Penn State Alumni Athletes Honored for Community Impact

Former Penn State student-athletes who have continued to serve their communities will be honored at the Impact Honors 2026 celebration on Wednesday, October 21, at The State Theatre in State College. The event, presented by the Make an Impact Fund at the Centre Foundation, recognizes alumni who embody the university's land grant mission of service. This year's honorees include Deryck Toles, founder of Inspiring Minds, which supports over 700 youth across four states; Dr. Michael McShane, who will receive the Land Grant Mission Award for leading the LION Mobile Health Clinic, providing free healthcare to rural Pennsylvanians; Dylan Lugris, founder of the Penn State Sled Hockey Classic, which has raised over $60,000 for adaptive athletes; and Samantha Tortorello Ream Haas and Kelsey Ream Napolitan, leaders of the Team Ream Foundation, which aids families affected by cancer. The awards not only celebrate their contributions but also provide financial grants to their charities, thanks to donations from alumni and friends.

Jay Paterno, co-founder of the Make an Impact Fund, praised the honorees, stating, "The Impact Awards represent Penn State student-athletes and their role in our university's long-standing tradition of selfless service to others." He also highlighted the broader culture of philanthropy at Penn State, from THON to smaller acts of kindness. Paterno, an author and commentator, recently published BLITZED! The All-Out Pressure of College Football's New Era, a book exploring the challenges facing college football coaches. The October 21 event is free and open to the public, featuring current student-athletes as emcees and honoring two current student-athletes already making an impact. For more information, visit PennStatersMakeAnImpact.com.