| FALL 2003... |
ALUMNI SOCIETY & DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Ivyside Society Inductions Highlight Evening of Recognition, Celebration
 "Only through the unprecedented generosity of the Ivyside Society's members has it been possible for countless financially-challenged students to receive scholarships that enabled them to pursue their dream of a college education …for greatly needed state-of-the-art academic facilities to be constructed on our campus…and for a plethora of unfunded programs and projects to become a reality within the classrooms, laboratories, computer centers, libraries, and general purpose areas of Penn State Altoona,"
- Dr. William G. Cale, Jr., CEO and Dean
The formal inductions of individuals, couples, corporations and foundations into Penn State Altoona's Ivyside Society on September 25 highlighted an evening of recognition and celebration in the Community Arts Center on campus. The Ivyside Society was established by the Penn State Altoona Advisory Board in 1987 to honor those who, through their philanthropic support and leadership, share a commitment to the continuing excellence of Penn State Altoona.
William G. Cale, Jr., Penn State Altoona CEO and Dean, presided over the ceremony. Merle K. Evey, Chairperson of the College's Advisory Board, assisted Dr. Cale with the presentation of medals to the inductees.
 In addition to the awards ceremony, the program included a musical review specially produced for this event, entitled
A Toast to Broadway's Leading Ladies, featuring members of Altoona's theater community.
The Ivyside Society consists of two categories of membership: Gold and Silver. Membership in the Gold Category reflects lifetime giving of $25,000 or more. Membership in the Silver Category reflects lifetime giving of $10,000 to $24,999.
In his remarks, Dr. Cale noted that Penn State Altoona's transformation from an undergraduate center housed in an abandoned grade school building in 1939 into a premier institution of higher learning on 150 strategically-developed acres would not have been possible without the involvement of the visionaries who constitute the Ivyside Society.
New members of the Ivyside Society's Gold Category are: Cablan G. Azar, of Altoona; Anne Sloan Borland (posthumously); Deborah Newell Duffield, of Altoona; Keith E. and Linda A. Forrest, of Petersborough, NH; Virginia L. Gates (posthumously); John R. and Beverly L. Hoover, of Seabrook Island, SC; Maurice A. and Mary Lou Lawruk, of Altoona; M&T Bank Charitable Foundation, Buffalo, NY; North American Communications, Inc., Duncansville; Penn State Altoona Advisory Board; Doris Beattie Prindle (posthumously); William J. and Judith D. Rossman, of Hollidaysburg; Stephen G. and Nancy L. Sheetz, of Altoona; and Phillip B. and Rosalind E. Sky, of Altoona.
 Society members previously in the Silver Category and now in the Gold Category are: Appleton Papers, Inc., Roaring Spring; W.S. Lee & Sons, Inc., Altoona; New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc., New Enterprise, PA; Arthur E. Pollock, MD, of Hollidaysburg; Neil M. and Marilyn J. Port, of Hollidaysburg; and Frances P. Strassman, of Reston, VA.
New members of the Silver Category are: John R. and Patricia L. Beyer, of Altoona; John E., III and Constance D. Boyd, of King of Prussia, PA; Helen M. Christodoulos, of Altoona; Zella E. Crist (posthumously); Crown American Corp., Johnstown, PA; Benjamin I. and Rebecca A. Levine, of Altoona; James B. and Joann A. Miller, of Mount Lebanon, PA; Bernard G. Monahan, of Pleasanton, CA; Stevens Mortuary, Inc., Altoona; Diane S. Osgood, of Hollidaysburg; and Philip S. and Amy Coleman Perchy, of Altoona.
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Striving for Excellence
Striving for excellence has always been a part of Sue Woodring's work ethic during her more than 13 years with Penn State, and she's now carrying on that tradition of excellence here at Penn State Altoona. As the College's new Director of Development & Alunni Relations, Woodring will be working to advance the development program at Penn State Altoona and help bring awareness of the needs of the College and bridge philanthropic interests with these needs.
Before coming to Penn State Altoona, Woodring spent 13 years in development with the Commonwealth Education System of Penn State. She most recently worked in the Eberly College of Science and raised $82 million for its Capital Campaign.
She'll be traveling to areas with high concentrations of Penn State Altoona alumni including California, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia.
"I'm eager to meet Penn State Altoona alumni and friends across the country and am looking at ways to get young alumni involved and engaged in Penn State Altoona."
