June 12, 2008
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa - Long time radio announcer and voice of the Penn State Radio Network Fran Fisher was named an Honorary Alumni during a ceremony held Friday at The Nittany Lion Inn. The Honorary Alumni Award is part of the recognition program of the Penn State Alumni Association, which recognizes individuals for their continued support and contribution to the welfare of Penn State as well as upholding its reputation and ensuring a lasting legacy.
Among the newly inducted alumni members was someone who Penn State fans relied on before the days of 24-hour sports broadcasting and ESPN. Starting in 1966, Fran Fisher was the voice of the Penn State Radio Network. Fisher provided many memorable broadcasts, including the Nittany Lions' national championship victory in the 1983 Sugar Bowl. Fisher came out of retirement in 1994 for another five seasons of announcing with George Paterno. Along with being the voice of Penn State football, Fisher co-hosted the television program TV Quarterbacks, was the play-by-play announcer for Nittany Lion basketball (1976-83), hosted the radio call-in show Nittany Lion Hotline, and served as executive director of the Nittany Lion Club.
Since being established in 1973, the Penn State Alumni Association has given the Honorary Alumni Award to 91 individuals. Though not graduates of Penn State, these longtime benefactors have significantly worked toward bettering the University. Along with receiving the award, the honorees were inducted into the Penn State Alumni Association during the ceremony. The award recipients received a lifetime membership in the Penn State Alumni Association, as well as a commemorative award.
This year's six award Honorary Award recipients have distinguished themselves through volunteer service to the University or through success in their personal and professional lives. They are; Cheston M. Berlin of Hummelstown, Pa.; Paul D. Chadderton of West Middlesex, Pa., and Jensen Beach, Fla.; Fran Fisher of State College, Pa.; Shirley A. Pechter of Altoona, Pa., and New York City; Diane Krall Ryan and James Ryan, both of Eagles Mere, Pa., and Fran Fisher of State College, Pa.
With more than 159,000 members, the Penn State Alumni Association is the largest dues-paying alumni association in the world. Established in 1870, the Alumni Association strives to connect alumni to the University and to each other, provide valuable benefits to members and support the University's mission of teaching, research and service.
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