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Penn State Alumni Association News: Headline Archives
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Headline Archives
12/12/03—Ross Lehman Passes Away
12/01/03—Honorary Alumni nominations now being accepted
11/18/03—"Tip-Off Tuesday" Set for Local Fans to Meet Penn State Basketball Teams
10/20/03—Alumni Association Names 2003 Alumni Fellows
10/16/03—A New Penn State Tradition—Alumni Association Unveils Official Penn State Class Ring
10/15/03—Hintz Family Alumni Center Site For Upcoming Blood Drive
10/02/03—Homecoming Huddle To Focus On Diet To Improve Health And Energy
09/30/03—Guard The Lion Shrine Festivities Scheduled For Homecoming Weekend
09/30/03—New Penn State Tradition Begins This Friday
09/18/03—President Spanier Invites Nominations for Honorary Degree
09/03/03—Alumni And Friends Invited To Football Pep Rallies
08/18/03—Alumni Association To Host August 21 Blood Drive
08/18/03—Alumni, Friends Invited To HUDDLE With The Faculty
08/14/03—Big Ten Conference Enacts Crowd Control Initiatives
07/15/03—Successful FastStart Program Seeks Faculty and Staff Mentors
07/14/03—The Penn Stater Magazine Garners National Recognition
7/9/03—Sister Hazel Highlights AfterFest 2003 Lineup
7/1/03—Penn State Alumni Association Gives $300,000 To Create Trustee Scholarships
06/23/03—Arts Festival Weekend Welcomes Alumni
06/23/03—Parents and Families Day Set For Fall 2003
06/11/03—Blood Drive—August 21
5/29/03—Online Seminar Examines Recent Terrorist Events
4/28/03—Grassroots Network To Mobilize Statewide Advocacy For Penn State
04/11/03—Blue & White Society Named Penn State's Most Active Organization
04/08/03—Alumni Association Partners to Offer Free Financial Counseling to Students
3/25/03—Popular Golf Schools Enter Fourth Year
3/21/03—Online Seminar Examines PA History And Future
3/14/03—Alumni Association Continues Tradition Of Giving To THON
2/25/03—2003 Alumni Awards Nominations Now Being Accepted
2/12/03—Alumni Association and World Campus Present "Lore of the Lion"
02/11/03—Penn State Alumni Association to Hold Blood Drive
02/10/03—Alumnus Chosen As Alumni Association Executive Director

Ross Lehman Passes Away [top]
University Park, Pa., Dec. 12—Ross B. Lehman, 85, of State College, died Friday, Dec. 12, 2003, at home after a long illness.Born Feb. 3, 1918, in Harrisburg, Pa., he was the son of the late Bruce and Anna Lehman.A 1942 graduate of Penn State, Lehman served as the executive director of the Penn State Alumni Association for 13 years (1970-83) and was conferred the title of emeritus executive director after his retirement. In 1983, he was awarded the Lion’s Paw Medal for lifetime service to the University. In 1988, Penn State’s Board of Trustees bestowed upon him the title of Distinguished Alumnus--the University’s highest honor.Lehman joined the Penn State Alumni Association in 1948 at the invitation of then-Executive Secretary Ridge Riley. Lehman was editor of Penn State’s Alumni News and assistant alumni secretary for 22 years.Named executive director after Riley’s retirement in 1970, Lehman was recognized for his innovative programming and for his emphasis on personal relationships with alumni around the nation.In 1973, Lehman introduced the Alumni Fellow program, the highest award given by the Alumni Association on the basis of professional accomplishment. Over the last three decades, the Alumni Fellow award has been conferred on more than 500 outstanding Penn State men and women who have returned to the University to share their talents and experiences with students and faculty.That same year, Lehman introduced the Honorary Alumnus Award, to recognize persons who are not graduates of the University but have contributed significantly to its welfare and prestige. In 1975, he founded the Alumni Vacation College, which in its more than 20 years of life brought thousands of Penn State families back to the University during the summer for intellectual enrichment. In 1980, the Alumni Association entered the age of information technology when its first computerized database went online.In 1981, the Lion Ambassadors program, Penn State’s student alumni corps, was founded. Hundreds of high achieving and intensely passionate Penn State students have participated in this program over the last two decades and have remained steadfast in their service to the University during their adult lives.Lehman also created an alumni volunteer corps to help recruit students to Penn State and initiated a career placement service for alumni.He also expanded, under Board of Trustees approval, the college constituent societies of the Penn State Alumni Association to include all major academic units of the University. In addition, he founded the campus constituent society programs for alumni of campuses other than University Park and nurtured their growth across the Commonwealth.Lehman also was noted for recruiting into the leadership ranks of the Penn State Alumni Association a succession of outstanding presidents who went on to serve the University on its Board of Trustees and/or leadership posts for the University’s fundraising campaigns: Lawrence G. Foster ’48 (president of the Association from 1973-75); J. Lloyd Huck ’43 (1975-77); Edward R. Book ’54 (1977-79); Jay H. Feldstein ’59 (1979-81); Richard Zimmerman ’53 (1981-83); and Don Cook, Jr. ’52 (1983-85). Lehman also recruited many other notable Penn Staters into service on the Alumni Council, including William A. Schreyer ’48 and Frank Smeal ’42.As a student, Lehman served as editor of the Collegian, and was one of the people involved in moving it to a daily publication. It was in the Collegian office that he met fellow student Kathryn “Katey” Popp, whom he married on October 27, 1945. The couple wrote a prize-winning Centre Daily Times column, “Open House,” that ran daily for 26 years and won two Freedom Foundation awards as well as 10 awards from the Pennsylvania Newspaper Publishers Association. Together they wrote more than 7,000 columns. Selected columns were the source for a book published under the same title. Katey Lehman died on January 2, 1981.In addition to his duties at the Collegian, Lehman’s student activities included Delta Chi fraternity, the Glee Club, and a number of other activities that earned him a place in such honorary groups as Sigma Delta Chi and Lion’s Paw.Lehman entered Penn State in 1938, a penniless student. He was “taken in” by Lou and Catherine Bell, who provided him with a home as well as their friendship and support. When Lehman asked how he could repay their generosity, Lou Bell replied, “One day when you can, do the same for someone else.” After his wife’s death, Lehman returned the favor by taking scores of students into his home over the next 23 years.Following his graduation from Penn State, Lehman joined the U.S. Army Air Corps, became a first lieutenant, and served as a bombardier navigator during World War II. His B-17 Flying Fortress was shot down over Austria in 1944, and he was badly wounded, later suffering amputation of his right leg. He was held as a prisoner of war for nine months and was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with two clusters, and the Purple Heart.Upon his return to civilian life, he served as assistant city editor of the Lancaster New Era for two years before joining the staff of the Penn State Alumni Association in 1948.In addition to his duties with the Alumni Association, Lehman was adviser to the student government for 20 years. He also served as adviser to Lion’s Paw and unofficial adviser to many other student groups.Lehman was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in State College, where he was a former vestryman. He also was a former director of the State College Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Rotary Club.Lehman is survived by daughters Joanna Lehman, of Branford, Conn., Kathryn Vogt, of Medford, N.J., Amy Lehman, of South Nyack, N.Y.; and son Ross, of Milwaukee, Wis., all of whom are Penn State alumni.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 6:00 p.m., at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center (doors will open at 5:00 p.m.). Immediately following the service, a reception will be held at the Hintz Family Alumni Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ross B. Lehman Freshman Leadership Award; the Katey Lehman Creative Writing Award; or the Katey Lehman Fellowship in Poetry or Fiction Writing. Contributions should be made out to The Pennsylvania State University and sent to 1 Old Main, University Park, Pa. 16802.

