From the Conservancy
Conserving the physical spaces of Central Pennsylvania, specifically natural beauty and resources, is critical to safeguarding a distinctive sense of place. It is important, generational work that ensures our home retains its character, but it doesn’t happen by accident or by magic (well, not only by magic at least). It requires vision, effort, and love by human beings who take the time to make a difference – we’ve always been blessed by many such dedicated talents here in Happy Valley and over 45 years at the Conservancy.
I recently looked back on a column by John Hook, one of our former presidents, and expanded on John’s thinking about the importance of place in how we organize our lives. Our featured Nittany Valley Press publication this month is one of two authored by our founding president Ben Novak. Another former MNC president, Pat Farrell, had a lead role in persuading the University’s Board of Trustees to revise the Alma Mater lyrics to honor the women of Penn State and reflect author Fred Pattee’s original intentions.
It’s an honor to serve an organization that has benefitted from the involvement of so many dynamic individuals who – through their hard work, humor, and wisdom, with the Conservancy and beyond – left the Nittany Valley better than they found it. That’s a simple charge and proud legacy we carry with us every day at the Mount Nittany Conservancy.
For The Mountain,
Chris Buchignani, Vice President
Teaching Penn State History
Penn State marks its founding this month, presenting an opportunity to highlight a novel milestone in the Conservancy’s work to preserve both the stories and symbolism of our home. For nearly a decade now, Penn State has stood out among its Big Ten peers in offering a three-credit course on Penn State history: History 148 (appropriate, as it corresponds to the number of Centre County’s Civil War regiment, which was led by future Penn State President James Beaver). The momentum to create this class began with an idea from Mount Nittany Conservancy board members and supporters, and today the Conservancy offers perpetual support for teaching the Penn State story through an endowed fund with the University named for lead donor and loyal Friend of the Mountain Steve Garguilo.
We have been gratified to learn about the cool research projects and positive student experiences arising from this popular course offering and hope enrollment will continue to be robust. Encourage the Penn State student in your life to enrich their educational experience by scheduling HIST 148!
From the Archives
Over the years, the Conservancy has accumulated a wonderful collection of original writing and archived photos and documents from the rich past of Penn State and State College. Each month, we will highlight one of these recovered gems, sharing an excerpt and a link guiding you to check out the entire piece. We invite you to explore the rest of our archives once there.
For February, we have a story appropriate for (with no pun intended) Valentine’s Day that also ties into the founding of Penn State, which we celebrate on the 22nd of this month.
A Penn State Love Story: Evan and Rebecca Valentine Pugh
In The Legends of the Nittany Valley, a unique and fun mythology emerges for the places in and around Penn State, but our community also has its own real-life fairy tale: The story of the tragically short-lived love between Rebecca Valentine and Evan Pugh, the University’s founding president. We were excited to see the University release this video when it debuted in 2015, summarizing the story of Evan and Rebecca in a format that can bring it to the Penn State family. Watch the the short video, and learn about the tragic, but touching love story at the heart of Penn State’s origins.
Own a Piece of Mount Nittany
Every square inch counts when it comes to conserving Mount Nittany, and you can help us do just that by making a gift to the Mount Nittany Conservancy! In recognition of your gift you will receive a Mount Nittany Square Inch Marker, a beautiful proclamation of your role in Mount Nittany’s conservation. Every dollar goes directly to supporting our mission to protect and preserve the Mountain for all to enjoy.
Looking to surprise the Penn Stater or outdoor enthusiast in your life? Mount Nittany Square Inch markers are an unforgettable gift for birthdays, holidays, and graduations.
Is Penn State A Real University?
by Ben Novak
Our featured book this month, ‘Is Penn State A Real University: An Investigation of the University as a Living Ideal,’ is a quest for the soul of higher education authored by the Conservancy’s founding president. Available in print, digital, and newly-remastered audiobook.
In answering the work’s central question, former Penn State Trustee Dr. Ben Novak delves into the institution’s lost history and examines what lessons it still holds for us today. Especially now, it holds great treasures for Penn Staters seeking ways to better understand their Alma Mater within a hopeful, common context. We humbly offer this work as a guidepost on the path toward continual rejuvenation, ever the task of a living and healthy institution.
Hike Mount Nittany
Hiking the Mountain can be a “four seasons” experience, with each time of year bringing its own rewards. If you plan to visit soon, be sure to visit our Hike Mount Nittany page for all the maps, tips, and guidelines you will need to make your trip a safe and memorable one!
