Pat Overend: Celebrating 39 Years of Dedication to Penn’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering
For nearly four decades, Pat Overend has been the heart of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at the University of Pennsylvania. Her journey to MSE was a fortunate twist of fate, one that turned into a career rich with purpose, pride, and personal fulfillment.
Pat’s path began in 1985 at Penn’s Law School, but it was her work on Penn’s 250th Anniversary celebration through the President’s Office that set the stage for her future. As the event planning concluded in 1991, Pat faced an uncertain future—until a colleague invited her to fill in for a maternity leave in MSE. “It was only supposed to be temporary,” Pat recalls. “But she never returned, and I stayed for the next 34 years.”
Over the years, Pat has witnessed the department evolve dramatically. “The field has shifted from a focus on metallurgy to a wide range of interdisciplinary research,” she notes. “The research that comes out of MSE always amazes me—what great minds they have!” One amusing observation: “Everything in our research has gotten smaller,” she adds with a smile.
Throughout her time in MSE, Pat has collected countless memories. One standout moment was when a graduate student earned an Olympic bronze medal in rowing. “It was so exciting to know an Olympian!” she remembers. Yet, it’s the quieter moments that resonate most: the visits from former students—now parents themselves—introducing their children to Penn Engineering. “It’s a reality check on how many years have gone by,” Pat says with a laugh.
Transitioning through technological revolutions—from electric typewriters to today’s digital tools—was one of Pat’s biggest professional challenges. Yet, she embraced every change. “Learning new ways to do things is always challenging,” she says, “but I’ve been lucky to learn and grow in this environment.”
When asked about her proudest accomplishment, Pat doesn’t hesitate. “Seeing the growth in students from when they arrive to when they complete their studies—and knowing I may have had a small part in their accomplishments—that’s what makes me most proud.” She also takes pride in completing her own education at Penn while raising a family and working full time, a true testament to her resilience and dedication.
Colleagues, too, have left an indelible mark. “There are very special people who have made a big impact on my life,” Pat says. “They know who they are.”
The best part of her job? “Meeting people from all over the world and learning about their cultures,” Pat shares. She treasures the enlightening daily conversations and believes that experiencing such diversity would make the world a better place.
As she looks toward retirement, Pat will deeply miss the people—the staff, faculty, students, and even the facilities team who have been part of her journey. “Each academic year brings a renewal that keeps you young,” she reflects. “I will miss that, but I will not miss my commute!”
Her retirement plans are filled with simple joys: gardening, reading, long walks, traveling with her husband, and, most especially, spending time with her grandchildren. “Spending time without deadlines on my mind is something I really look forward to,” she says. If she could offer one piece of advice to her younger self, it would be: “Soak up all there is to learn.”
And for those who may not fully understand the scope of her role, Pat leaves this thought: “Some may see my role as administrative—making sure A gets to B. But I see it as being a bridge, helping students from the start to the finish of their time at Penn. And I’m proud to know I’ve made a difference in some of their lives.”
As Pat steps into a new chapter, her legacy of care, dedication, and connection will remain a treasured part of MSE’s story.