Between the water of the Chesapeake Bay and the dress uniforms of the U.S. Naval Academy’s midshipmen, there’s plenty of blue and white in Annapolis. But for more than 10 years, a dedicated group of Penn State alumni have promoted the other blue and white—more commonly found on the Nittany Lions to the northwest of Maryland’s capital city.
Begun by Sam Stinner ’51 in 1996, the Annapolis Chapter has grown to 150 members who have established a number of traditions in a short time.
Two of the chapter’s most popular events are its annual student sendoff picnic each August and a series of “TV Tailgates” that gather the Nittany Lion faithful to socialize and watch football. Last year, 70 chapter members gave a warm sendoff to a dozen local students heading for Penn State, including a “goody bag” filled with Penn State school supplies. During football season, those not making the trip to Beaver Stadium flock to Shooter’s Sports Bar & Grille in nearby Severna Park, Md., for the chapter’s popular “TV Tailgates” for home and away games. In June, the chapter hosted a crab feast with defensive line Coach Larry Johnson providing a sneak peak at the upcoming season.
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The Annapolis Chapter also incorporates community service into most activities. Past service projects have included cleaning up and restoring a Chesapeake Bay wetlands area, painting the dormitory of a local homeless shelter, and sending care packages to U.S. troops serving in Iraq.
In 2003, the chapter established a $25,000 scholarship endowment. The income from the endowment, plus proceeds from “TV Tailgate” raffles and surcharges from Maryland’s Penn State license plate program (which the chapter runs), funds scholarships for outstanding local undergraduates. Last year, three freshmen received $1,000 awards and two upperclassmen received $1,500 scholarships.
Ten board members, including four executive officers, oversee the chapter, organize the social events, and run the scholarship program. The chapter publishes a quarterly newsletter, maintains a Web site, and sends periodic e-mails to keep members informed throughout the year.
Officers
President: George Gayno ’87
Vice President: Abby Voorhees ’03
Treasurer: Joyce Mather ’88
Secretary: Gina Ahlstrom ’00
Contact Info
Annapolis Chapter—Penn State Alumni Association
P.O. Box 693
Arnold, Md. 21012
E-mail: psuannapolis@gmail.com
Web site: http://psualumcareer.com/chapter/annapolis/default.asp
