For Annette Glaudel ’74, a single class helped shape the trajectory of her future.
During her senior year at Prendie, Annette enrolled in an AP Calculus class at Bonner — an experience she still remembers vividly.
“I loved that class. It was my favorite class.”
She credits that course, taught by Vince Donohue, as a defining influence on her academic and professional path.
A Continuation of Catholic Education
Annette attended Prendie at a time when Catholic high school was a natural continuation for many students leaving parochial elementary schools.
“Back then, it was either Prendie or going to public school. I went to Catholic elementary school. At the time, going to a parochial high school was not a financial burden as it can be today.”
With two older brothers at Bonner and siblings following similar paths, Catholic education was deeply woven into family life.
She recalls the dynamic between Bonner and Prendie with humor, “We would joke that the alleyway between Bonner and Prendie was the ‘no zone.’ The nuns would not be happy if you were in that alleyway.”
Beyond those memories, Annette valued her classroom experience.
“I was happy to be in several math and science classes, and I met friends at Prendie that I still have today.”
Discovering a Love of Science
Annette’s passion for math and science, particularly chemistry, became clear during her years at Prendie.
“I decided to apply to college for chemical engineering because I really enjoyed my math and science classes at Prendie. I had Sister Maria Trinita for math and Sister Ave Maria chemistry.”
At the time, engineering was far from a typical path for young women.
“When I was going to career counselors, they really didn’t know how to guide me. Many women were looking at nursing and teaching. So, I had to do a lot of research myself.”
Support from family helped reinforce her direction.
“One of my brothers was also interested in engineering, and he really helped me to realize that if you put math and chemistry together you come up with engineering.”
Engineering at Penn
Annette’s academic achievements earned her acceptance to multiple universities, but financial realities guided her decision.
“My parents weren’t wealthy. Where I went depended on where I received scholarship money.”
Unable to afford housing at a distant school, she chose to commute to the University of Pennsylvania.
“I was very glad to go to an Ivy League school and go for chemical engineering.”
She graduated in 1978 with a BS in Chemical Engineering.
Graduate Education Opportunity
Annette continued her studies at Carnegie Mellon University, earning a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1980.
“At the time, a lot of universities wanted people to pursue a master’s in that field, probably because the job market was great for people with a bachelor’s and graduate enrollment was on the decline. They paid my tuition and gave me a stipend to attend, so I decided to go.”
A Career at Sunoco
After completing her graduate degree, Annette returned to the Philadelphia region and began what would become a 30-year career with Sunoco.
She started in research and development at the Marcus Hook location before moving into refinery operations, technical support, and leadership roles. Over time, she became a supervisor and operations manager, contributing to refinery operations, capital improvement projects, and long-range planning. While working she also attended night school and earned an M.B.A. from Penn State.
“The field requires both technical expertise and project management skills to help resolve issues. As a supervisor, you need to look at safety, planning, expenses, budgets, capital, and use common sense.”
Annette’s career at Sunoco spanned from 1980 until her retirement in 2011.
“I am proud of the things I accomplished at Sunoco.”
Lessons from a STEM Career
Reflecting on decades in engineering, Annette emphasizes curiosity and confidence.
“I think the biggest thing is you have to ask questions. It’s OK to not know the answers. The more you ask questions, the better off you’ll be. And then listen.”
Navigating Challenges
As a woman in a male-dominated field, Annette encountered moments that required resilience.
“I can’t tell you how many times I asked questions of someone and they answered the man next to me.”
Though disappointing, she did not allow those inequities to derail her progress.
“You just have to continue to do what you do: be prepared, be knowledgeable, and don’t compromise yourself.”
Her persistence ultimately earned respect.
“I had one of the operators tell me that women do not belong here, but years later he told me I was one of the best supervisors he ever had.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Following her retirement, Annette has continued to apply her expertise through volunteer work with organizations including Appalachia Service Project and Good Works, helping repair homes for low-income families and mentoring students.
“I love working with the high school students, and teaching them how to use power tools and work with homeowners.”
Annette works closely with student volunteers, guiding them as they build technical skills and confidence.
“One time, someone said I was both left brained and right brained, which I felt was the highest compliment.”
Reflecting on her career and decades of volunteer service, Annette remains passionate about encouraging more women to pursue STEM.
“I encourage young women to be themselves. Women have wonderful minds and creativity — it’s up to us to use them.”