Group of Distinction awarded to the Lehigh Valley alumni group

The Lehigh Valley chapter of the Penn State University Alumni Association was promoted to the Elm Level Group of Distinction in September. Chapters are awarded this uppermost tier of the Alumni Association’s affiliate groups based on their level of excellence and efforts towards the University and community.

According to the Penn State University Alumni Association, the affiliate groups named as a Group of Distinction have served in several different programmatic categories, including career networking, social interaction and fellowship, supporting students, and leading THON-related activities.

The Lehigh Valley chapter regularly holds numerous events locally to help benefit Penn State as the chapter’s mission is to raise money for scholarships benefiting students at Penn State Lehigh Valley.

“In addition to achieving this level of distinction, the Lehigh Valley chapter was awarded Service Project of the Year by the Penn State Alumni Association.  Most importantly, this group was able to fundraise and sponsor $30,000 in scholarship funding for worthy Lehigh Valley students this past year.  It is an honor to work alongside this dedicated group of alumni and friends of Penn State,” said Diane McAloon, director of alumni relations at Penn State Lehigh Valley.

Throughout football season, the Lehigh Valley chapter hosts TV Tailgate viewing parties, in conjunction with the Penn State Lehigh Valley Alumni Society, and organizes bus trips to big games.

“Our chapter is honored to be recognized as an Elm Level Group of Distinction by the Penn State Alumni Association. It is our hope that the recognition will bring more attention to the group to continue to grow and attract more alumni to give back to our beloved alma mater,” said Terry DeGroot, president of the Lehigh Valley chapter.

Up next for the Lehigh Valley chapter, is a TV Tailgate for the Penn State vs. Purdue game on Oct. 5 at Cask Taphouse & Grille in Easton, as well as a bus trip to the Penn State v. Michigan game on October 19. To find out more information or to get involved, contact Terry DeGroot at psudegroot1@gmail.com.