Honorary Alumni nominations now being accepted [top]
University Park, Pa., Dec. 1—The Penn State Alumni Association is currently accepting nominations for the 2004 Honorary Alumni Award. The award, established in 1973 by the Association, recognizes people who, though not graduates of Penn State, have made significant contributions toward the welfare, reputation, or prestige of the University. The nomination form, due Jan. 31, 2004, is available at alumni.psu.edu/awards. In 2003 the Alumni Association awarded Honorary Alumni status to Paige Nagle and George Downsbrough. Nagle served on the Grand Destiny campaign committee for the College of Arts and Architecture and, together with her husband Arthur í61 Lib, has established an endowment in the musical theatre degree program through the Nagle Family Foundation. George Downsbrough is retired president of HRB Singer, Inc. He became active in the College of Agricultural Sciences and served the college as a member of the Deanís Agricultural Advisory Committee on Animal Science, the Armsby Committee, and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. He has also served on the Board of Visitors to the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics as well as the Eberly College of Scienceís Grand Destiny Campaign Committee. For additional information about the Honorary Alumni Award, please contact Dan Genard of the Penn State Alumni Association at 800-548-LION, option 3, or e-mail dqg2@psu.edu.

The Penn State Alumni Association provides valued services to members, supports the University and students, and unites the Penn State family. Together, members of the Penn State Alumni Association are making Penn State better--strengthening the Universityís reputation as a leading American research university.

"Tip-Off Tuesday" Set For Local Fans to Meet Penn State Basketball Teams [top]
State College, Pa., Nov. 4—Area fans of Penn State's Nittany Lion and Lady Lion basketball teams will get a chance to meet the teams when the Penn State Alumni Association and the Nittany Lion Club co-sponsor "Tip-Off Tuesday" on November 18. The event will be held from 7-9 p.m. at the State College Ramada Inn, located on South Atherton Street.The event is free and refreshments will be served. New Nittany Lion head coach Ed DeChellis and veteran Lady Lion mentor Rene Portland will be in attendance as will their coaching staffs. All the Nittany Lion and Lady Lion players will be at the event as well, giving fans the chance to mingle with and talk to everyone involved with both programs. "Tip-Off Tuesday" takes place during the week leading up to the regular season openers for both teams. The Lady Lions, who are likely to be ranked in the pre-season top 10, will open the 2003-04 season against LSU on Friday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Bryce Jordan Center. The Nittany Lions will open their season on Sunday, Nov. 23 vs. Georgetown. Game time for the Lion-Hoya match-up is set for 3 p.m. in the Jordan Center. "We're urging Penn State alumni to turn out in force for this event and give a big boost to Ed and Rene's programs as the season gets underway," said Roger Williams, executive director of the Penn State Alumni Association. "We're working closely with Intercollegiate Athletics to make Penn State men's and women's basketball as popular as football, and the first step on that road is to encourage the support of the more than 30,000 Penn State alumni living in Centre County and surrounding counties." Season, weekend "mini-packs" and single game tickets for the Nittany and Lady Lions are available. Fans can purchase single game tickets at the Bryce Jordan Center ticket windows weekdays from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fans also can call 800-863-3336 or 865-5555 locally or order tickets online at www.GoPSUsports.com, the official website of Penn State Athletics. Fans interested in the "mini-pack" weekend ticket packages and season tickets can purchase them online at
www. GoPSUsports.com or by calling the Penn State Ticket Office at 800-833-5533, weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Alumni Association Names 2003 Alumni Fellows[top]
University Park, Pa., Oct. 20—Twenty alumni recognized for personal and professional achievement.The Penn State Alumni Association recently honored 20 Penn State alumni with the title of Alumni Fellow, the most prestigious award given by the Alumni Association.Since 1973, in cooperation with the University’s academic colleges and the office of the President, the Alumni Fellow Award has been given to select alumni. As leaders in their professional fields, alumni are nominated by an academic college and accept an invitation from the President of the University to return to campus to share their expertise with students, faculty, and administrators.“As Alumni Fellows, these individuals have earned the most prestigious award given by the Penn State Alumni Association,” said Penn State President Graham Spanier. “We are grateful for their acceptance of this honor, not only because they are outstanding graduates of this institution who are leading by example, but also because they are passing on their valuable experience, expertise, and perspectives to our students, faculty, and staff.”The 2003 class of Alumni Fellows includes: Donald Abbey ’70 Lib, chairman and CEO of The Abbey Company; James Carnes ’61 Eng, retired president and CEO of Sarnoff Corporation; Eugene Chaiken ’62 Bus, chairman and CEO of Alamo Corporation; Robert Emery Jr. ’69 Sci, surgeon at Cardiac Surgical Associates; Roger Fickes ’70 A&A, director of the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks; Dean Girton ’60 Agr, president of Girton Manufacturing Co., Inc.; Mirian Graddick-Weir ’78g, ’81g Lib, executive vice president of human resources at AT&T; Priscilla Guthrie ’71 Eng, deputy assistant Secretary of Defense and deputy Department of Defense chief information officer at the Pentagon; Marcus Hansen ’68 Sci, retired president of Lockheed Martin Management and Data Systems; James Harris III ’88g Edu, president of Widener University; John Heller ’67 Sci, director of research and development for Reagent Development, Abbott Laboratories; Daniel Kohlhepp ’69, ’71g Bus, regional vice president for Crescent Resources, LLC; Robert Landis ’63 EMS, president of Landis Associates; Gregory Miller ’82g H&HD, ’86g IDF, senior vice president for nutrition research and scientific affairs at Dairy Management, Inc.; Paul Nelson ’68 Sci, ’72g Hershey, interim associate dean of clinical affairs at the Indiana University Division of Neurological Surgery; Eugene O’Kelly ’72 Bus, chairman and CEO of KPMG, LLP; Gerson Rosenberg ’70, ’72g, ’75g Eng, professor of surgery, professor of bioengineering, and chief of the division of artificial organs at Hershey Medical Center; Jon Saraceno ’79 Com, sports columnist for USA Today; Lizabeth Zlatkus ’81 Bus, executive vice president and chief financial officer for Hartford Life Insurance Company; and George Zoffinger ’70 Cap, president and CEO of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.“Alumni are the University's most valuable resource,” said Roger Williams, executive director of the Penn State Alumni Association. “The Alumni Fellows program gives us the opportunity to showcase to the world the incredible contributions Penn Staters make to the betterment of the human condition.”Each Alumni Fellow was awarded a commemorative medal. Commissioned by the Alumni Association in 1971, artist John Cook, a professor of art and fellow of the Institute for Arts and Humanistic Studies at Penn State, designed the medal. The current edition of the medal, dating to 1986, depicts one of the relief capitals found on the rear facade of Old Main.The Alumni Fellow Award, presented by the Penn State Alumni Association, is administered in cooperation with the academic units. The Board of Trustees has designated the title of Alumni Fellow as permanent and lifelong.With more than 146,000 members, the Penn State Alumni Association is enhancing campus life, enriching the classroom experience, and making Penn State an even better place. For more information about the Alumni Association, or to join us in making Penn State better, please visit http://www.alumni.psu.edu.

