The Mount Nittany Conservancy’s “Ben Novak Fellowship” provides opportunities to encounter the Nittany Valley’s legendary spirit through cultural and environmental experiences meant to enhance appreciation for our distinctive community and encourage friendships for the future.
Our outgoing 2025-26 Novak Fellow Fletcher Port ’26 offers some parting thoughts on what the experience meant to his senior year at Penn State.
Working with the Mount Nittany Conservancy was one of the most meaningful opportunities I had in my four years at Penn State to become involved with the surrounding community. While I joined and became involved in many clubs and organizations, the focus was often centered on students and the University itself. Rarely did I find opportunities where the true emphasis was on investing back into the surrounding community and the municipalities that give so much to us. Doing work that supports students is incredibly important, and its impact can often be measured. But doing work that supports Downtown State College and the broader community feels different. Its impact is immeasurable.
The effort, care, and pride of local residents help create an environment that makes Penn State feel like home. It is not just the University that people come back to; it is the place.
One of the most important things we can have in this world is a sense of community: one where everyone has a seat at the table, and where everyone has a space to belong. That is what Downtown State College is so widely recognized for. It is part of why State College was recently named the best college town. The effort, care, and pride of local residents help create an environment that makes Penn State feel like home. It is not just the University that people come back to; it is the place.
For that reason, working with the community, bringing people together, and helping continue to develop a true sense of place was one of the most rewarding parts of my Mount Nittany Conservancy Novak Fellowship. This role was one of the most humbling and privileged positions I have been fortunate enough to hold. I am incredibly grateful to Chris Buchignani and the Mount Nittany Conservancy for welcoming me in, supporting me, and allowing me to be part of such meaningful work.