Lou Tilley and Adam Taliaferro.

On May 20, 2004, the Philadelphia (Pa.) Chapter hosted an event to benefit the Adam Taliaferro Foundation. Involvement in this type of community service is part of a growing trend among alumni chapters nationwide.

The foundation is named for Penn State cornerback Adam Taliaferro, who was told he would never walk again after suffering a spinal cord injury in the September 23, 2000, football game at Ohio State. The foundation has a mission to provide educational resources for people who work in the fields of athletics and medicine as well as grant funding for athletes who suffer incapacitating injuries. 

Taliaferro made remarkable progress in his rehabilitation and was able to run out onto the field with his teammates at the beginning of their season opener in August 2001, less than one year after his injury. While he believes his faith plays a large part in the success with his recovery, Taliaferro acknowledges that his fate was, in large part, in the hands of his medical team. His foundation supports the resources on which athletes depend when they suffer injuries that have subsequent affects on their ambulatory function.

The event—which raised more than $2,000 for the foundation—took place at the Marathon Grill in downtown Philadelphia. Taliaferro was the guest of honor at the event and Lou Tilley of local Comcast CN8 was the master of ceremony. More than 100 people, including alumni, sports figures, and local media attended the event. Former Penn State football players Tony Johnson and Chafie Fields ’99 were also on hand.

Alumni Association Executive Director Roger L. Williams ’73, ’75g, ’88g spoke about the foundation’s work and the Alumni Association’s many dedicated chapters, including the Philadelphia Chapter. Williams talked about the role of alumni groups beyond the social atmosphere, and gave a few examples of ways in which Penn Staters all over the country come together to benefit others.   

Activities at the event included a showing of segments from The Penn State Football Story highlight program; a Miracle in the Making book signing with Taliaferro; and a silent auction featuring sports memorabilia, “Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia” throwback jerseys, and certificates to local businesses. 

For more information on the Philadelphia Chapter please visit its Web site at http://www.psu-philadelphia.org/.

Information about any of the more than 300 affiliate groups of the Alumni Association can be found at http://www.alumni.psu.edu/groups