to the development of future leaders and give back to a program that has meant so much to me.”
He returns to the program with more than two decades of hands-on experience and will mentor future venue professionals.
Karosas is a 1991 Shenandoah Valley High School graduate and a 1995 Penn State graduate. He became general manager of the Bryce Jordan Center in 2015, only the second in its 29-year history.
He has been widely recognized for his contributions to the industry and the community. He was published twice in Facility Manager magazine (November 2004 and August 2008), received the Pennsylvania Meritorious Service Medal for his role in Operation Salute, and was honored with the Kevin Steinberg Award for his longstanding support of THON. From 2000 to 2004, he served on IAVM’s University Committee, further strengthening his ties to venue management education.
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