For the second consecutive year, the Alle-Kiski Society of the Penn State Alumni Association will co-sponsor the reception for student honorees at Penn State New Kensington's annual Academic and Student Achievement awards ceremony.
The society, based at Penn State New Kensington, donated $500 to help recognize more than 100 students for their accomplishments during the fall and spring semesters. The "Celebration of Excellence" awards ceremony is set for 7 p.m. Friday, April 27, in the campus' Forum Theatre.
The highlight of the evening is the awarding of the Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award to the student whose outstanding qualities of character, scholarship and leadership contribute to the prestige of the campus. In addition, faculty will be recognized for excellence in teaching and the society will present its annual Penn State Spirit award to the campus student who exhibits integrity and character as a leader, demonstrates outstanding dedication to the campus, and exemplifies the meaning of Penn State pride. Kerry Kelly, president of the Alle-Kiski Society, will present the award.
The society engages in various campus projects throughout the year, interacting with former and current students by social and fundraising events and other networking activities. Recently, the society held its 10th annual Alumni Bowl-a-thon that raised $5,500 for campus projects and scholarships, and hosted an alumni social after a New Kensington Lions men's basketball game.
In the past two years, the alumni society has pledged $10,000 to the campus Athletic Department to renovate a weight room for free weights and heavy equipment, awarded $7,000 in scholarships to campus students; and pledged $25,000 to increase its endowed scholarship from $51,000 to $76,000. The society plans to fund the endowed scholarship commitment with proceeds from its annual alumni golf scramble. The 13th edition is set for 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10, at the Links at Spring Church.
Penn State alumni, students, parents and friends from the Penn State New Kensington service area -- Westmoreland, Allegheny, Butler, Armstrong and Indiana counties -- are encouraged to re-connect with the University and campus by attending Alle-Kiski Society monthly meetings at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month. The next meeting is May 21 in the campus Conference Center.
For more information on the society and its events, contact uxw1@psu.edu.