Penn State notable alumni have made significant marks across diverse fields, showcasing the university's impact on producing influential leaders, innovators, and trailblazers. With over 750,000 living alumni worldwide, Penn State's network is one of the largest among public universities, offering students and job seekers unparalleled opportunities for mentorship and career advancement through its robust alumni association. This vast community underscores the importance of a Penn State degree in fostering lifelong connections that propel professional success.
In sports figures, Penn State stands out with legends like Franco Harris, the Hall of Fame running back who earned his degree in 2003 and helped win multiple Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers, embodying the Nittany Lions' football legacy. For a full list, check our sports figures section. Business leaders include Terry Pegula (BS Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, 1972), a billionaire owner of the Buffalo Bills and Sabres, whose energy empire highlights Penn State's engineering prowess. In politics, Guion Bluford (BS Aerospace Engineering, 1964), the first African American astronaut in space, and Tom Ridge (BA Political Science, 1967), the first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, demonstrate the university's role in shaping public service and national security.
Entertainment boasts talents like Keegan-Michael Key (BA Communication Arts, 1991), co-creator of Comedy Central's Key & Peele, and Rachel Dratch (BA Theater, 1988), a Saturday Night Live alum. These famous graduates of Penn State illustrate how the university's liberal arts and performing arts programs nurture creative excellence. Unique aspects include Penn State's land-grant status, emphasizing practical breakthroughs in agriculture and engineering, with alumni contributing to innovations like advanced materials research.
The implications are profound for prospective students and job seekers: a Penn State education opens doors to high-impact careers, bolstered by alumni in Fortune 500 companies and government. Parents appreciate the global reach, while faculty benefit from collaborative networks. Explore Rate My Professor for insights on Penn State faculty, or check academic jobs in State College, Pennsylvania and higher ed jobs. For more, visit Penn State's official alumni site or alumni awards page.
Whether pursuing faculty positions or leveraging the network for startups, Penn State's alumni exemplify resilience and achievement, inspiring the next generation amid its storied rivalries like those with Ohio State.
Penn State notable alumni have made their mark across entertainment, sports, politics, business, and science, proving the power of a Nittany Lions education for famous graduates of Penn State. From gridiron legends to Nobel winners, these Penn State celebrities inspire students and job seekers eyeing higher-ed jobs in State College, Pennsylvania. Check professor ratings on Rate My Professor for Penn State or explore higher ed jobs nearby. Dive into categories below, with entertaining facts on top achievers, and see full lists like entertainment figures, sports figures, politics, millionaires and billionaires, and Nobel laureates.
Penn State has produced influential leaders shaping U.S. policy, including senators and governors who started with degrees from University Park. These notable alumni from Penn State demonstrate leadership forged in Happy Valley.
Penn State turns out stars who light up screens and stages, blending humor and drama from their college roots.
Athletics powerhouse Penn State boasts NFL Hall of Famers and Olympic heroes among its famous graduates.
Penn State engineers and entrepreneurs built empires, turning campus innovation into fortunes.
Penn State's scientific minds earned ultimate accolades. Learn more on PSU's site.
These Penn State influential leaders highlight breakthroughs from State College. Parents and job seekers, consider academic jobs in State College or career advice for your path. More at Rate My Professor Penn State.
Penn State notable alumni have left an indelible mark across entertainment, sports, politics, and beyond, showcasing the Nittany Lions' ability to produce famous graduates of Penn State who excel on global stages. Take Guion Bluford, the first African American astronaut to fly in space (BS Aerospace Engineering, 1964). His groundbreaking missions aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger inspired generations, proving Penn State's engineering prowess propels trailblazers to the stars. Imagine suiting up for NASA after studying in Happy Valley—talk about a stellar career launch!
In politics, Tom Ridge (BS Political Science, 1967), Pennsylvania's former governor and the inaugural U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, navigated national security post-9/11 with steady leadership. Meanwhile, Rick Santorum (BA Political Science, 1980), a U.S. Senator, brought Penn State grit to debates on Capitol Hill. These influential leaders from Penn State highlight how the university fosters thinkers ready for public service. For more on politics alumni, dive deeper into their stories.