A New Penn State Tradition—Alumni Association Unveils Official Penn State Class Ring[top]
University Park, Pa., Oct. 16—The Penn State Alumni Association, long known as the keeper of Penn State traditions, has announced a new University tradition aimed at spreading Penn State pride and uniting alumni and students. At a special ceremony held Oct. 3 at the Hintz Family Alumni Center, the Alumni Association unveiled the official Penn State class ring.Amy Wynn Pastor of The Learning Channel’s “Trading Spaces” was on hand for the ceremony. Pastor, who serves as an on-air carpenter for the popular television show, is a 1999 graduate of Penn State’s College of Arts and Architecture. Steve Jones, the voice of Penn State football and men’s basketball, served as the emcee.Alumni will be able to trade their current Penn State class ring for a discounted price on the new official ring. The new ring, which is available only to Penn State graduates and Penn State students of senior standing, will serve as a unifying symbol for Penn Staters around the world.To view photos from the event, please visit http://live.psu.edu/still_life/10_06_03_alumni/index.html.

To order your exclusive Penn State ring, contact Jostens at 800-854-7464.

The Penn State Alumni Association, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, will be holding a blood drive at the Hintz Family Alumni Center on Friday, Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.The blood drive is part of the 10th annual Penn State-Michigan State Blood Donor Challenge. Penn State now leads the yearly competition 6-3 following last year's come-from-behind victory.Blood inventories continue to linger at critical levels, and the American Red Cross has issued an emergency appeal for blood donors. At the last blood drive held at the Center--August 21--the Red Cross collected 27 units of lifesaving blood, well short of the 55-unit goal. The goal for the upcoming drive has been set at 85 units to help bring blood inventories back to adequate levels before the upcoming holiday season.Additional blood drives will be held throughout the University Park campus from Nov. 5-19. Information on those drives is available on the Student Red Cross Club Web site at http://www.clubs.psu.edu/up/redcross/.Individuals who are at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 105 lbs., and are in generally good health with no flu symptoms may be eligible to give blood every 56 days.

Appointments are not needed but are encouraged. Online scheduling is now available. To schedule an appointment, please visit http://www.psuredcross.org. More information is available on the Web site or by contacting Megan Miller at 863-1134.

Penn State alumni and friends are invited to Huddle with the Faculty again this weekend. Sports nutrition expert Dr. Kristine Clark will provide an interactive presentation on the field of sports nutrition and will counsel attendees on ways to positively improve their diet. This week’s Homecoming Huddle will take place on Saturday (Oct. 4) from 9-10 a.m. at the Nittany Lion Inn.Dr.Clark is the director of sports nutrition for Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics and Penn State Orthopedics in the College of Medicine; she is also an assistant professor of nutrition in the Center for Sports Medicine in the College of Health and Human Development. Dr. Clark counsels Penn State student athletes, as well as national and international athletes, on the relationship between eating and performance.As part of her Huddle presentation, Dr. Clark will present "Top Ten Changes to Improve Your Diet"--helping to make sense of the overwhelming quantity of dietary advice while suggesting dietary changes to improve health and energy. Huddle is free and open to the public, with free parking in the Nittany Deck and a complimentary continental breakfast.For more information about Huddle with the Faculty, including a complete line up of future programs, or to learn more about Alumni Outreach, please visit http://www.alumni.psu.edu or call 800-548-LION.

With more than 146,000 members, the Penn State Alumni Association is enhancing campus life, enriching the classroom experience, and making Penn State an even better place. For more information about the Alumni Association, or to join us in making Penn State better, please visit http://www.alumni.psu.edu.

Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and all Penn State fans are invited to attend the festivities surrounding the event. The event will feature a live remote broadcast by 97.1 QWK Rock, as well as food, games, and prizes.Although many Penn Staters have braved the elements, protecting the Lion Shrine over the years, the official tradition of guarding the Lion Shrine dates back to 1966. Various groups have guarded the shrine during Homecoming weekend to ensure that mischief and vandalism to the Nittany Lion mascot are deterred. Athletes, fraternities, Penn State ROTC, and more recently, the Lion Ambassadors, have kept watch over the shrine.

For additional information about the event, contact the Lion Ambassadors at 863-3752 or visit www.alumni.psu.edu/ambassadors.

Amy Wynn Pastor of The Learning Channel’s “Trading Spaces” will be on hand for the ceremony. Pastor, who serves as an on-air carpenter for the popular television show, is a 1999 graduate of Penn State’s College of Arts and Architecture. Steve Jones, the voice of Penn State football and men’s basketball, will emcee the event.The unveiling ceremony is being held in conjunction with the annual Student-Alumni Ice Cream Social as part of Homecoming activities. Free Creamery ice cream will be available to the public.In addition to the Ice Cream Social and the unveiling ceremony, the Alumni Association will also be sponsoring an Alumni Tent on Saturday outside gate B of the Bryce Jordan Center. Free class year buttons will be given away at the tent as supplies last. “Future Alum” buttons will also be available, and students are invited to visit the tent. The tent will be open before and after the football game and will feature live music and an appearance by the Alumni Blue Band.The Lion Ambassadors, the student corps of the Alumni Association, will be sponsoring their annual “Guard the Lion Shrine” event on Friday night beginning at 10:00 p.m. at the Lion Shrine.For more information about the unveiling of Penn State’s newest tradition or any of the Alumni Association’s Homecoming activities, please visit http://www.alumni.psu.edu.

With more than 146,000 members, the Penn State Alumni Association is enhancing campus life, enriching the classroom experience, and making Penn State an even better place. For more information about the Alumni Association, or to join us in making Penn State better, please visit http://www.alumni.psu.edu.

President Spanier Invites Nominations for Honorary Degree[top]
University Park, Pa., Sept. 18—We are writing to encourage you to nominate one or more individuals for an honorary doctoral degree from Penn State. It is an award for which guidelines were developed by our Board of Trustees in 1992. A list of honorary degree recipients awarded under this process is printed on the back of this call for nominations. The guidelines list the following criteria for eligibility for an honorary degree from Penn State:

• Sustained achievement and distinction of national or international significance in an activity consonant with the mission of the University. The nomination of individuals whose achievements and distinction have not been similarly recognized by a number of other institutions is encouraged. Alumni of the University are eligible.
• Persons serving as administrators, faculty, or staff of The Pennsylvania State University are not eligible, nor are persons currently serving as members of the Board of Trustees, as officials of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its subordinate units or members of the Legislature, during their terms of office; nor are spouses or immediate family members of the foregoing persons eligible.

