UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Lou Prato, a 1959 Penn State alumni, distinguished journalist, author and historian of Penn State University, passed away at the age of 87 on Tuesday, February 25.
Prato had a lifelong passion for Penn State Athletics. He had a career in television while also working on many freelance opportunities. He taught classes at Penn State and was the founding director of the Penn State All-Sports Museum. Prato dedicated much of his life narrating the history of Penn State Football and Penn State Athletics.
“Lou Prato was the authority on all things Penn State Athletics history,” said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Pat Kraft. “From the moment I met Lou, I could tell how much sharing the stories of Penn State meant to him and how important it was to him to keep those stories alive. His passion for this University was only matched by his love for his family. There will never be another Lou Prato and we will miss seeing him around our Penn State Athletics events. Our thoughts are with Carole and Lou’s children during this difficult time.”
During his career, Prato authored a number of Penn State Books, including “The Penn State Football Encyclopedia,” “100 Things Penn State Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die” and “Game Changers: Penn State.” He is also known for exploring the origins of the iconic “We Are…Penn State” chant.
Prato’s career began at The Daily Collegian, where he was sports editor in 1958. Following his studies at Penn State, Prato’s career included 40 years as a news director in the broadcast industry (Detroit and Dayton) as well as roles in higher education directing Northwestern University’s journalism program in Washington, D.C., and as an instructor and guest lecturer in several communications courses at Penn State.
As the first director of the All-Sports Museum in 2002, Prato led the project from the ground up. He dedicated thousands of hours as a volunteer to his alma mater, serving as an original member of the Bellisario College Alumni Society Board, working on the All-Sports Museum Board, speaking to alumni groups from coast to coast, and mentoring numerous Penn Staters through the decades.
He also dedicated more than 30 years to the Radio and Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), including 20 years as the treasurer for its Board of Directors. In 2001, RTDNA created the Lou and Carole Prato Sports Reporting Scholarship, which is awarded to a journalism student who brings Lou’s journalism values to cover sports.
Prato won the Alumni Achievement Award from the Bellisario College Alumni Society Board in 2016. The Alumni Achievement Award is presented to a graduate or friend of the college whose significant contributions to the college and/or University, in terms of time and talent, have brought distinction to themselves, the college and the University.
Lou is survived by his wife, Carole, a son, Scott, and daughters, Vicki Rearick and Lori Keating. Arrangements will be announced at a later date.