University Park

Nine named to receive Distinguished Alumni Awards

University Park, Pa. -- The Penn State Board of Trustees (Jan. 18) selected nine Penn State alumni to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award, the University's highest award for an individual. Following are the 2008 Distinguished Alumni, year of graduation and current title:

-- Syed Muhammed Farouq Ali earned his master's degree (1962) and his doctoral degree (1964) in petroleum and natural gas engineering from the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. He is president of HOR-Heavy Oil Recovery Technologies Ltd., and resides in Edmonton, Alberta, in Canada.

-- Douglas F. Allen, of Los Angeles, Calif., earned his bachelor's degree in labor studies from the College of the Liberal Arts in 1973. He is national executive director of the Screen Actors Guild.

-- Emily Stover DeRocco, former assistant secretary for Employment and Training Administration, the U.S. Department of Labor, earned her bachelor's degree (1971) in journalism, College of Communications. She resides in Washington, D.C.

-- Joseph M. Duich earned his bachelor's degree (1952) and his doctoral degree (1957) in agronomy from the College of Agricultural Sciences. Residing in State College, he is a consultant and professor emeritus of Turfgrass Science at Penn State.

-- Harry L. Eberly, of Raleigh, N. C., is retired executive vice president of the Memorex-Telex Corporation. He earned his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the College of Engineering in 1945.

-- Ralph B. Evans earned his bachelor's degree in 1957 in hotel administration, from the College of Health and Human Development. Mr. Evans is retired owner, past president and chief executive officer of Evans Farm Inn, and resides in McLean, Va.

-- Theodore H. Kattouf, of Washington, D.C., earned his bachelor's degree (1968) in foreign service and international politics from the College of the Liberal Arts. He is president and chief executive officer of AMIDEAST.

-- Frank L. Salizzoni, of Jupiter, Fla., is retired chairman of H&R Block. He earned his bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from the College of Engineering in 1960.

The Board of Trustees also named Lt. Michael P. Murphy a Distinguished Alumnus of Penn State. Lt. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his gallantry and bravery serving as a United States Navy SEAL. He died in service to his country in Afghanistan. He earned dual bachelor's degrees in political science and psychology in 1998 from the College of the Liberal Arts.

Last Updated March 19, 2009

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