Pennsylvania Senator Pat Vance will receive the tenth annual “Friend of Penn State” legislative award, given to a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly or U.S. Congress who has played a significant role in the continued improvement of Penn State. The award luncheon will be held June 19 in the Hintz Family Alumni Center.

“It is an honor to be recognized by Penn State University,” Vance said in a Penn State Grassroots release. “I have always had a warm spot in my heart for both the medical center and law school. They have contributed immeasurably to the health and well-being of the residents of our area.”

Vance chairs the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, which has helped the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. It was the Medical Center that nominated Vance, a former surgical pediatric nurse, for the award. Vance has also been a generous private donor to the Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute and Children’s Hospital.

She was first elected to the Pennsylvania Senate in 2004, after serving the previous 14 years in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Her district also includes Carlisle, where a Penn State Dickinson School of Law campus is located.

The award recipient is selected annually by the Legislative Education and Advocacy Committee of Alumni Council. The first Friend of Penn State Legislative Award was given in 2006 to State Senator Jake Corman and State Representative Lynn Herman.

“Her support for the entire Penn State community has been open-minded, thoughtful, and passionate,” said committee chair Andy Santacroce.

Congratulations to Senator Vance, and thanks to all Pennsylvania legislators who are “friends” of Penn State.

Photo: The Sentinel