Speeches

Friend of Penn State Legislative Award

            I am very pleased to be here today and to see so many colleagues from across the University. I’d like to extend a special welcome to Penn State Trustees Anne Riley and Sam Hayes.  Thank you all for coming.

            When Evan Pugh became Penn State’s first president, the first thing he did--and I mean the very first thing--was to go to Harrisburg to seek a $50,000 appropriation to address some of the physical necessities on campus, which at the time consisted of an unfinished main building and a carpenters’ shanty for a dining hall. The living quarters didn’t even include a bath or toilet accommodations. Despite the dire situation, President Pugh’s request was denied.

The following year, State Representative William C. Duncan reintroduced the bill. Representative Duncan’s endorsement, coupled with the support of local agricultural societies and the newly elected Governor Andrew Curtain, resulted in smooth passage. The appropriation was approved, literally laying the foundation for the institution we know so well.

            As President Pugh and every successive president have learned, we cannot go it alone. Since the earliest days, our state representatives have played a vital role in helping Penn State advance our mission in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

For our part, I think we have rewarded their good faith and investment. Penn State is the largest single contributor to the state’s economy, generating more than $17 billion annually in direct and indirect economic impact. We are true partners with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and to that end, it is with great pleasure that we have the opportunity to honor our good friend--state representative Matthew E. Baker.

            Representative Baker is serving his ninth term in the state House of Representatives. In his leadership roles and as a member of the General Assembly, he has been a steadfast supporter of Penn State. 

Representative Baker formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport and has strongly backed Penn College, which fulfills an important mission in the state. This year, applications for admission to Penn College are up 5 percent.

Representative Baker has also worked closely with the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center on important rural health issues. Specifically, he has helped the Medical Center secure state funding for critical mental health services in rural and underserved areas such as the northern tier of Pennsylvania. His efforts, with Dr. Bob Gabbay and Dr. Jan Ulbrecht who are the co-leaders of the Penn State Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, have helped coordinate diabetes research and treatment services with providers in Tioga County. 

            In addition, Representative Baker has strongly supported the teaching and research missions of Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. As the minority chair of the State Government Committee, Representative Baker worked with Representative Mike Hanna to bring bi-partisan support to the amendment in support of the Rockview land purchase by Penn State. He did this, not in the hope of receiving public praise, but because he saw the public benefits that could be gained by the College of Agricultural Sciences using the land to advance education and research and to provide new recreational opportunities for the area.

            Throughout his career, Representative Baker has clearly shown his genuine concern for people, not only in his district, but in the Commonwealth as a whole. He has demonstrated his deep commitment to education, as an advocate for Penn State and through his service on the board of governors of the State System of Higher Education.

In recognition of his many contributions to the public good, Representative Baker has been honored by the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians, the Pennsylvania Public Policy Coalition and the Pennsylvania Public Health Association.

Before I present the Friend of Penn State Award to Representative Baker, I’d like to describe a bit about the award itself. Made of bronze, this award was commissioned specifically for the Friend of Penn State tribute. Designed and fabricated by Jeanne Stevens-Sollman, each award is individually cast and hand finished in a multi-step process to create a one-of-a-kind work of art. Jeanne is an alumna of our College of Arts and Architecture and we’re delighted she could be here today.

            In addition to this sculpture, Representative Baker’s name will be engraved on a permanent plaque on display here in the Hintz Family Alumni Center.

Representative Baker, the work you have accomplished has been outstanding and much appreciated.  We have had a lasting and productive relationship with you as you have worked both publicly and behind the scenes on behalf of the University and its students. Your support of Penn State has been tremendous and we greatly appreciate your belief in our mission and in our work across Pennsylvania.

I am pleased to present you with this Friend of Penn State Award.