Markers help University recall history

Though they may go unnoticed, the signs speak of the past.

In collaboration with The Alumni Association, University Relations determines certain historical aspects of the University worthy of historical marker placement, said Director of Development Communications and Special Projects Michael Bezilla.

"The markers are an educational tool that we use to try and show that Penn State's achievements go back many years," he said. "We have influenced society in many ways and I think the markers show that."

In addition, Director of Communications and Administration for the Penn State Alumni Association John Black said the markers are to let everyone know about historic buildings and professors who have made important discoveries or inventions.

These markers, Bezilla said, were first erected in the spring of 1990. The deceptively simple steel and cast aluminum signs cost between $500 and $1,000 because the markers are customized and engraved, he said.

However, the financing of the markers has been worthwhile, Black said.

"We feel that it was a good investment in promoting Penn State and its history," he said.

Bezilla said 50 markers are spread throughout the University Park campus and 12 others are placed in Commonwealth Campuses and the University's Hershey Medical Center.

Many of the markers can be found in the center of University Park campus, said University Archivist Lee Stout.

"I think that a lot of this information was out there, but it was just a matter of spreading them out in not one area," he said.

The specific location is crucial because the University would not want the signs to be too prominent and block the view of some aesthetic buildings or sites, Stout said.

"We're not going to cut down plantings to put a marker up," he said. "We do not want too much visual clutter. We don't want to put them in an obstructive area."

Also, the specific location is taken into account because the electrical lines and water mains run entirely underground, said Paul Ruskin, spokesman for the Office of Physical Plant.

Executive Vice President of the Lion Ambassadors Maureen Pitterle said she thinks the signs are helpful, but she does not point them out to people on her tour.