A committee, made up of Penn State faculty, staff, alumni and students, reviews the nominations, vigorously screens the list of nominees, and finally puts together a short list of candidates who best match the criterion for the award. We ask that you not reveal such nominations to the candidate since the process is designed to be confidential and only a small portion of those nominated are ultimately selected.

All nominations are welcome. Nominations should include the name, and a short biography if one is readily available. Send your nominations to Steve MacCarthy, Vice President for University Relations, 201 Old Main, at the University Park Campus or via e-mail to maccarthy@psu.edu by Friday, October 24, 2003.

Alumni And Friends Invited To Football Pep Rallies[top]
University Park, Pa., Sept. 3—Alumni Association invites all Penn Staters to join in the away game festivities.

Penn State fans across the Midwest will have plenty of opportunities to display their Blue and White pride this fall. The Penn State Alumni Association has announced that it will host pep rallies prior to each away football game, including: Nebraska, Purdue, Iowa, Northwestern, and Michigan State.

Pep rally festivities will begin two hours prior to kickoff. The Penn State pep band, cheerleading squad, and Lion mascot will be on hand along with President Graham Spanier and Alumni Association executive director Roger Williams. Admission is free, no registration is necessary, and snacks will be provided. Following is the complete schedule of pep rallies:

Nebraska, September 13
Haymarket Park (home of the Lincoln Saltdogs)
403 Line Drive Circle, Lincoln, Nebraska

Purdue, October 11
Tent City
1225 Northwestern Avenue, West Lafayette, Indiana

Iowa, October 25
Tent in Hawkeye Village
Highway 6 (immediately east of the Iowa track and field complex), Iowa City, Iowa

Northwestern, November 8
Tent at the Peter N. Jans Community Golf Course
1030 Central Street, Evanston, Illinois

Michigan State, November 22
Ballroom at the MSU Student Union Building
Grand River Avenue and Abbott, East Lansing, Michigan

For more information, please contact the Alumni Association events office at 800-548-LION, option 4 or send an e-mail to alumni-events@psu.edu. Additional pep rally information is available at http://www.alumni.psu.edu/events.

With more than 146,000 members, the Penn State Alumni Association is enhancing campus life, enriching the classroom experience, and making Penn State an even better place. For more information about the Alumni Association, or to join us in making Penn State better, please visit
http://www.alumni.psu.edu.

Alumni Association to host August 21 blood drive[top]
University Park, PA, Aug. 18—The Penn State Alumni Association will be hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross on August 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hintz Family Alumni Center. The Red Cross has indicated that our region is officially on an emergency appeal for blood donors. Individuals who are at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 105 lbs., and are in generally good health with no flu symptoms may be eligible to give blood every 56 days. If you gave blood on or before June 26, you will be eligible to donate on August 21.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment to donate blood, please contact Megan Miller at mmh104@psu.edu or 863-1134. Self-scheduling is available at www.psuredcross.org.

Alumni, friends invited to HUDDLE with the Faculty[top]
University Park, PA, Aug. 18—Alumni and friends will again have more than just tailgates and touchdowns to enjoy this football season as HUDDLE with the Faculty, the popular lecture series featuring Penn State faculty, enters its 10th season. HUDDLE is held each home football Saturday at the Nittany Lion Inn. The one-hour program begins at 9:00 a.m. An exception to the start time will be those days when the football game is slated for a 3:00 p.m. or later kickoff--in which case HUDDLE will begin at 10:00 a.m. In addition to interactive presentations, HUDDLE attendees are treated to a complimentary continental breakfast. The program is free and open to the public with free parking available in the Nittany Parking Deck. This yearís line-up features a range of discussions from vascular surgery and nutrition to public policy and information technology. Dr. David Han, a Penn State alumnus and member of Alumni Council, will kick-off the new season on Aug. 30 at 10:00 a.m. with a discussion about the advantages and challenges of vascular surgery. Additional HUDDLE topics will include: the powerful influence of Hollywoodís creative cultural lenses (Dr. Iyunolu Osagie, Sept. 6), poverty and American public policy (Dr. Amy Glasmeier, Sept. 20), the influence of information technology on the American home (Dr. Jorge Schement, Sept. 27), dietary advice and suggestions for improving health and energy (Dr. Kristine Clark, Oct. 4), use of technology in military engagements (Dr. Steven Walton, Nov. 1), and musical theatre at Penn State (Mr. Cary Libkin, Nov. 15). HUDDLE with the Faculty is an Alumni Outreach program. Alumni Outreach--a partnership between the Penn State Alumni Association and Outreach--links alumni to the many continuing education products and services of the University, including professional education, career development, personal enrichment, online learning, and study tours. For more information about HUDDLE and Alumni Outreach programs, please call 800-548-LION, option5, option 5. Founded in 1870, the Penn State Alumni Association continues to connect alumni to the University and to each other while providing valued services to members, supporting the University and its students, and uniting the entire Penn State family. For more information about the Alumni Association, or to become a member, please visit http://www.alumni.psu.edu or call 800-548-LION. 2003 Huddle with the Faculty lineup:

• Aug. 30—"Minimally invasive vascular surgery: Big operations through small incisions. The wave of the future?;" David Han, M.D., assistant professor of surgery, Hershey Medical Center Sept. 6—"Seeing is believing: Spielberg's AMISTAD movie--An alternative response from Sierra Leone;" Dr. Iyunolu Osagie, associate professor of English, College of the Liberal Arts Sept. 20—"One nation, pulling apart: The origin and nature of persistent poverty in the U.S.; Dr. Amy Glasmeier, professor of geography and regional planning, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences Sept. 27—"Wiring the castle: Information technology and the transformation of the American home;" Dr. Jorge Schement, distinguished professor of communications and information policy, College of Communications Oct. 4—"Top ten changes to improve your diet;" Dr. Kristine Clark, director of sports nutrition for Intercollegiate Athletics, Orthopedics in the College of Medicine, and assistant professor of nutrition in the College of Health and Human Development Nov. 1—"How war became scientific: Research, governments, and military technology;" Dr. Steven Walton, assistant professor of science, technology, and society, College of Engineering
• Nov. 15—"Penn State Musical Theatre;" Mr. Cary Libkin, MFA, professor and head of the Department of Musical Theatre, College of Arts and Architecture

Big Ten Conference Enacts Crowd Control Initiatives[top]
PARK RIDGE, IL—August 14, 2003
After growing concerns over the environment surrounding intercollegiate football and basketball games during the 2002-03 athletic seasons, the Big Ten Conference recently passed a set of initiatives to address fan behavior and improve security for visiting teams and game officials throughout the conference. Crowd control became a nation-wide issue last season following post-game incidents of fans rushing the playing fields, rioting and other destructive behavior. The Big Ten Conference and others nationally were involved in a Sportsmanship and Fan Behavior Summit held in Dallas in February. Out of that summit, Conference leaders formulated the following initiatives which were presented to the Big Ten Council of Presidents/Chancellors and unanimously approved by the Conference’s Administrators Council in June. Big Ten Crowd Control and Protection of Visiting Teams/Officials:

1. Protection of Visiting Team and Officials: Host institutions must provide adequate security and protection for the visiting team and game officials and their vehicles immediately upon arrival on campus/at the competition venue continuing through their departure. Home Team Student Sections/Bands: Institutions will be held responsible for school sponsored student sections that attack or single out student-athletes. In basketball venues, home team bands will be moved away from the visiting bench area. In-Game Video Replay Policy: Institutions shall refrain from showing replays on video boards where an officiating call could be considered a substantial part of the play. Also, all noise emanating from a video or message board must stop prior to game action.
2. Implement Comprehensive Communications Plan: “Respect the game”—The Conference office has developed a broad plan to communicate the message of sportsmanship to students, administrators, alumni and fans.

