“Mr. State College” Mayor Bill Welsh is in critical condition at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center recovering from complications from leg bypass surgery.

Welch had checked into the hospital earlier this month for surgery to deal with a clogged artery in one of his legs. The surgery was successful, but Welch later developed pneumonia, according to an e-mail from an acquaintance of the family. The news release from the medical center simply said complications had developed.

Council member James Rosenberger said Welch, “a force for making the community a good place to live for everyone,” has recovered from serious medical conditions in the past.

“He’s faced some serious issues in the past and somehow has always managed to be indomitable,” Borough Council President Elizabeth Goreham said.

Students know Welsh most for his annual speech at the Penn State New Student Convocation at Bryce Jordan.

Cards from well wishers can be sent to Welch’s home address: 706 Sunset Road, State College, PA 16803.