Sports figures dominate Penn State celebrities lists, with NFL Hall of Famer Franco Harris (BA 1975) etching his name in Super Bowl history with the Immaculate Reception—a play still replayed in highlight reels. Linebacker LaVar Arrington and quarterback Todd Blackledge also carried Lion pride to pro fields. Check sports figures for full rosters. Billionaire Terry Pegula (BS Petroleum Engineering, 1972), owner of the Buffalo Bills and Sabres, turned energy expertise into sports empire building.
Entertainment shines with comedian Keegan-Michael Key (MFA Theatre, 1999), whose Key & Peele sketches went viral, blending humor with sharp social commentary. Nobel laureate Paul Berg (PhD Biochemistry, 1950) revolutionized genetic engineering, earning Chemistry honors in 1980. These entertaining insights reveal Penn State breakthroughs fueling Penn State influential leaders. Aspiring talents, explore Rate My Professor for Penn State faculty insights or higher ed jobs in State College. Visit the Penn State Alumni Association for networking. Parents and job seekers, Penn State's legacy motivates—see academic jobs in State College, Pennsylvania.
From gridiron glory to galactic feats, these achievements entertain while inspiring. Whether chasing Penn State Nobel winners or actors, the university's network opens doors worldwide.
Penn State notable alumni have made their mark across diverse fields, inspiring countless students and job seekers considering the university. These star ratings evaluate the impact and prominence of famous graduates of Penn State in key categories, based on verified achievements from trusted sources like the official Penn State website and alumni records. Ratings reflect the number of high-profile successes, global influence, and recent trends over the past decade, helping you see where Nittany Lions shine brightest.
These ratings motivate by showing Penn State's strength in athletics, leadership, and business—perfect for job seekers eyeing State College academic jobs. Parents, highlight these successes to encourage applications. Students, network via the Penn State Alumni Association for career advice. Aim high: emulate these paths through internships and higher ed career advice. Discover more on Rate My Professor for Penn State faculty insights. With such a legacy, your Penn State journey could lead to similar triumphs.
Penn State alumni have made significant impacts in entertainment fields including actors, musicians, and composers, entertaining millions through television, film, music, and production while highlighting the university's support for creative disciplines in the United States.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keegan-Michael Key | Actor and Comedian | Theater Arts | 1991 | Co-star and co-creator of the Comedy Central sketch series Key & Peele, earning Emmy nominations for his improvisational comedy work. |
| David Conrad | Actor | Biology | 1990 | Portrayed the husband of the main character in the CBS series Ghost Whisperer for five seasons. |
| Lauren Stamile | Actress | Labor and Industrial Relations | 1993 | Known for recurring roles on Grey's Anatomy as Rose and in Scandal as Olivia Pope's assistant. |
| Alecia Moore (P!nk) | Singer and Songwriter | Communications | 1994 (attended) | Grammy Award-winning artist with hits like 'So What' and 'Just Give Me a Reason', selling over 60 million albums worldwide. |
| Garrett Dutton III (G. Love) | Musician | English | 1991 | Founder of the band G. Love & Special Sauce, famous for the hit 'Cold Beverage' blending hip-hop and blues. |
| Todd Rundgren | Musician and Record Producer | attended 1963 | Influential rock musician and producer known for solo hits like 'Hello It's Me' and producing albums for Grand Funk Railroad. | |
| Catherine Reitman | Actress and Producer | attended | Star and creator of the Netflix series Workin' Moms, also appeared in the ABC series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. | |
| Mae Whitman | Actress | attended | Known for roles in Arrested Development as Ann Veal, Parenthood as Amber Holt, and voicing Tinker Bell in Disney films. | |
| Jay Chattaway | Composer | Music Education | 1971 | Emmy-nominated composer for Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager series. |
| Rachel Dratch | Actress and Comedian | Theater | 1988 | Best known for her seven seasons as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, where she created memorable characters like Debbie Downer. |
Penn State boasts a rich tradition in athletics, particularly in football, wrestling, basketball, and track; notable alumni athletes have excelled in professional leagues, Olympics, and Hall of Fame careers, contributing to the university's reputation for producing champions. Categories: Athletes.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Millen | NFL Linebacker | Animal Bioscience | 1978 | Four-time Super Bowl champion with three teams and later long-time Detroit Lions GM. |