“The Big Ten Conference is taking a very serious step forward to monitor crowd control and fan behavior in and around our venues,” Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany said. “Sporting events should be fun and enthusiastic environments for the participants and those in attendance. However in some cases, unruly behavior has over-shadowed the games and, at times, threatened the welfare of student-athletes, coaches, officials and fans. “For more than 100 years, the Big Ten Conference has focused on fairness and sportsmanship and we want everyone involved with our competitions to uphold these values. Our message is simple, ‘Respect the game’,” Delany added.

Along with these initiatives, Big Ten football and men’s and women’s basketball head coaches are participating in public service announcements for the Conference addressing this topic.

Successful FastStart Program Seeks Faculty and Staff Mentors[top]
University Park, PA—July 15, 2003
Initiated in 1996 as a mentoring program for students of color new to Penn State‚s University Park campus, FastStart is quickly telling its story of success. Since its inception, the program has served more than 600 students--with 97 percent of the 2002-03 students giving the program a favorable rating.

Early examination of graduation and retention rates indicates that FastStart is positively impacting the University and those students served by the program. Of students from the entering class of 1999 who participated in the program, 86 percent were retained into their fourth year--a rate 11 percent higher than the University Park average for students of color that year. Veronika Medina is one of the many students who has benefited from the program. "The program was fantastic because it helped me to be more involved in activities, to know new friends, and to grow as a person. It really was an incredible and unforgettable experience for me.

Sponsored by the Alumni Association and the Division of Student Affairs, FastStart creates a mentoring triad of a faculty/staff member, alumni, and student. The FastStart program is an annual program that begins at the start of the academic year. Applications to be a mentor are taken throughout the year and the program continually enrolls more students than mentors--so all interested faculty, staff, and alumni are encouraged to apply.

Participants set their own parameters for involvement. Mentors are asked to help their student by providing advice, referring students to available resources, and by simply being a friend. While the program was designed to welcome students of color, it is open to any first year student and all interested faculty, staff, and alumni.

Entering its eighth year, FastStart grew out of the Buddy Program--a University-wide initiative housed in the Paul Robeson Cultural Center. During the past eight years, Penn State's active recruitment and retention efforts have resulted in a 50 percent increase in minority enrollments. Aiding in this effort, programs such as FastStart have helped the University achieve the highest graduation rate for African Americans among its Big Ten counterparts.

Students are not the only participants who see the value of this program. In a recent survey of faculty/staff mentors, 94 percent rated the program either outstanding or very good and said they would recommend the program to a colleague. "Being a FastStart mentor was very rewarding, and I loved the connectedness with the student. This program allows me a unique look into the lives of students, the ability to give back to Penn State, and the opportunity to enrich my own life by learning from new young and interesting friends," said Melinda Stearns, director of the Outreach Office of Client Development.

While providing students with valuable career advice through shadowing and counseling opportunities, mentors also accompany their protégés to sporting events, movies, coffee houses, and plays. FastStart participants also teamed on a number of volunteer projects during the 2002-03 academic year.

Applications can be picked up at the FastStart office located at 17 HUB-Robeson Center, or by contacting program coordinator Lydia Hanhardt at 814-863-6386 or lbh10@psu.edu. Additional information can be found on the Alumni Association Web site at http://www.alumni.psu.edu/faststart.

Founded in 1870, the Penn State Alumni Association is the largest dues-paying alumni association in America with more than 146,000 members. For more information about the Alumni Association, including how to become involved with the various programs and events, visit the Alumni Association‚s Web site at http://www.alumni.psu.edu or call 800-548-5466.

The Penn Stater Magazine Garners National Recognition[top]
University Park, PA—July 14, 2003
Continuing its emergence as one of the finest alumni magazines in the country, The Penn Stater magazine was recently awarded the Distinguished Achievement award from the Association of Educational Publishers (EdPress) in the "Periodicals News Story" category. The winning entry, "Without Consent"—a feature article about sexual assault on college campuses—was written by Gigi Marino í88, í93g and appeared in the January/February 2002 issue of the magazine.

In addition to the EdPress award—the magazineís eighth national award in 2003—the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) presented the periodical with a Grand Gold in the "Best Article of the Year" category for "Insect for the Prosecution." Earlier this year, the magazine received a Gold Award in ìCover Photo-Illustrationî from the Society of National Association Publications (SNAP).

The Penn Stater magazine has claimed 37 national awards in the past five years. As the flagship publication of the Penn State Alumni Association, the magazine serves a readership of more than 146,000. In a recent survey conducted by the magazine, a majority of alumni named The Penn Stater magazine as their top source for Penn State news and information.

Founded in 1870, the Penn State Alumni Association is the largest dues-paying alumni association in the country, with more than 146,000 members. For more information about the Alumni Association, including how to become involved with the various programs and events, visit the Alumni Associationís Web site at www.alumni.psu.edu or call 800-548-5466.

Sister Hazel Highlights AfterFest 2003 Lineup[top]
University Park, PA—July 9, 2003
National recording artist Sister Hazel will perform a free concert at AfterFest 2003 along with regional acts SR-71 and Axum. The event will take place Saturday, July 12 on the HUB lawn of Penn State's University Park campus.

AfterFest--an initiative of the Blue & White Society—was established in 2001 as an alcohol-free alternative for students, alumni, and community members during the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.

This yearís event is partially funded by the University Park Allocation Committee. Activities—including free food, inflatable games, and laser tag--will be available from 10:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m. Axum will take the stage at 11:00 p.m. followed by SR-71 at 12:15 a.m. Sister Hazel will wrap up the night's entertainment beginning at 1:30 a.m.

AfterFest 2002 attracted more than 12,000 people. The Violent Femmes, along with Trik Turner and Axum, performed at last yearís event, while Seven Mary Three, Bare Soles, and Stept On played at AfterFest 2001.

AfterFest is an alcohol-free event and no bottles will be allowed on the HUB lawn. For more information, please contact event director Robyn Ricketts at robynricketts@psu.edu.

