Ivyside Society Induction Ceremony

An evening of recognition, inspiration, and celebration was highlighted by the formal inductions of individuals, couples, corporations, and foundations into Penn State Altoona's Ivyside Society on September 14 in the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts. 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.

The curtain rose for the evening to the assemblage on stage of many of the two hundred and forty-seven individuals and couples who contributed to the Dr. Athleen J. Stere Matching Trustee Scholarship. A powerful example of how teamwork and commitment can impact philanthropy at Penn State Altoona, the scholarship had been established a few years ago, but did not reach the endowment level until this past January when members of the Penn State Altoona community—past and present—contributed more than $30,000 to fully endow the scholarship.

The evening's program was highlighted by a keynote address by Adam Taliaferro, former Penn State football player and Juris Doctorate candidate at Rutgers School of Law-Camden. Taliaferro shared the story of his remarkable recovery from a football injury that nearly left him paralyzed during a game at Ohio State in September 2000. A freshman at the time, Taliaferro broke his neck making a helmet-to-helmet tackle. He was given a three percent chance of walking again. His walk on and off stage that evening was clear proof that he had beaten the odds.

The Ivyside Society consists of four categories of membership: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze.

Membership in the Platinum category reflects cumulative giving of $50,000 or more. The Gold category reflects cumulative giving of $25,000 or more. Cumulative giving of $10,000 or more is recognized with membership in the Silver category. Contributions of $1,000 or more in a given year—July 1 to June 30—are recognized with membership in the Bronze category.

New members of the Ivyside Society's Platinum category are: C&G Savings Bank, Altoona; Durbin and Associates, Altoona; and Anthony Misciagna, Altoona. New members of the Gold category are: Kimberly M. Kennedy, Duncansville, Pennsylvania, and N. Susan Woodring, Altoona. New members of the Silver category are: Lori J. Bechtel, Martinsburg, Pennsylvania; Kopp Drug, Inc., Altoona; McCartney's, Inc., Altoona; Diane L. Meling, Altoona; and S&T Bank, Altoona.