Newsletter
Volume 9 - June 18, 2009
Photo by Fred Dailey II
Honorary Board Members
The Foundation welcomes the Honorable Thomas J. Ridge, Joseph Paterno and Suzanne Paterno as Honorary Board Members.
Honorable Thomas Ridge: The Honorable Tom Ridge is currently the president and CEO of Ridge Global LLC. Following the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, Tom Ridge became the first Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on January 24, 2003. Before the events of September 11th, Tom Ridge was twice elected Governor of Pennsylvania. He served as the state’s 43rd governor from 1995 to 2001.
Ridge earned a scholarship to Harvard, graduating with honors in 1967. After his first year at The Dickinson School of Law, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served as an infantry staff sergeant in Vietnam, earning the Bronze Star for Valor, the Combat Infantry Badge and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. After returning to Pennsylvania he earned his law degree and, later, became one of the first Vietnam combat veterans elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served six terms.
Honorable Ridge quotes, “There is no greater treasure within “Penn’s Woods” than our Commonwealth’s diverse array of magnificent wildlife. I, along with so many others, have enjoyed our great outdoors and her inhabitants for a long, long time. It is our collective obligation to ensure that future generations are afforded the same opportunities that we have been granted. Through the efforts of Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation, we will leave a significant legacy to our sons and daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren-a legacy of commitment, preservation and enrichment for years and years to come.”
Joseph Paterno: In December 2008, Joe Paterno agreed to an extension through the 2011 season. Entering his 60th season as a member of the Penn State coaching staff, Paterno is not fond of looking back, but it has been a memorable period for the legendary mentor. In December 2007, he was inducted into the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame.
Coach Paterno’s induction, though, was deferred until 2007, as the injuries he sustained during a sideline collision in a November game at Wisconsin prevented him from traveling to the 2006 event.
Paterno who rank’s No. 1 in victories among major college coaches, received the prestigious Gold Medal, the National Football Foundation’s highest honor, at the 2006 Hall of Fame Dinner via a video presentation.
For 59 years and 669 games, Paterno has passionately served the Penn State football program and the university with principle, distinction and success with honor. After 16 years as an assistant coach, he was rewarded in 1966 with the head coaching responsibilities surrendered by the retiring Rip Engle, his college coach at Brown who appointed him to the Penn State staff in 1950 as a brash 23-year-old.
In his 44th year pacing the sidelines as head coach of the Nittany Lions, Paterno has faced every situation imaginable on the gridiron and has used his preparation, experience and understanding of the game he loves to respond and keep the Penn State program among the nation’s elite for the past four decades.
Paterno has posted a 383-127-3 mark in 43 seasons as head coach and is the leader in career wins among major college coaches (third all-time). He passed Bowden (382 wins) on Sept. 20, 2008. Paterno’s winning percentage of 74.9 is third-best among active Football Bowl Subdivision (Division I-A) coaches (10 or more years) and he is second all-time in games coached (513) among major college coaches.
Since Paterno took over in 1966, Penn State has had 76 first-team All-Americans, with defensive end Aaron Maybin and Shipley earning first team honors in 2008.
Paterno’s coaching portfolio includes two National Championships (1982, 1986); five undefeated, untied teams; 22 finishes in the Top Ten of the national rankings; five AFCA Coach-of-the-Year plaques, and more than 300 former players who have signed National Football League contracts, 31 of them first-round draft choices.
In an exceptional display of generosity and affection for Penn State, Paterno; his wife, Sue, and their five children announced a contribution of $3.5 million to the University in 1998, bringing Paterno’s lifetime giving total to more than $4 million. The gift appears to be, Penn State Vice President for Development Rod Kirsch said, “the most generous ever made by a collegiate coach and his family to a university.”
“Penn State has been very good to both Sue and me,” Paterno said. “We have met some wonderful people here, we’ve known many students who have gone on to become outstanding leaders in their professions and in society, and all of our children have received a first-class education here. I’ve never felt better about Penn State and its future potential than I do right now. Sue and I want to do all we can to help the University reach that potential.”
He and Sue have been heavily involved with the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games, held each June on the University Park campus. In May 2008, the Paternos were inducted into the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Hall of Fame.
Sue Paterno: Sue Paterno has not had a paying job since 1963. Yet despite leaving a teaching career to raise her family, she has not stopped working. A 1962 Arts & Letters graduate of Penn State, Sue has dedicated herself to her family, her University, and her community.
At Penn State, Sue helped establish the Liberal Arts Alumni Society and the Summer Institute for Academic Achievement, a program that offers underrepresented students additional preparation for college-level work. She served as a member of the University’s National Development Council, chaired the Libraries Advisory Board, and was a volunteer for the Grand Destiny Campaign for both the College of the Liberal Arts and the University Libraries. In addition, she was the honorary co-chair of the Alumni Association’s first-ever National Service Week, the largest community service effort ever undertaken by an alumni association. In 1995, the University recognized her service to Penn State by awarding her with the Lion’s Paw. And in 1996, it named her the Renaissance Woman of the Year.
