Wall of Fame Class of 2023
Andrea Kosko has made an effort to give back
to her community since she graduated in 1974.
As a freshman, Andrea was part of the first
group of girls to be accepted at our school. She
credits MMI with helping her develop the tools to
succeed, saying, “My MMI education is the foundation
on which I have built my life. At MMI, I learned the importance of
persevering in order to achieve success.”
After high school, she graduated magna cum laude from Marywood
College. Andrea continued on to business success, serving as a partner and
chief financial officer at Fellin’s Jewelers, her family’s business. She holds
memberships with the American Gem Society, Jewelers of America, and
the Pennsylvania Retail Jewelers Association.
In 2005, Andrea was the Commencement Speaker, where she stressed the
importance of making a difference at home, saying “There has been a
serious out-migration of well-educated young people just like you. And the
fact of the matter is, your hometowns need you right here. They need your
intellect, your energy, and your creativity.”
That advice came from someone who is, herself, dedicated to improving
the Greater Hazleton community. From 2005-2011, she served on MMI’s
Board of Directors, with a run as Chair from 2008-2010 and Vice Chair
from 2007-2008. In addition to her involvement with MMI, she also served
on the Board of Directors of the Hazleton Area Public Library, the Hazleton
chapter of the American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels of Greater Hazleton,
the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA), the Alliance to Rebuild
Center-City Hazleton (ARCH), and the Business Advisory Committee at
Penn State Hazleton. Andrea also served a term as Secretary of the
Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce.
According to Andrea, ”The Hazleton area is, in a sense, our incubator.
We grew up and got our values here, learning from our parents and our
families the things we take with us all throughout life. And now, it’s
essential to consider our roots. As individuals, we have our own goals,
but we need to help our local communities achieve the goals they have
as well.”
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