Editor's note: This column from Penn State Alumni Association CEO Paul Clifford originally appeared in the January edition of AlumnInsider, a member benefit of the Alumni Association.
As a kid growing up in northeastern Pennsylvania, the fall was full of football. From high school games at Harmon Geist Stadium in Hazleton to watch the West Hazleton Wildcats, our several trips to Happy Valley for Penn State games, and then watching the Philadelphia Eagles lose on Sunday, those were our family traditions September through November each year. As I think back to those days, the football weekend started on Thursday with the arrival of "The Football Letter." I would wait for my dad, Joe, 1972, to come home with the mail so I could read every word. I am certain I wasn’t alone.
For the better part of five decades, John Black’s words have brought Penn State football to life in the imagination of generations of Penn Staters. Last fall, Black, 1962, announced that this season — his 46th covering the team — would be his final season covering Penn State football as editor of "The Football Letter." John’s style made The Letter feel like a letter from a life-long friend. Many alumni feel like they know John before they ever meet him.
For those of us that have had the privilege to get to know John beyond the letter, we know about his commitment to his family and their love for him. We were able to be with this special family as John was recently recognized by Penn State Athletics for his service to the football beat. Watch that video on The Football Letter Twitter account.
Traveling with John was like traveling with a rock star. Alumni would line up to talk to him, and he was so generous with his time, showering them with stories of Penn State history, gridiron success, or shared memories from previous experiences together. Everyone feels like a million dollars after talking to John Black — he makes everyone feel like his favorite Penn Stater.
I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to serve Penn State by his side the last six years.
John, thank you for a lifetime of service to your alma mater!
Paul Clifford
CEO, Penn State Alumni Association
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You can read more about John’s storied career on Penn State News.
And if you missed his last Letter, you can find that on the Alumni Association's website.