She currently sits on the University’s Leadership Gifts Committee and the National Council for Penn State Philanthropy.
Sue’s commitment to public service extends beyond her alma mater. In 1989, she began working with the Pennsylvania Special Olympics, co-chairing the opening and closing ceremonies of the summer games and joining its board in 1991. Sue and her husband Joe are involved with the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games, held each June on the University Park campus. In 2008, the Paternos were inducted into the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Hall of Fame.
She has served as chair of the United Way and honorary co-chair for its “Day of Caring.” Sue is an active member of the Penn State Catholic Community. In 2009, the Paternos were honored for their support of the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association with a Lifetime of Achievement recognition.
In addition to her time, Sue has joined Joe in committing their resources to the University. In 1998, they pledged $3.5 million to endow faculty positions and scholarships as well as to support two building projects–a new interfaith spiritual center and the Penn State All-Sports Museum.
She and her husband have raised five children–all Penn State graduates. They have 17 grandchildren.
Three New Directors
Jim Fish and James Davis of Waste Management, and Alan Griffith of ARAMARK were elected to the board of directors in December.
Fish is Waste Management’s Vice President/Market Area General Manager for Pennsylvania and West Virginia and will bring his leadership skills and corporate knowledge to the board. He started with Waste Management in 2001 as Corporate Director of Finance. In 2003 he was promoted to Corporate Vice President of pricing, and then was promoted to General Manager of South Massachusetts and Rhode Island before assuming his present position here in Pennsylvania.
Fish loves the outdoors and conservation and is proud that Waste Management serves as a good steward of the environment. Fish earned a B.A. degree in accounting from Arizona State University and his M.B.A. in finance from the University of Chicago. He currently lives with his family in Coraopolis, PA.
James Davis of Waste Management was also elected to the board. Davis began working with Waste Management in 1989 as Engineering Manager in Indiana. He is currently Director of Disposal Operations for the Eastern Group and is responsible for providing executive oversight of 51 waste and recycling collections and transfer facilities and 48 post collection locations. Davis graduated from Penn State with a B.S. in civil engineering.
Davis stated, “Together with my employees, we work hard to be good stewards of the environment.” A high commitment to these ideals is evidenced by the fact that Waste Management’s landfills nationally provide more than 21,000 acres of protected habitat for all wildlife here in Pennsylvania. Using his business experience and dedication to the environment, Davis hopes to make a meaningful contribution to the Foundation board.
Alan Griffith, Senior Advisor to the CFO of ARAMARK Corporation is the third new member elected to the board. Griffith joined ARAMARK in 1983 as Manager of Financial Policy and Controls. In June 2004 he was named Senior Vice President of Finance and Planning for ARAMARK. That role included responsibility for the planning function for all of ARAMARK, as well as functioning as the chief financial officer for ARAMARK’s Food and Support Services Group.
Griffith serves as a director for Presby’s Inspired Life, a southeastern Pennsylvania-based regional provider of housing and services for senior citizens, the Christian Research Institute of Charlotte, NC, and the University of Scranton Alumni Association. He is a member and past master of Hiram Lodge #81, and a member of the NRA and the Flourtown Sandy Run Sportsmen Association. He spends a lot of time at his cabin in Wayne County where he hunts, fishes, and enjoys the quiet solitude of the great outdoors in Penns Woods.
Griffith earned his undergraduate degree in accounting at the University of Scranton and his M.B.A. in finance at Temple University. Born and raised in Scranton, he currently resides in Ambler, PA.
Ongoing Projects
Seedlings For Schools
The Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation Board of Directors agreed to continue the joint project with the Pennsylvania Game Commission called “Seedlings for Schools.” Five hundred and twenty-six Pennsylvania schools participated. Howard Nursery sent 94,675 seedlings to these schools. Two programs were offered to schools. The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Howard Nursery provided teachers with seedlings for students to take home and plant. The second program, “Seedlings for Habitat,” offered seedlings for planting on school or community grounds to improve habitat for wildlife. There was no charge for schools participating in this program. The expenses were covered by Waste Management, Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation, Pheasants Forever Chapter #603, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Mealey’s Furniture.
Schools had two types of trees to choose from- - silky dogwood, which is a small flowering tree and Eastern white pine that can grow up to 100 feet tall. The Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation, Waste Management, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission intend to expand the program to more schools to get more youngsters involved.
Educational Kits
The Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation and the Lehigh Valley Chapter of Pennsylvania provided funds for Raptor Box Educational Kits. The kits will be used in schools by the Pennsylvania Game Commission in the southeast part of the state. The purpose of the kits is to educate youngster to the types of birds and mammals that make their home in Pennsylvania.
