The Philadelphia Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association recognizes that many alumni will not be able to make it to the public ceremony on Thursday. Thus, the Chapter has requested permission from the City’s Parks and Recreation Department to hold a candlelight vigil in honor of the late Joe Paterno.

By hosting this permitted event on Friday, January 27 at Love Park (1599 JFK Boulevard) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., the Chapter’s goal is to provide an opportunity for Penn State alumni, students, fans, and supporters in Philadelphia to pay their respects to Paterno for his 61 years of service to the Penn State community. The event will reflect on his life-long legacy of scholarship and community which is in alignment with the Chapter’s ultimate mission to unite and maintain a network of Penn State alumni while giving back to the community, providing scholarship, demonstrating pride, and promoting Penn State in the Philadelphia area. Penn State alumni Michael Kirschner (’66) and Adam Taliaferro (’05) will be speaking.

The Paternos requested that in lieu of flowers or gifts that donations be made to the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania or the Penn State-THON (The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon). Donations will be collected at the event for these two charities.

Please pass the word along to fellow alumni and come ready to share your favorite stories of Joe Paterno. We will have cards available to sign, and we will also be collecting any cards or mementos you wish to leave in remembrance. Candles will be provided.

Parking is available at the Autopark at JFK Plaza (15th & Arch Sts. ~ entrances on Arch St. at 16th, Cherry St.).

Thank you,

The Philadelphia Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association

Questions?

Contact Scholarship and Student Outreach Director Ami Patel  at scholarship@pennstatephilly.org