The Blue & White Society is the student membership of the Penn State Alumni Association. For more information about the Blue & White Society, including how to become involved with the various programs and events, visit the Societyís Web site at www.alumni.psu.edu/GoBW.

Penn State Alumni Association Gives $300,000 To Create Trustee Scholarships[top]

University Park, Pa.—Tuesday, July 1, 2003. The Penn State Alumni Association has committed $300,000 to create scholarships for students who have financial need. The Alumni Association‚s gift supports a new University initiative, the Trustee Scholarship program, to raise $100 million in endowed scholarships over five years to help keep a Penn State education accessible to students, regardless of their financial means.

The Alumni Association‚s gift comes from its Margin of Excellence fund, created in 1999 as a permanent endowment to support periodic gifts to the University.

We chose to establish Trustee Scholarships because the awards are based on need and will help keep Penn State affordable for students on all campuses of the University,‰ said Alumni Association President Marianne Alexander of Ellicott City, Md.

The Trustee Scholarship Program, approved by the Board of Trustees last year, features a unique matching component. University funds are combined with income from the donor‚s endowment when making awards to students, thus increasing the impact of the scholarship. These matching funds—5 percent of the gift—become available as soon as the donor completes scholarship pledge forms and guidelines. Each Trustee Scholarship requires a $50,000 minimum endowment.

" The University is incredibly grateful to the Association for this important gift," said Rod Kirsch, vice president for development and alumni relations. "I hope it will serve as an example and inspiration to individual alumni who might consider establishing a Trustee Scholarship and thereby doubling the impact of their own giving."

Previous gifts from the Margin of Excellence fund total $700,000 and include support for construction of a new practice facility for the Blue Band, scholarships for students at Penn State‚s Commonwealth College campuses, and supplemental funds for the Class of 2001‚s gift of historic lights along the University Park campus‚s Allen Street mall.

Alexander noted that the Margin of Excellence fund was created entirely with income from the Alumni Association‚s entrepreneurial programs. "We used income from such sources as the MBNA credit card, Alumni Tours, the online Alumni Store, and licensing fees from makers of products of interest to our members," she said. "We did not use any membership dues. Our aim in establishing the Margin of Excellence fund was to secure a permanent source of funds that would enable the Association to continue its long tradition of philanthropy to Penn State."

That tradition began in 1954 with the establishment of Alumni Memorial Scholarships. Since 1988, the Association has made more than $11.1 million in gifts to the University, including funding for additional scholarships, graduate fellowships and teaching awards. The University Libraries and the construction of the Bryce Jordan Center, the All-Sports Museum and the HUB-Robeson Center are also among the beneficiaries of Alumni Association philanthropy.

With more than 145,000 dues-paying members, the Penn State Alumni Association is the largest organization of its kind in the nation.

Arts Festival Weekend Welcomes Alumni[top]
University Park, PA—June 23, 2003
The Penn State Alumni Association is inviting all alumni back to State College to celebrate the annual Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts during Arts Festival Alumni Weekend. This nostalgic event provides alumni an opportunity to relive their college years by staying on campus in residence halls close to the Arts Festival. The weekendís festivities will be held Wednesday, July 9-Sunday, July 13 in downtown State College and on Penn Stateís University Park campus.

In addition to the many attractions of the Arts Festival, Alumni Weekend registrants will be treated to an ice cream social featuring Penn State Creamery ice cream and a performance by the alumni band "Cartoon." A clown will be on hand and face painting will be available for the young and young-at-heart.

Alumni Weekend is open to all Penn Staters. Alumni Association members may register by paying a $10 registration fee; the fee for non-members is $40 and includes a one-year membership. The registration deadline for the event is June 25.

By registering for the weekend activities, registrants are eligible for housing in the on-campus residence halls. Housing is available on a first-come first-served basis.

For more information about Arts Festival Alumni Weekend and how you can recapture your days at Penn State, please visit the Alumni Associationís Web site at www.alumni.psu.edu or call 800-548-5466 (option #4).

Founded in 1870, the Penn State Alumni Association is the largest dues-paying alumni association in the country, with more than 145,000 members. For more information about the Alumni Association, including how to become involved with the various programs and events, visit the Alumni Associationís Web site at www.alumni.psu.edu or call 800-548-5466.

Parents and Families Day Set For Fall 2003[top]
University Park, PA—June 23, 2003
Parents and families of Penn State students attending the University Park campus will be in State College September 12-13 for Parents and Families Day. The annual Parents and Families Day event is sponsored by the Penn State Alumni Association and the Office of Student Affairs.

The weekendís schedule includes campus tours, open houses, ice cream socials, Old Main bell tower tours, and the Melissa Heydenreich 5K Moxie-thon. Synergy, the Penn State Student Talent Show, will also take place that weekend.

Information about the weekend, including a schedule of events and campus map, will be available at the welcome desk in the main lobby of the HUB-Robeson Center on September 13 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Additional information is available on the Alumni Associationís Web site at www.alumni.psu.edu.

Founded in 1870, the Penn State Alumni Association is the largest dues-paying alumni association in the country, with more than 146,000 members. For more information about the Alumni Association, including how to become involved with the various programs and events, visit the Alumni Association's Web site at www.alumni.psu.edu or call 800-548-5466.

Blood Drive—August 21[top]
University Park, Pa., June 11, 2003—The Penn State Alumni Association will be hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross on August 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Alumni Center. You may safely donate blood every 56 days. If you give blood on or before June 26, you will be eligible to donate on August 21. The Red Cross has indicated that our region is officially on an emergency appeal for blood donors. Over the course of the last few months, inventories have continued to slowly decline and only 70-percent of hospital demand is being met.

You will receive additional information in the next couple of weeks, along with information on signing up. But for now...save the date.

Online Seminar Examines Recent Terrorist Events[top]
University Park, PA—May 29, 2003
The Penn State Alumni Association and Penn State World Campus are teaming up to provide 'A Consumerís Guide to Terrorism'—the fourth in the series of onLion Seminars for Penn Staters.

Faculty expert Philip Jenkins will lead the seminar. Exploring the issues of terrorism in our world today, Jenkins will explain how views about terrorism change over time, and how the general public receives information and forms opinions on this critical topic. Through a case-study approach, participants will have the opportunity to examine several recent terrorist events through different perspectives. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with Jenkins through the online discussion board from June 3-6.

The free online seminars are designed to provide alumni access to the expertise of Penn Stateís distinguished faculty and prominent alumni. Penn Staters may log on to 'A Consumerís Guide to Terrorism' anytime between May 30 and June 30 at http://www.alumni.psu.edu or http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu to participate at their own pace.

Past seminars which are still available for viewing include: 'Lore of the Lion,' 'Pennsylvania's History and Future: Creating New Perspectives,' and 'Gardening the Penn State Way.' More than 400 people have participated in onLion Seminars since the pilot program first launched in February.

Founded in 1870, the Penn State Alumni Association is the largest dues-paying alumni association in the country, with more than 146,000 members. For more information about the Alumni Association, including how to become involved with the various programs and events, visit the Alumni Association Web site at http://www.alumni.psu.edu or call 1-800-548-LION.