Woodring will be residing in Altoona and is currently working on her graduate degree in nonprofit management.
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Alumni Society Spotlight: Stacy Lovrich
A few years ago, one of the hottest books on the market was entitled, "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things," by Robert Fulghum. If so inclined, Stacy Lovrich could one day slightly modify that title for an autobiography dubbed, "All I Really Need to Know About Business I Learned in My Parents' Restaurant."
 A 2000 Penn State graduate, Lovrich has helped out at the restaurant, Tim's American Café in Altoona, since she was 16. What she learned generally cannot be found in any textbook.
"What surprised me most is the time, responsibility, flexibility and willingness to work that you must have to run your own business," said Lovrich, a Loan Operations Representative for Reliance Bank. "Also, you are only as successful as your employees; you must have communication between employee and employer."
While contributing to the success of the family business, Lovrich also has witnessed firsthand the importance of long-term commitment, treating people with respect and business ethics. Her parents, Tim and Debbie Hatch, possess many qualities that she tries to emulate, but chief among them are the fair and honest manner in which they interact with their employees, their generosity, and motivation to succeed in business and life.
"I really admire my parents' work ethic, willingness to work towards their dreams, and dedication to customer service," Lovrich commented. "Having the opportunity to see how hard work has led to my family's success has inspired me both in my individual career and my future goals."
Lovrich was motivated to pursue a degree in business administration/financial services at Penn State by her involvement at Tim's. While the long hours spent at the restaurant provided exposure to the inherent highs and lows of a demanding business enterprise, academic experiences at Penn State Altoona and the University Park campus laid the foundation Lovrich needed to enter the workforce fully prepared for business opportunities. Additionally, through an internship in the marketing department at Reliance Bank, she worked alongside individuals who taught her the importance of business principles.
"I am very happy with the educational and professional decisions that I have made," Lovrich stated. "I have gained considerable useful knowledge from Penn State and Reliance Bank. I would like to continue to advance in my current position at Reliance Bank and gain knowledge of other areas within the bank. I have learned and grown from the relationships and experiences I have encountered through my years in business and would like to continue to add to and improve my business skills."
Lovrich has said often that Penn State Altoona provided her with a great start to her professional career, and she recently reconnected with her alma mater as a member of the Penn State Altoona Alumni Society Board of Directors.
"I am very excited about the growth at Penn State Altoona," Lovrich said. "We are obviously making strides to become an even better educational opportunity for the next generation of students. I am very proud of my education through Penn State Altoona and relish the opportunity to be associated professionally with the University."
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Alumni Society Spotlight: Rex Kaup
In February 2003, less than two years after completing six years of service on the Penn State Altoona Alumni Society Board of Directors, Rex Kaup expressed a strong desire to once again assume a leadership role in the organization. When asked why he was so anxious to return, Kaup said simply, "I've been on and off the Board so many times…I miss it!"
Indeed, Kaup has long been a dedicated volunteer, working on behalf of the College's interests for nearly a quarter century. Elected to a fresh three-year term on the Alumni Society Board in June, Kaup already possesses a remarkable series of accomplishments as an alumni leader. A 1973 Penn State graduate, Kaup was invited to join the Advisory Board at Penn State Altoona in 1979, the youngest member ever elected to the Advisory Board. His recommendation that the president of the Alumni Society serve as an ex-officio member of the Advisory Board created greater visibility for the Society in the community and strengthened lines of communication between members of Penn State Altoona's volunteer bodies. The bridge that Kaup built also led to a pool of candidates for the Advisory Board when vacancies occurred.
 Kaup was first elected to the Alumni Society Board in the early 1980s, and has served as treasurer, vice president and president. He worked with Penn State Altoona staff to organize various trips and was a driving force behind the initial "big screen" football parties. This event has evolved into the tremendously popular Midwinter Dance. Adding a buffet and live entertainment to the post-game lineup, Kaup and the Board discovered a revenue source that eventually enabled the Society to endow a $25,000 scholarship fund.
Even after his most recent term on the Board concluded in 2001, Kaup continued to solicit sponsors for the dance, sell tickets, and explore novel promotional ideas.
"I like the Alumni Society's team concept and am honored to be a small part of our great University's support system," said Kaup, a Certified Public Accountant and Partner in Young, Oakes, Brown and Company, P.C.