New Projects
The Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation signed a contract with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to provide assistance in delivering on-the-ground habitat for wildlife. Fish and wildlife habitat will be restored where wetland were drained. The projects sites will be Kelly Run Stream Restoration in Erie County, Crooked Creek Stream Restoration in Blair County, Tipton Run Stream Restoration in Blair County, Bald Eagle Creek Stream Restoration in York County, State Game Lands #120 Wetland Restoration in Clearfield County, and West Branch Conestoga Dam Removal in Lancaster County.
Woodcock Limited and the Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation partnered up to support ongoing efforts to restore habitat for American woodcock, golden-winged warblers, white-throated sparrows and other species that depend on shrubs and young forests. This partnership supports one of the Foundation’s key missions to increase wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania. The Foundation will provide $5,000 to support ongoing efforts by the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
The Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation joined Pheasants Forever, California University of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Game Commission to support ongoing efforts to restore wild pheasant populations to Pennsylvania. The Foundation provided $5,000 to support ongoing efforts to reintroduce wild pheasants trapped in Montana and South Dakota to three project areas in Pennsylvania.
The Foundation received a $150,000 grant to restore streams in Centre County. Fifty acres of riparian buffers will be established, 2,000 linear feet of stream bank will be restored, 280 acres of pasture will be renovated, 15 acres of forested buffers will be planted, 800 linear feet of stabilized waterways will be created, 400-foot animal walkways will be stabilized, 1,000 feet of barn gutters will be installed, 50 fish habitat structures will be installed, and 15,000 square feet of barnyard areas will be stabilized.
Marketing Programs
Five Mile Run
The second annual “Five Mile Run/Walk” in Allenwood will be Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 9 a.m. This fundraising event will be held on State Game Land #252. The event will be hosted by MidPenn Trailblazers. All proceeds from the event will benefit wildlife in Pennsylvania.
Last year 85 people participated in the event and over 60 spectators attended the race. Prizes for all runners were donated by the Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation and the Pennsylvania Game Commission. For a race entry form or if you are interested in sponsoring a runner contact the Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation office or email us at info@wildlifeforeveryone.org.
Minor League Baseball
The State College Spikes, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation will host the Camouflage Jersey Off –the- Back Silent Auction on Saturday, July 25, 2009. This will be a silent auction that allows fans to bid for the actual game jersey worn by the players. All proceeds from the auction will go towards habitat for Pennsylvania wildlife.
Shows:
The Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation has been very busy promoting Pennsylvania wildlife and educating people about the benefits of wildlife to our quality of life. The Foundation attended the following events this year:
- Gander Mountain Deer & Turkey Expo in Williamsport, PA
- Little Pines Festival in Waterville, PA
- Wildland Weekend in Blue Marsh, PA
- Ag Progress Days in Rock Springs, PA
- Eastern Sport & Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, PA
- Jaffa Sport Show in Altoona, PA
- WNEP TV 16 Outdoor Life Expo in Bloomsburg, PA
- Wellsville Clay Shoot in Wellsville, PA
We would like to thank everyone who stopped by our booth at these events. All proceeds went towards benefiting the wildlife of Pennsylvania.
The Foundation met with the Bellefonte, Snow Shoe, Philipsburg, Penns Valley, Centre Hall, and State College Senior Citizens Centers in Centre County. Numerous senior citizens attended the event at the Bellefonte Senior Center. The Foundation looks forward to visiting many other centers in the state.
Twitter & Facebook
To follow the Foundation on Twitter and Facebook go to our homepage and click on the links.
Wildlife Education and Research Center
The Foundation’s Board of Directors have entered into a contract with The NCS Group, Ltd of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. The NCS Group conducted a study to determine if it is feasible to create a Wildlife Education and Research Center in State College. The results of the study indicated a need for the Wildlife Educational and Research Center. NCS Group has started the Capital Campaign to raise funds for the building.
Helping in the endeavor to raise funds are the following:
- Dick Vermeil former NFL Coach of the Philadelphia Eagles
- Frank LeMaster former NFL Linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles
- Mark Holman former Chief of Staff for Tom Ridge
- Robin Cole former NFL Linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Nicholas Haden former Penn State Football Player and NFL Center for the Philadelphia Eagles
The Center will provide a unique opportunity for all residents to support Pennsylvania wildlife. The Foundation’s Wildlife Education and Research Center design will ensure Pennsylvania is the vanguard of wildlife conservation. The state of the art education complex will feature a library, theatre, classrooms, shooting ranges, labs for biologists to conduct up-to-date research, natural trials, and interactive exhibits. The Center will stimulate continuous learning about Pennsylvania’s birds, mammals, and their universal benefits.
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