Entrepreneur Larry Salone of DuBois has been name a Penn State University Fellow for the 2006-07 academic year.
The Alumni Fellow award is the most prestigious award given by the Penn State Alumni Association. Since 1973, the Alumni Fellow award has been given to alumni who, as leaders in their professional fields, 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. The award is a cast bronze sculpture of the Old Main tower at University Park.
University President Graham B. Spanier presented the award to Salone at a ceremony on Oct. 26. He was one of 22 University-wide honorees that evening. Salone is a 1978 graduate with a degree in engineering. He is the owner of SMG Holdings Inc., based in DuBois.
"We are honored to have Larry named as a Fellow representing Penn State DuBois, but we are more excited about the opportunity our students have to learn from Larry's vast business experience," Chancellor Anita McDonald said. "He has truly been nurturing students from this campus for years with his approachable nature and genuine interest in their success, both in the classroom and in their subsequent careers."
Salone founded and owns multiple engineering companies and fabrication facilities, including Backus USA Inc., Freshtec International, Industrial Automation and Rycole Welding Innovations. Salone has designed many pieces of equipment that are state of the art for these numerous engineering companies that maintain worldwide operations.
Salone is a successful businessman. His other ventures include restaurants, owning the Quaker Steak & Lube and Fat Fish Blue Fish, in State College. He is an investor in other restaurants throughout the United States. He is a partner in St. Marys Brewing Co. and owns Salone Winery in New York. He owns and operates the Salone Group for energy development, including alternative energy sources.
He has been featured in The Business Journal and Vindy.com; at the Pickle Packers International Inc. annual meeting and pickle fair; and at International Fresh-cut Produce Association's annual conference and exhibition.
Salone served three years as head coach to revitalize the men's basketball program at Penn State DuBois, resigning after last season due to increased business responsibilities. He is a member of the Penn State Alumni Association, the Commonwealth College Athletic Conference, the Penn State Presidents Club and is a PC Circle of Pride member.
Of the honor, Salone said the main reason he is enthusiastic about Penn State, and Penn State DuBois in particular, is the pride he is shown by students, faculty and staff. In his comments, Salone talked about the opportunity he had as coach for three years to visit other campuses of Penn State. He said other campuses are always proud to show him or tell him what is new at their campus.
"All of the campuses are proud of what they do and they strive to provide students with the best possible experiences," Salone said. "My first love is the DuBois campus, but the Penn State System is exceptional. I love DuBois. It's my hometown, and I am proud to be affiliated with this University, a true asset to my community. That pride comes back to me tenfold from the students, the athletes and the people here at Penn State DuBois."
Past fellows from Penn State DuBois and the years they were honored include: Dan Kohlhepp, Mid-Atlantic vice president for crescent resources, 2003; Jay Pifer, president of Allegheny Power (retired), 2002; John E. Whitesell, vice president international sales for Time Warner Bros. International Television Distribution (retired), 2001; Michael Dugan, EchoStar Communications Corp., 2001; Gary Alt, wildlife bear biologist/Pennsylvania Game Commission (retired), 2000; and Richard "Tim" Hale, chief operating officer and general manager of Adam Resources Inc., 1999.