2023 GSVPSC Letter from the Chapter President
As we sit here enjoying The Great Susquehanna Valley Penn State Alumni Chapter’s Annual Pig Roast, please take a moment to remember why we are here and what helped to bring us to this point. This past year our Chapter lost its final patriarch, the man who with three others had the vision to start this wonderful organization. Bob Werba passed away, and while not able to be with us physically for the last several years, he was ALWAYS with us in thought and spirit. He reveled at the thought of celebrating Penn State, but more so, he cherished the ability to help others. The impact of his hard work and desire to help others will forever be felt, as the impact this Chapter has had on people will never truly be known. Whether it be a scholarship, an invite to a tailgate or simply sharing some of his life lessons or words of encouragement, Robert will truly be missed. PLEASE take a moment and remember that old Navy Chief with the paw prints painted on top of his head and think about what you can do to help make a difference in the lives of others, as that was truly one of his greatest accomplishments – Making a Difference.
As we enjoy another pig roast, I’m proud to announce the freshman recipients of this year’s scholarship program. Our committee was once again tasked with choosing this year’s award winners, a task that is never easy. Our valley is so rich in young talent that it is truly a joy to read and see the great things being done by our students. We wish all of them all the very best as they continue their educational pursuits.
Derek Holtzapple is the son of Glenn and Mary Holtzapple. He is a graduate of the Selinsgrove Area High School and will be attending University Park where he will be majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He was a member of the football team and assisted with various community service activities. In his spare time, you could find him working at Skeeter’s Pit BBQ in Selinsgrove. His goal after school is to use his problem solving and communication skills to make a difference and to make money.
Daniel Ren is the son of Ryanna and Giang Ren. He is a graduate of Lewisburg Area High School and will be attending University Park with a major in Architectural Engineering. Daniel was a member of the National Honor Society, the Lewisburg Tennis and Soccer teams. He was an award winner at the Bloomsburg University High School Art Competition, the FBLA UX Design Competition and placed 7th in State at the FBLA Computer Game Programming and Simulation Competition. Daniel has also been active with various community events, volunteering with his church and was a member of the Lewisburg Marching, Concert and Jazz Bands.
Owen Hoot is the son of Todd and Heather Hoot. He is a graduate of Selinsgrove Area High School and will be attending The Pennsylvania College of Technology where he will be majoring in Diesel Technology and Heavy Equipment Technology. Owen was awarded the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts. He was a member of FFA, the Golf Team, the Bowling Team and a member of Witmers UMC.
Jonah Carney is the son of Boyd and Jerilee Carney. He is a graduate of Lewisburg Area High School and will be attending University Park where he will be majoring in Music Education. Jonah was a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society and Tri-M National Music Honor Society. He was heavily involved in the Music Program at Lewisburg as a member of the Orchestra, Jazz Band, Marching Band, and Concert and Chamber Choirs. Jonah was named as a member of the PMEA All-State Wind Ensemble, All-State Choir, NAfME All-Eastern Mixed Choir and the NAfME All-National Mixed Choir. He was also involved in various community and church choir groups. In his spare time, Jonah was a member of the Cross Country and Track & Field Teams and was involved in various school clubs and programs.
Above is a wonderful caption of the students we have in our area. Again, the decisions made by our committee are never easy, but it is very rewarding to see these students. As stated above, please take the chance to congratulate the young in our area who strive to make this a better world, whether they choose to enter the military, whether they choose to continue their academic pursuits – regardless of where or what, or whether they choose to enter the workforce, they are making a difference. If you ever had the opportunity to meet and talk with Mr. Werba, he never cared where or what you were doing, only that you were doing something, working your hardest to do it, and that you worked to make a difference. If you were doing these couple things, you were one of the biggest successes one could ask for.
We wish all of you the very best and thank you for your continued support of our Great Susquehanna Valley Penn State Alumni Association Chapter as we continue to do the work that Bob and DJ and many others set out to do roughly 45 years ago.
Sincerely,
Curt Rothermel, Chapter President