John Patishnock Jr. named editor of The Football Letter

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — John Patishnock Jr. has been named editor of The Football Letter, the Penn State Alumni Association announced last week. Patishnock, a 2005 Penn State graduate from the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, succeeds longtime editor John Black, who retired last season.

The Football Letter is a member benefit of the Penn State Alumni Association and is the longest-running publication of its kind in the country, beginning in 1938 with founder and editor Ridge Riley. Patishnock, who serves as associate director for alumni outreach communications for the Alumni Association, will begin in his new role immediately.  

“It’s an absolute honor to continue in the legendary path forged by Ridge Riley and John Black,” Patishnock said. “Working with John over the years has been such a privilege. He possesses such a great wealth of knowledge of and passion for Penn State football and the entire University, and seeing his dedication and commitment is inspiring. I’m both incredibly appreciative and thrilled to have the opportunity to follow his example and keep alumni connected as editor of The Football Letter.”

Created by Riley, The Football Letter served as the sole source of Penn State football coverage for many alumni before the invention of television and the proliferation of media coverage. Riley authored the publication until his passing in early 1976, with Black covering more than 500 games from 1976 until last season. Both Riley (1932) and Black (1962) are Penn State graduates.

Since moving back to State College in 2013, Patishnock has covered Penn State football every season. He began covering the Nittany Lions full time for The Football Letter in 2020.

Patishnock has contributed to The Football Letter’s expansion in recent years, co-hosting The Football Letter Live and providing extensive video and social media coverage of the team and corresponding alumni events. He started at the Alumni Association in 2013, working in several positions before beginning his current role in 2019. 

Patishnock is a passionate supporter of Penn State University Libraries, where he’s created an endowment and supports an annual awards program, both of which are named in honor of his parents, Kimlyn and John Sr.

Alumni and fans who wish to learn more about The Football Letter can visit the Alumni Association’s website. Membership in the Penn State Alumni Association is open to all alumni, friends and fans. Visit alumni.psu.edu/join to learn how you can become a member and receive The Football Letter all season.