25th Anniversary Celebration
1996 - 2021
Special EVENT #6
The Annapolis Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association invites you to join in the fun and challenge.
EVENT #6: Read on your own!
"25" Highlights of 25 Years
- The Annapolis Chapter organizational “kick-off” was in August 1996. First event was a football viewing party for the Penn State vs USC “Kickoff Classic” football game. Penn State won and so did the Annapolis area with a new alumni chapter.
- Penn State Creamery ice cream has been a special treat at many chapter functions. Our first taste came at the annual meeting (June 1998) when we welcomed then creamery manager, Tom Palchuk, to speak.
- First chapter service project was a Christmas stuffed animal collection for Love’n Action. (1997)
- Over the years annual meetings have featured many special guest speakers including Dick Bundy (Blue Band Director 1999), John Black (Author of the Football Newsletter 1997 & 2000), Russ Rose (Women’s Volleyball coach 2003), Jayne Miller (WBAL newswoman 2007)\
- Student Sendoff picnics have been going strong for 22 years. Since our first one in 1998 students and alumni in our area have enjoyed a fun day together.
- Picnics aren’t the only thing students have enjoyed. Board and chapter members from the beginning made student scholarships a priority. The first awards were presented in 2004 and since then over $80,000 has been given out.
- Our chapter has also supported students attending Penn State in other ways. Members have made donations to THON almost every year at football viewing parties.
- We’ve also played host to the Men’s Glee Club (1998) and the Singing Lions (2013) enjoying performances by both and sheltering them in our homes while they were here.
- Service projects are an important activity for this chapter. We’ve painted, planted, collected, sorted, served and stitched to improve our community and help those in need. The Lighthouse Shelter, AAMC Pediatric Unit, Boys and Girls Club, Southern River Foundation and local schools are just a few of the organizations that have benefitted.
- We take time to kick back too. In 2001 and 2002 over 150 members and friends enjoyed two of our biggest events, performances by The Phyrst Phamily, one of State College’s most popular bands for over 30 years.
- Our circle extended to other universities too when we hosted a Tailgate Party at the PSU/Navy Lacrosse game in April of 2002. Over 75 people attended
- In the fall, it was a joint football viewing party with the local Michigan State Alumni Chapter.
- “Sailing on the Severn” aboard the Harbor Queen, that’s how we celebrated our 10th Year Anniversary in 2006. Over 100 members enjoyed a night of food, entertainment and fun.
- Another enjoyable event in June 2008 was a Crab Feast with guest speaker Defensive Line Coach Larry Johnson
- “Crabs” were the theme as Chapter members donned outfits and marched in the Homecoming Parade in 2007 & 2008. They took home awards for their originality.
- Holiday Parties have been a yearly gathering almost since the beginning. We’ve had some great times at various locations throughout the area sharing a toast, some food and holiday cheer.
- The chapter’s 15th Anniversary party in 2011 welcomed Graham Spanier as special guest. The celebration was held at the Annapolis Maritime Museum
- Wine and beer, our members like them both. We hosted tasting parties which were fun events (2013/14)
- Wreaths Across America one of our chapter’s most successful and longest running community service project started in 2013.
- Did you know there was a Penn State Applied Research Lab doing studies at the David Taylor Center in Annapolis? Chapter members and friends got a tour (April 2015)
- Bon Appetit for members who took part in the chapter sponsored cooking class in April 2016.
- Free Range Improv, an Annapolis based comedy team, entertained members with a night of improv held at Union Jacks Pub (May 2016)
- Renditions of our beloved Nittany Lion were all over the area after the Paint Nite held in April 2017
- Happy Hour & Hoops (Feb 2019) provided another opportunity for PSU fellowship
- Our chapter has been consistently recognized by University Alumni Association for our activities. We have been the recipient of over 10 awards throughout the years.
Help us make some NEW memories for our next 25 years.
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Plan now to join us for the 25th Anniversary Kickoff Redo Party in August
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Plan now to join us for the 25th Anniversary Kickoff Redo Party in August