Alumni Reception Friday, October 15 will Honor Donors and Show Off Renovations

The SCASD Education Foundation board of directors is happy to announce that the Hawbaker family has committed $200,000 to the Campaign for Memorial Field, securing naming rights to the Locker Room. The pledge adds to the $1 million commitment from Larry Beans ’62 who named the press box and the concession stand (the latter is named for his graduating class) and the $500,000 commitment from Galen Dreibelbis who named the plaza near the entry way. In addition, many alumni, families and businesses contributed to the project by naming individual lockers and inscribing bricks along the walkway to the field.

“Three generations of our Hawbaker family have graduated from State High and two of our grandchildren attend State High now, so it’s been an important part of our family,” said Dan Hawbaker, class of 1957. Our class graduation in 1957 took place on Memorial Field and I attended Nittany Avenue School before attending junior and senior high at the Fairmount Building. The class of ’57 was the last to graduate from the Fairmount Avenue School prior to the opening of the Westerly Parkway school in 1958. It’s interesting to note that part of the Nittany Avenue School is now the foundation for the Dreibelbis Plaza and the locker room.”

“On behalf of the Education Foundation and the State College community, I thank the Hawbaker family for this generous commitment,” said Chris Buchignani, board president. “We are grateful for their dedication to improving this community landmark so that it can continue to bring people together.”

The Hawbaker family also participated in the initial renovation campaign for Memorial Field in 2003 and chose to contribute to the most recent project because the facility and State High hold such fond memories, which they’d like to secure for new generations as well.

“My classmates and I have many good memories of attending football games and many other events at Memorial Field, and fond memories and close attachments from State High—memories of classmates, teachers and experiences unique to the 1950s that I still hold dear today. It’s important for our grandkids and future students to have these opportunities also.” Dan said.

The Education Foundation will host an Alumni & Friends reception to honor all donors to the project at 5 PM, Friday, October 15, on the Dreibelbis Plaza prior to the Little Lions game against Carlisle.

Renovations to Memorial Field will strengthen the foundation for a secure and sustainable future for State College athletics and contribute to State College as a whole. The project improves and increases the safety of the practice and playing experience for athletes, members of the marching band, and community youth sports organizations; leverages existing structures to add needed indoor space for team meetings; provides an exemplary community gathering space for games and other events by offering a safe, more enjoyable spectator experience; and showcases our students and the tremendous level of community support afforded to our district by engaged and invested local individuals, families and businesses.

If you haven’t read it yet be sure to check out our article on the funds raised at our 29th GOH Charity Golf Outing that aid community organizations.

Follow us on Facebook to see other updates going on with Glenn O. Hawbaker.