Penn State World Campus was created in 1997 with a mission of providing learners worldwide access to Penn State academic programs and resources. For more information about World Campus, visit http://worldcampus.psu.edu or call 1-800-252-3592.

Grassroots Network To Mobilize Statewide Advocacy For Penn State[top]
University Park, PA—April 28, 2003
Penn State's state appropriation per student is the lowest in the Commonwealth—lower than Pitt, lower than Temple, lower than all 14 universities in the State System of Higher Education, and lower than any other public institution in the Big Ten. Why? Good question. Want to do something about it? Come to the University Park Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hintz Family Alumni Center to learn more about the Penn State Grassroots Network and how you can become an advocate for the University.

President Graham Spanier will discuss the University's current appropriation request and its impact on Penn State. For more on the Penn State Grassroots Network, an initiative of the Penn State Alumni Association, go to http://www.alumni.psu.edu/grassroots/.

Founded in 1870, the Penn State Alumni Association is the largest dues-paying alumni association in the country, with more than 146,000 members. For more information about the Alumni Association, including how to become involved with its various programs and events, visit the Alumni Association Web site at http://www.alumni.psu.edu or call 1-800-548-LION.

Blue & White Society Named Penn State's Most Active Organization[top]
University Park, Pa., April 11, 2003—Penn State Undergraduate Student Government has named the Blue & White Society the “Most Active Student Organization” on the University Park campus. As part of the first USG Student Organization Awards program, the Blue & White Society—the student membership of the Penn State Alumni Association—was recognized for the amount of programs it offered and the number of students it reached over the past year. Through programs such as AfterFest, a late-night alternative festival held in early July, and Rally in the Valley, a fall pep rally held during football season, the Blue & White Society engaged more than 20,000 students, faculty and staff, alumni, and friends during the past year. In addition to these programs, the Society also sponsors and participates in numerous community service and spirit-based events. The mission of the Penn State Blue & White Society is: “To enhance student life at Penn State through diversified experiences—with an emphasis on service to the community, civic leadership, tradition, and outreach—while establishing a lifelong commitment to the University as members of the Penn State Alumni Association.”

For more information about the Blue & White Society, or to become a member, please visit http://bws.alumni.psu.edu/.

Alumni Association Partners to Offer Free Financial Counseling to Students[top]
University Park, Pa., April 8, 2003—The Penn State Alumni Association, in partnership with MBNA America and Penn State's Division of Student Affairs, is offering Penn State students a free credit-counseling service through an on-campus Student Financial Advisor. The service, one of only two in the country with which MBNA is directly involved, is designed to educate students on the proper use of credit and provide a resource for those who would like individual guidance on financial matters. The official on-campus student financial counseling program is coordinated by Christina Jones, a senior business logistics major at Penn State. Jones facilitates interactive presentations to classes and student groups, as well as confidential one-on-one counseling sessions. “What we've found, is that while a great number of students carry a personal credit card, many don't understand how they work and the best way to manage their accounts,” said Geoff Conrad, the Alumni Association's business relations director. “The intent of this program is to help educate students about the proper use of credit—before they get the credit card.” Jones received intensive education from MBNA on the issues of credit use and account balances, and reports weekly to the company on the progress of the program. She is available to meet with students in 208 HUB on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., or by appointment.

Additional information is available by contacting Jones at 814-777-4793 or by email at PSUsfes@yahoo.com.

Popular Golf Schools Enter Fourth Year[top]
University Park, PA—March 25, 2003
Alumni Outreach has announced that it will again offer the popular Nittany Lion Golf Schools this spring and summer.
Nittany Lion Golf Schools offer personal instruction by top PGA and LPGA golf professionals for recreational and competitive players at all skill levels. Conducted on Penn Stateís university golf courses, the golf schools are led by a staff that includes Denise St. Pierre and Greg Nye—varsity golf coaches at Penn State.

Lady Lion Golf School will take place May 2-4. The registration deadline for the Lady Lion School is April 1. Additional Golf Schools will be held June 6-8, June 13-15, and June 18-20. Interested participants should register for the June schools by May 1, and for the July school by June 1.

For more information on Nittany Lion Golf Schools, please visit http://www.outreach.psu.edu/AE/GolfSchool, call 814-865-5466, or e-mail mvs4@psu.edu.

Nittany Lion Golf Schools are an outreach program of the College of Health and Human Development, Penn State Sports Camps, and the Penn State Alumni Association.

Alumni Outreach is a cooperative program of the Penn State Alumni Association and the office of Outreach and Cooperative Extension.

Online Seminar Examines PA History And Future[top]
University Park, PA—March 21, 2003
The Penn State Alumni Association and Penn State World Campus are teaming up to provide 'Pennsylvaniaís History and Future: Creating New Perspectives'—the second in the series "onLion Seminars for Penn Staters." More than 200 participants logged on for the pilot seminar, 'Lore of the Lion,' launched last month.'Pennsylvania's History and Future,' launching March 24, offers a reflective experience intended to challenge seminar participants to look critically at the history of the Commonwealth. Guided interactive sessions examine the more recent developments in Pennsylvania and how the past may help to bring about a better future. Participants have the opportunity to interact with host faculty members William Pencak, Professor of History at Penn State and Randall Miller, Professor of History at Saint Josephís University. The session is based on the book 'Pennsylvania, A History of the Commonwealth,' co-edited by Pencak and Miller.

The free online seminars are designed to enable alumni to access the expertise of Penn Stateís distinguished faculty and prominent alumni. Penn Staters may log on to 'Pennsylvaniaís History and Future' anytime between March 24 and April 20 at http://www.alumni.psu.edu or http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu to participate at their own pace.

Founded in 1870, the Penn State Alumni Association is the largest dues-paying alumni association in the country, with more than 146,000 members. For more information about the Alumni Association, including how to become involved with the various programs and events, visit the Alumni Association Web site at http://www.alumni.psu.edu or call 1-800-548-5466.

Penn State World Campus was created in 1997 with a mission of providing learners worldwide with access to Penn State academic programs and resources. For more information about World Campus, visit http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu or call 1-800-252-3592.

Alumni Association Continues Tradition Of Giving To THON[top]
University Park, PA—March 14, 2003
The Penn State Alumni Association joined with organizations across Penn State in supporting the 2003 IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.

The Associationís THON Alumni and Parent program was a success, welcoming 83 former dancers and more than 530 parents of dancers participating in this yearís event. The weekend included emotional speeches from two Four Diamonds Fund Families, parent and alumni hours on the dance floor, and a ìLearn the Line Danceî session that incorporated a well-received visit from the Lion mascot.

The Associationís two student groups also participated in the event. The Lion Ambassadors sponsored two couples and raised more than $11,000. In addition to the sponsored couples, nine other Ambassadors danced and 17 served as overalls and captains. The Blue & White Society, student members of the Association, also sponsored two couples and raised more than $5,400.

