CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Penn State Lehigh Valley’s LaunchBox welcomed internationally acclaimed, forensic handwriting expert Beverley East on Nov. 17 for an evening event that brought together small business owners, entrepreneurs, students and law enforcement professionals. Held in the Nittany Lion Café, the program explored how handwriting continues to reveal truth and identity in an increasingly digital world.
In her opening remarks, Penn State Lehigh Valley Chancellor Tina Richardson explained to the audience, “Some might think that handwriting expertise is not a typical LaunchBox topic, but that is the nature of entrepreneurship, isn’t it? No topic is ever quite typical. In fact, handwriting and entrepreneurs have quite a bit in common: They are all unique. But how do we see that uniqueness in a world that is changing so fast?”
East, who has spent more than three decades investigating handwriting in major criminal, civil and corporate cases, has served as an expert for high-profile matters including murder investigations and suspected terror attacks. Her analysis has authenticated multimillion-dollar art collections, uncovered fabricated evidence, and verified signatures in fraud investigations involving global financial institutions.
“Whether you are a law enforcement investigator or a small business owner trying to break through the noise, Beverley East’s insights reveal the power of handwriting to uncover personality, leadership and truth,” said Cindy Evans, director of business development for the Penn State Lehigh Valley LaunchBox.
A best-selling author of four books, East discussed how handwriting remains a powerful tool for understanding personality, leadership and truth, even as digital technologies and artificial intelligence reshape communication. She highlighted the growing role of AI in document authentication, the risks associated with digital manipulation and the enduring value of handwritten evidence in courts and investigative settings.
“They say it takes years to become an overnight success and only seconds to destroy your reputation,” writes East. “One misjudgment can change your reputation. So, ride the storm, speak the truth, and lead yourself with integrity. Ethical behavior is the right behavior all of the time.”
In addition to her academic and literary work, East has trained law enforcement agencies worldwide and has served as an expert witness before the Supreme Court of Jamaica, the High Court of Trinidad and Tobago, and courts in Washington, D.C. She has led document authentication efforts for major banks, government agencies and cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution.
Penn State Lehigh Valley LaunchBox celebrates Global Entrepreneurship Week
Global Entrepreneurship Week is a worldwide celebration of innovators, creators and changemakers who are building new ideas, businesses and opportunities in their communities. Held each November, the weeklong effort unites millions of people across more than 170 countries through events that inspire entrepreneurship, strengthen local ecosystems, promote inclusion and highlight supportive policies that help businesses grow.
“Beverley East is one of the premier handwriting experts in the world today. She has spoken at top universities around the globe, and we are so proud to welcome her to Penn State Lehigh Valley as part of our campus celebration of Entrepreneurship Week,” said Evans.