Kaup is rightfully proud of his many contributions to Penn State Altoona, and of the achievements of his two daughters, who both received their undergraduate degrees at George Mason University in Virginia. Candice, a 1993 government and politics major, worked as a Congressional aide in the office of E.G. "Bud" Shuster before moving into a liaison position with a prominent District of Columbia law firm. She has made a career change and now is a self-employed personal trainer based out of her Arlington, VA, home. She was married in 2000, and in March 2003, had twin sons, Ethan and Ryan.
Courtney graduated from George Mason in 2000 with a degree in Biology. She attended the University on a full athletic scholarship and developed into one of George Mason's all-time great basketball players. A four-year starter, she holds the all-time assists record for the University and is ranked in the top 20 in several other categories. Locally, she is probably best known for her basketball achievements while at Altoona Area High School where she played in the state championship game all three years, winning gold medals in her junior and senior years. At the end of her senior season in 1996, she was a first-team all-state selection and the Associated Press Player of the Year in Pennsylvania. Today, Courtney is pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Colorado Medical School in Denver.
"My wife and I are extremely proud to have two tremendous kids who are independent and happy with their lives," Kaup commented. "Both of them are very motivated, hard-working individuals who have personal goals they are constantly striving to achieve."
As a former president, vice president and treasurer of the Alumni Society, Kaup has helped to mold the organization into one of the Penn State Alumni Association's premier affiliates.
"I hope that this new term on the Society's Board will allow me to get involved with some new projects that will be carried on into the future, just like some of the ones we began 20 years ago," Kaup stated. "It's fun to make new friends and work with a generation of alumni that has a fresh approach toward the University and its needs." n
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Awards Program Created to Honor Alumni, Friends of Penn State Altoona
The Penn State Altoona Office of Development and Alumni Relations has created an awards program to honor alumni and friends who have distinguished themselves through career achievement and/or their contributions to society or the College.
Alumni and friends will be recognized with four awards: the Penn State Altoona Outstanding Alumnus Award, Penn State Altoona Alumni Achievement Award, Penn State Altoona Distinguished Service Award, and Penn State Altoona Honorary Alumni Award.
The Penn State Altoona Outstanding Alumnus Award recognizes alumni of the College who have attained a significant level of accomplishment in their careers or contributed significantly to the betterment of society. Candidates will possess a record of achievement that distinguishes them as leaders in their profession and/or community.
The Penn State Altoona Alumni Achievement Award recognizes alumni of the College who have distinguished themselves through career achievement, community involvement and/or involvement with the College.
The Penn State Altoona Distinguished Service Award recognizes alumni or friends of the College who have significantly contributed to Penn State Altoona by volunteering their talent and time on behalf of the institution.
The Penn State Altoona Honorary Alumni Award recognizes outstanding individuals, who, though not graduates of the University, have significantly contributed to Penn State Altoona through their commitment and service.
The names and photographs of all award recipients will appear on plaques displayed on campus.
Information on the awards program and nomination forms may be accessed at www.altoona.psu.edu/alumni or www.altoona.psu.edu/development.
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Penn State Altoona Barbecue and Outing a Hit with Alumni from Coast to Coast
 Penn State Altoona alumni and friends from both returned to the Ivyside Park campus Saturday, August 9, for an afternoon of socializing and exploration that revolved around a hearty barbecue buffet, complete with Penn State Creamery ice cream.
The event, sponsored by the Penn State Altoona Alumni Society, featured entertainment by local musician Kent Martin throughout the luncheon, guided tours by Lion Ambassadors, a Penn State Altoona trivia game, late afternoon reception and outing to that evening's Altoona Curve baseball game. Highlights of the luncheon at Laurel Pavilion included a welcome from Society President Eric Casanave and a presentation by CEO and Dean William G. Cale, Jr., as well as face-painting and activities for the younger visitors.
Participants enjoyed the use of Penn State Altoona's recreational facilities, including the indoor pool, which was an attractive option for families with young children on a hot summer day. Many in attendance enjoyed venturing out on their own after the formal tours to further view changes that have occurred in the campus landscape over the years. Photo displays also brought back fond memories for alumni who represented Penn State class years dating back more than half a century.
With tremendous Penn State Altoona pride and spirit evident throughout the course of the day, the inaugural Alumni Society Barbecue and Outing was a summertime hit and, hopefully, the start of a wonderful new tradition.
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