Coach Bill O'Brien Speaks to over 900 guests as PSU Chapter Honors Alumni and Students at Annual Dinner
The 34th Annual Greater Scranton Penn State Chapter dinner honored Alumni, Students, Athletes and featured special speakers including new PSU Head Football Coach Bill O'Brien.
Photos and Story By Sara Rinkunas
Scranton welcomed the Penn State Coaches Caravan the best way they know how - with a ballroom filled with over 930 guests, alumni, students, athletes, and fans. Genetti’s in Dickson City was host to the 34th Annual Greater Scranton Penn State Chapter Dinner which brought visitors from all over Pennsylvania.
The night began with Coach Bill O'Brien, along with top Penn State coaches Russ Rose and Greg Nye stepping off the bus to greet NEPA, shake hands, take photos, and sign football after Penn State football. The line inside Gennetti's grew as excited guests clamored along the stanchions to catch their first glimpse of the new football coach.
As the night moved forward the Greater Scranton Penn State Chapter hosted speakers such as President Jim Elliott and 1st Vice President and PSWS Athletic Director Jeff Mallas who honored Pride of the Lion Award to PSWS Student Allison Dewitt for her dedication to academics. Terry Butler awarded three special area high school seniors, Kasey Flyte, North Pocono, Davendra Chatterpaul, Scranton, and Jesse Lick, Lakeland with scholarships. These three outstanding seniors heading to Penn State Worthington in the fall are in the top 5 of the incoming class for 2012. Doctor Steven J. Weissberger, Dinner Chairman, worked tediously to get the numbers in the room and the special guests at the head table. Dr. Weissberger, along with other Chapter members worked to honor the best and brightest Penn Staters in the area.
A special honor for the Athletic Department was the honoring of two student-athletes for the female and male Academic Athletic Award. Beth Yuschovitz and Maor Tel-Tzur received their awards from Coach O’Brien in front of a full house as they also learned that this year the chapter was giving scholarships to the award recipients for their dedication to athletics and academics and Penn State Worthington Scranton.
Nick Donato, the Alumnus of the Year was recognized as he spoke humbly about his award. Mr. Donato is the first to be part of a father/son tandem that the chapter has honored as Alumnus of the Year over the decades and he held up his father’s old varsity sweater as he spoke fondly about everything Penn State means to him.
As Steve Jones, “the voice of the Penn State football” began the speaker presentations everyone cheered and the spirits were high and hopeful. Roger Williams led everyone in a “We Are!” chant and Dr. Wayne Sebastianelli brought hometown pride as he spoke of his start in the area. The record breaking PSU Women’s Volleyball Coach Russ Rose spoke to the crowd about dedication and honor and acting Athletic Director David Joyner introduced Coach O'Brien, the newest member of the coaching staff.
Coach Bill O’Brien then stood in front of the 900 plus alumn, students, guests, and fans and talks about important key points he will use throughout his time at Penn State. He spoke about players attitudes, Penn State pride and above all respect. One thing Coach O’Brien made sure of was that although some things were changing the past would never be forgotten and the core values would stay strong. Some laughed at jokes, some cheered, and everyone gave him a standing ovation.
Congratulations to all the honorees at the event! For photos click here: