Shirley A. Pechter

Honorary Alumni Award
Recognizes outstanding individuals who have significantly contributed to Penn State Altoona through their commitment and service. Consideration is based on service to Penn State Altoona that contributes to the fulfillment of the college's mission and/or enhances the reputation and prestige of the institution.

Pechter's commitment to Penn State spans more than fifty years, back to the day she married Fred Pechter, a loyal graduate of the University. Through her ongoing involvement and philanthropy, she embodies her late husband's dedication to his alma mater.

Pechter has offered distinguished leadership to the college, including membership on the Advisory Board, Development Council, and steering committees in Altoona and New York City during Penn State's Grand Destiny Campaign.

Pechter presented a leadership gift to name the music studio in Hawthorn Building and, in 1999, established the Fred A. Pechter Endowed Scholarship at Penn State Altoona to assist students in the engineering curriculum.