George R. Desko Receives 1996 Alumni Service Award

4-8-96
University Park, Pa. -- George R. Desko of Latrobe, who graduated from Penn State in 1967 with a bachelor's degree in mining engineering, has been named the 1996 recipient of the Philip Philip Mitchell Alumni Service Award. He will be honored at a reception on April 19 at the Penn State Scanticon.

The award was established in 1980 by Elizabeth and Philip P. Mitchell to recognize an alumnus, alumna or friend of Penn State who has contributed significantly in the area of public service through sharing or volunteering time, talents and resources on behalf of the University.

Each year the Mitchells present a cash gift to the University in recognition of the award, and because Desko is this year's recipient, he will decide how the money is used. He said he plans to award the money to the College of Health and Human Development's dance program in support of Orchesis, a University dance company. Desko has been working recently to gain financial support for the company.

Desko, who said winning the award came as a complete surprise, views his service to the University as an honor.

"When you dedicate time and energies and resources to participate in Penn State and help develop its high tradition of excellence, you don't expect to be rewarded," he said. "You're being rewarded for something you're doing because it's in your heart to do."

Desko is president and owner of Canteburry Coal Company, the largest privately-owned coal producing company in Pennsylvania. While at Penn State, he was a member of the Student Society of Mining Engineers. He later earned a master's degree at West Virginia University, and is currently a member of the Nittany Lion Club, the Penn State Alumni Association, the American Mining Congress and the American Institute of Mining Engineers' Society of Mining Engineers.

Since graduating, Desko has continued his involvement with Penn State. He established the College of Earth and Mineral Science's Constituent Alumni Society and served as the organization's president for five years. Desko co-founded the Jesse F. Core Memorial Scholarship Fund for mining engineering students, and works with many of those students as a mentor.

**jmp**

Contacts:
Alan Janesch (814) 865-7517 (office) (814) 867-3621 (home) axj12@psu.edu
Christy Rambeau(814) 865-7517 (office) (814) 237-9046 (home) cmr7@psu.edu