Don Gogniat worked as an administrator for Penn State University and Chancellor for Penn State York before retirement. He served in the Peace Corps and worked as regional planner for the Costa Rican National Planning Office. Gogniat also sailed multiple times on Semester at Sea where he taught geography, global studies, and served as Executive Dean.

His hobbies include travel, billiards, hiking, biking, and photography. His photographic work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, and juried exhibits.

He plays a fair game of “nine ball.”