The Penn state Alumni Association of WNY joined alumni chapters from across the country in marching in the 2011 Homecoming Parade through University Park and State College.  We had a local WNY PSU student and two of his dorm friends carry our WNY banner and lead a group of 7 alumni and friends (plus a classic 1995 Corvette with a “PSU 72″ New York license plate!)

This was our second year in the parade and hope that next year we can count on even more participation from our WNY membership.  After the parade, WNY was represented by a dozen alumni and friends at the post parade party at the Hintz Family Alumni Center.  Thank you to all who participated!

The Penn State Alumni association of WNY has been designated a “Group of Distinction” for the second year in a row!  This level of excellence is only awarded to the upper tier of alumni chapters.

The criteria for “Group of Distinction” is based on strict guidelines established by the Penn State Alumni Association.  For the fiscal year which ended June 30, 2011: the WNY chapter far exceeded the required criteria which is based on the chapter’s programming over a 12 month period.

Chapter President, Douglas Kellner, commented on the news of the honor: “We are extremely proud of achieving this honor for another year.  The Penn State Alumni Association recognizes that the alumni in WNY are proud of our university and want to stay connected as evidenced by our membership and programs.  We could not achieve this honor without the hard work by our core Board members and those members who participate in our programs and pay their dues”.

Thank you to all of our members in helping our chapter earn this prestigious designation!