Philanthropy

The Northern NJ Chapter of the PSU Alumni Association is dedicated to offering an array of activities for our local Nittany Lion community. 

Below are some details of previous events our members have enjoyed. 

Tom Bradley Dinner
Thursday, April 24, 2008
This year we were extremely honored and pleased to welcome Nittany Lions’ defensive coach, Tom Bradley to join us for our fundraising dinner. 

Thank you all who participated in the event and helped us raise over $4,000 for THON and our local scholarship program!

Book Signing with Louis Prato
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The chapter was honored to welcome Lou Prato, author of the Penn State Football Encyclopedia, and his lovely wife, Carol, to Miami Mike’s Sports Bistro for a lively discussion of the past, present and future of PSU Football. 

In addition to learning about his experiences writing about PSU extensive football history and serving as the director of the Penn State All-Sports Museum, attendees were given the opportunity to purchase a signed copy of his limited edition book as well as enjoy a fun afternoon of Giants football action as they fought their way to the Super Bowl.

A special thanks to Lou and Carol, whom we hope to see again soon!

Cerebral Palsy Wheel-a-Thon
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Despite the rain, several Penn State Alumni and
friends came out to Brookdale Park In Bloomfield to
assist the First Cerebral Palsy Center of New Jersey
in their Wheel-A-Thon. The event raises funds for the
organization as well provides an opportunity for some
fun outside for the kids.

The event started out with a mile walk throughout the
park, followed by a raffle and DJ along with visits
from Nemo, Superman, and Spider-Man. All of the kids
had a great time in addition to the center raising
a lot of money for their organization.

A special thanks to all who participated and we all
look forward to our next event with the center.

For more information on the Cerebral Palsy Centerof New Jersey, please visit:

www.cerebralpalsycenter.org

Professional Networking Kick-Off Meeting
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Chapter held a “kickoff” meeting for our new Professional Networking initiative on May 17th at Mike Cocco’s office in Nutley.  The event was a success, with a diverse mix of careers and experience levels represented.  After enjoying refreshments and mingling, we sat down to discuss how the chapter can best serve area alumni and friends who’d like to use their Penn State connections to enhance their networking opportunities and professional development.  

As a result of this session, we will be holding a variety of formal professional events, including key-note speakers, workshops and speed networking sessions, once per quarter.  We have a great resource available in the Alumni Career The Development office out at University Park.  Our first formal event will take place in September.  Programming for the event is underway!

Between the larger events we’ll hold less formal events such as business card swaps, mini-workshops, etc., starting with a Business Card Swap at The Office in Montclair on June 21st at 7 pm.

So that we’re all constantly in touch, a  Yahoo Group will be created for all interested where we can keep a calendar of events and post questions, job search information, member profiles, etc.

To help defray the cost of some of the events, membership in the local chapter will be required. Dues are only $10 per year.  Please see the “Join Our Chapter” page for more information.

If you’d like to be a part of the Professional Network, please email Bill Hark ’97, Professional Events Chair, at  psunj_netwrk@yahoo.com

THON Golf Outing, Dinner, and Silent Auction
Monday, May 14, 2007
Northern NJ PSU Alumni came out for a day of golf at Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park to raise money for The Penn State Dance Marathon. In addition to a fun day on the greens, participants enjoyed a silent auction, cocktail hour, and dinner, and raised $20,000 for THON! The funds assist children and families dealing with pediatric cancer.

Free-Throw Event with 1st Cerebral Palsy Center of New Jersey
Saturday, March 24, 2007
On March 24th, the 1st Cerebral Palsy Center of New
Jersey held a free-throw event for it's students.
Several PSU Alumni showed up to assist the kids who
were broken into various age groups for the contest.
The center also held several raffles for everyone
throughout the event.

The chapter will be participating in a walk through Brookdale Park and raffle for the kids on May 19th.  The event is open to the kids, their families, friends, and supporters.  Additional details will be posted on the “Upcoming Events” portion of this site and via chapter e-mails.

For more information or to become involved, please contact:

NNJ PSU Alumni Philanthropy Chair
Matthew O’Connell:
mko101_2000@yahoo.com

OR

1st Cerebral Palsy Center of New Jersey
www.cerebralpalsycenter.org
Contact: Pat Colligan

Book Signing with Jordan Hyman and Craig Fayak
Sunday, February 11, 2007

The chapter was honored to host a book signing of Game of My Life: Memorable Stories of Nittany Lion Football at Miami Mike’s Sports Zone in East Hanover, NJ.

Craig Fayak recounted the details of his game-winning kick against Notre Dame in 1990 as well as memories of his experience playing for Penn State through an interview with the book’s author, Jordan Hyman.

The conversational and relaxed setting of the event allowed for an afternoon of entertaining stories and a unique experience for all who attended.

The chapter would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to Jordan and Craig for their time and efforts. We hope to see them again soon!

To purchase Game of My Life: Memorable Stories of Nittany Lion Football online.