WE ARE... PENN STATE
The Myrtle Beach Chapter of Penn State Alumni Association
Onward State, ran a “Penn State History Lesson” which claimed that the origin of the iconic “We Are Penn State” phrase and cheer was from the actions of the 1947-48 football team, who admirably stood up to racial prejudice. The story is beautiful and inspirational. The story has been repeated multiple times by Onward State, The Daily Collegian, Penn Stater alumni magazine, the Centre Daily times and more. I understand it’s become part of Penn State’s orientation for students. It’s also not true. The inspirational stand by the football team is fact. It’s a proud moment in Penn State history, one we should all embrace. But it was not the source of the phrase and cheer. The real source of the phrase and cheer was told first in 1999, by noted Penn State historian, Lou Prato in the publication Town and Gown. In that article, since reposted at statecollege.com, Prato details how the Penn State cheerleaders in the mid 1970s and early 1980s created the cheer. Now it has grown into an iconic statement for students, alumni and others, connecting everyone to our Penn State. By Dennis Shea
The first meeting to create the Myrtle Beach chapter of Penn State Alumni was held on November 18, 2010...
with the PSU Alumni Association Regional Director (Cheryl Stringer.) Harry Wynn, Phil Cox, Alicia Smith, Garrett Miller, Kelly Shulkitas, Bob Bastian, Jean Bastian and Tom Turan were in attendance and became the first board in January 2011, with Harry assuming the first presidency. As the Chapter took hold, the membership grew to nearly 50 members by 2012. Phil Cox had taken over the presidency and the Chapter expanded its philanthropic activities, helping local children’s charities like Backpack Buddies and Jason’s House. In 2014, Jim Prisco took over as head of the group and the growth continued. Phil Cox, who was present at the start moved aside, but remained on the Board of Directors as a trusted advisor. By 2016 the chapter had attracted 196 members, established an annual fund raising goal that now included Toys for Tots, THON, and Tara Hall. The Chapter has risen up the ranks of Penn State Alumni Groups of Distinction reaching the Laurel Level. It now stands among the upper tier of Alumni groups in the state and nation.
How to Join
To become a member of the chapter, any alumni, family member, or Nittany Lion fan can simply fill out and submit the online membership form payment of $15 for a member and an additional $10 for an additional family member. Or simply download and fill out the short form linked below, and return it with your check to Myrtle Beach Penn State Alumni Association c/o Jim Prisco; 204 North Shore Drive (Unit 836); Myrtle Beach, SC 29579.
Always Something Exciting!
We sponsor events throughout the year including our annual golf outing, football watch parties, fundraisers for local charities, and our annual Spring dinner. Once a year we all get together for a picnic/annual meeting, and starting in 2017 we will host a Spring Training series of games for the PSU Baseball team at the Myrtle Beach Pelicans' ballyard.
As alumni of Penn State University, we all know how important it is to give back to the community. Please join our chapter as we contribute to these wonderful organizations.