This marks the tenth year that the Association has partnered with the nationís largest student-run philanthropy. In addition to the Alumni and Parent program and student group involvement, the Association provided cash donations, offered free student memberships to THON dancers, and assisted in the sponsorship of other THON-related events.

For those people not able to return to State College for the weekend, THON merchandise is now available on the Alumni Associationís Alumni Store. Items such as THON sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, and coffee mugs are available. All profits from these items will be donated by the Association directly back to THON. To view this yearís selection of THON items, please visit www.alumnistore.psu.edu.

2003 Alumni Awards Nominations Now Being Accepted[top]
University Park, PA—February 25, 2003
The Penn State Alumni Association is accepting nominations for the 2003 Alumni Recognition Awards. The recognition program of the Alumni Association acknowledges individuals and groups for outstanding service to the University, program development and enrichment, and personal and professional achievements.

Nominations for individual awards include the Volunteer of the Year Award, Recent Alumnus/Alumna Award, and the Philip Philip Mitchell Alumni Service Award.

Group organization award nominations are accepted in the areas of Chapter Achievement Awards, Society Achievement Awards, Affiliate Program Group Achievement Award, Alumni Interest Group Achievement Award, P.R.I.D.E. Achievement Award, and the Outstanding National Service Week Project Award.

The deadline for nomination submissions is April 30, 2003. Nomination forms are available on the Alumni Association's Web page at alumni.psu.edu.

For additional information, contact the Volunteer Management Team at 1-800-548-5466, option 3, or e-mail alumni_recognition@psu.edu.

Alumni Association and World Campus present "Lore of the Lion"[top]
University Park, PA—February 12, 2003
The Penn State Alumni Association and Penn State World Campus are teaming up to provide a new learning opportunity for alumni. "OnLion Seminars for Penn Staters" will enable alumni to access the expertise of Penn State's distinguished faculty and prominent alumni through interactive online seminars. "Lore of the Lion: Everything You Wanted to Know About the Nittany Lion, but Were Afraid to Ask" will begin on February 17 and is the first in a series of free seminars.

"Lore of the Lion" will examine some of the most popular tales about Penn State's famous symbol. Steve Herb and Lee Stout, both experts and authors on Penn State lore, will host the online session. Participants may log on anytime between February 17 and March 17 at alumni.psu.edu or worldcampus.psu.edu to participate at their own pace. The seminars will allow participants to interact with other alumni and seminar faculty members.

Founded in 1870, the Penn State Alumni Association is the largest dues-paying alumni association in the country, with more than 146,000 members. For more information about the Alumni Association, including how to become involved with the various programs and events, visit the Alumni Association Web site at alumni.psu.edu or call 1-800-548-LION.

Penn State World Campus was created in 1997 with a mission of providing learners worldwide with access to Penn State academic programs and resources. For more information about World Campus, visit worldcampus.psu.edu or call 1-800-252-3592.

Penn State Alumni Association to Hold Blood Drive[top]
University Park, Pa., February 11, 2003—The Penn State Alumni Association, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, will be holding a blood drive at the Hintz Family Alumni Center. The event will take place on Tuesday, February 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For every unit of blood collected, the Greater Alleghenies Region of the American Red Cross will contribute $2 to the Four Diamonds Fund. Every presenting donor will receive a 2003 ARC/THON t-shirt, pin, and five THON spirit points. Individuals who are at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 105 lbs., and are in generally good health with no flu symptoms may be eligible to give blood every 56 days. Even if you donated on the final day of the Penn State-Michigan State Blood Donor Challenge, you are eligible to donate on February 18.

Appointments are not needed but are encouraged. Online scheduling is now available. To schedule an appointment, please visit psuredcross.org. More information is available on the Web site or by contacting Mary Seaton at 865-8081.

Alumnus Chosen As Alumni Association Executive Director[top]
University Park, Pa., February 10, 2003—Roger L. Williams ’73,’75 MA,’88 DEd, associate vice chancellor for university relations at the University of Arkansas, has been appointed executive director of the Penn State Alumni Association, effective June 1. Williams will succeed Diane Ryan, who will retire after 23 years at the University, including six years in her current post.

Williams holds three degrees from Penn State and comes to the University with more than 25 years of higher education communications, public relations, and marketing experience. He has served as the chief public relations officer at three major research universities, including nine years as assistant vice president and executive director of university relations at Penn State. “ Roger’s high energy level, genuine passion for Penn State, and long experience as an administrator in higher education will serve the University and the Association extremely well. I am excited to have him return to Penn State,” said Rodney P. Kirsch, vice president for development and alumni relations at Penn State. “His familiarity with Penn State tradition and history combined with his capacity for creative leadership makes him a perfect choice for this job.” “ Penn State has built the biggest, the best, and the most financially secure alumni association in the country, and I’m grateful for Diane Ryan’s extraordinary contributions,” Williams said. “Being No. 1 is always a challenge, however—there are no tail lights to follow, and everyone else is trying to follow yours and pass you by. I have tremendous respect for the volunteers and staff—with their help we will take the Association to unprecedented heights.” Williams has held his current position at the University of Arkansas since 1998, and has helped position the school as a nationally competitive research university. Under his guidance, the institution’s University Relations staff won the top national award for college and university public relations and communications programs from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) as well as two bronze awards for science and research communications. At Penn State, Williams helped to build a nationally prominent program that received more than 100 awards from CASE—including the top award for institutional relations in both 1991 and 1992. He also worked to develop the Department of University Marketing. “ The Association’s service to our alumni members and to the university is more important than it has ever been. Roger’s exceptional experience in higher education will help us meet and exceed our future goals,” said Alumni Association President-elect Marianne Alexander. “His knowledge and pride in Penn State will help us maintain our national prominence and further the connections of Penn Staters everywhere.” Williams began his Penn State career in 1978 as a writer-editor in the Department of Public Information. In 1980, he assumed the director of campus relations position at Penn State Harrisburg. He returned to University Park a year later as manager of special projects. In 1984 he was promoted to assistant director and in 1985 to director of public information. He assumed his duties as assistant vice president and executive director of university relations in 1986. Since 1992 he has served at Penn State as an adjunct assistant professor of higher education—a position he continued to hold even after leaving the University Relations office. All told, Williams’ professional career with Penn State has spanned 25 years. Prior to his work at Arkansas, Williams served as the executive director of consulting services for Dick Jones Communications—a State College-based firm specializing in higher education communications and marketing. In addition, Williams served as the associate vice president for communications at Georgetown University from 1995-1996. Williams has published 25 professional and scholarly articles. His book, The Origins of Federal Support for Higher Education: George W. Atherton and the Land-Grant College Movement (Penn State Press, 1991), was drawn from his doctoral thesis, which won the 1989 dissertation-of-the-year award from the Association for the Study of Higher Education. He holds a bachelor’s in history, a master’s in journalism, and a doctorate in higher education, all from Penn State.

Williams is married to Karen Magnuson, assistant director of publications at Penn State. He has a son, Nathan, 28; a daughter, Andrea Weston, 25; a step-daughter, Jessica Horne, 17; and a step-son, Philip Horne, 14.