| Ki-Jana Carter | NFL Running Back | 1995 | No. 1 overall pick in 1995 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, known for explosive college performance despite injury-plagued pro career. | |
| Blair Thomas | NFL Running Back | 1989 | Two-time All-American running back drafted second overall by the New York Jets in 1990. | |
| O. J. McDuffie | NFL Wide Receiver | Speech Communication | 1991 | Pro Bowl receiver for the Miami Dolphins who amassed over 5,000 receiving yards in eight NFL seasons. |
| Bobby Engram | NFL Wide Receiver | Speech Communication | 1995 | Reliable slot receiver who played 14 NFL seasons, primarily with the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks. |
| Mark Schultz | Olympic Gold Medalist Wrestler | 1982 | 1984 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling and three-time NCAA champion. | |
| Kyle Dake | Olympic Medalist Wrestler | 2013 | Four-time NCAA champion across three weight classes and 2016 Olympic bronze medalist. | |
| Jesse James | NFL Tight End | Business | 2014 | Tight end who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears after being drafted in 2015. |
| Saquon Barkley | NFL Running Back | 2017 | Two-time All-American and 2018 NFL second-overall draft pick by the New York Giants, known for explosive playmaking. | |
| Micah Parsons | NFL Linebacker | 2020 | 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and multiple Pro Bowler with the Dallas Cowboys. | |
| Levon Kirkland | NFL Linebacker | Administration of Justice | 1990 | Two-time Pro Bowler with the Pittsburgh Steelers, known for his tackling prowess in the 1990s. |
| Curt Warner | NFL Running Back | 1983 | 1980 Heisman Trophy runner-up who rushed for over 8,000 yards in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks. | |
| John Amaechi | NBA Center | Psychology | 1995 | First British-born NBA player, played for Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz, later advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in sports. |
| Kerry Collins | NFL Quarterback | General Studies | 1994 | First-overall draft pick who started 205 NFL games over 17 seasons, including Super Bowl XXXIV with the Tennessee Titans. |
| Cael Sanderson | Olympic Gold Medalist Wrestler | 2002 | Undefeated four-time NCAA champion and 2004 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling at 84 kg. | |
| Paul Posluszny | NFL Linebacker | Marketing | 2006 | Two-time Chuck Bednarik Award winner and Bednarik Award finalist, played 11 NFL seasons with the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars. |
| LaVar Arrington | NFL Linebacker | Marketing | 1999 | Two-time All-American and Butkus Award winner who played for the Washington Redskins, earning three Pro Bowl nods early in his NFL career. |
| Mike Munchak | NFL Offensive Lineman | Agricultural Business | 1978 | Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive guard for the Houston Oilers, selected to nine consecutive Pro Bowls and known for his exceptional blocking skills. |
| Jack Ham | NFL Linebacker | Psychology | 1975 | Pro Football Hall of Famer with the Pittsburgh Steelers, key member of the Steel Curtain defense with 21 interceptions and eight Pro Bowls during his 12-year career. |
| Franco Harris | NFL Running Back | Business Administration | 1972 | Iconic Pittsburgh Steelers player who rushed for over 12,000 yards and scored the 'Immaculate Reception' in 1972, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and four Super Bowl rings. |
Penn State's alumni include prominent millionaires and billionaires who have achieved extraordinary success in fields like energy, real estate, and aviation, driving innovation, job creation, and philanthropy that benefit society broadly.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrence Pegula | Founder of East Resources and sports team owner | Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering | 1973 | Billionaire entrepreneur who built and sold a major natural gas company for billions and owns the NFL's Buffalo Bills and NHL's Buffalo Sabres. |
| Ira Lubert | Co-founder of Lubert-Adler Partners | Accounting | 1973 | Billionaire real estate investor known for major developments and investments across the United States. |
| Steven Udvar-Hazy | Founder of International Lease Finance Corporation | Economics | 1964-1966 | Billionaire pioneer in aircraft leasing who revolutionized the aviation finance industry. |
While Penn State is renowned for its accomplished alumni in various fields, a few individuals associated with the university have gained notoriety for involvement in criminal activities, often serving as cautionary examples in discussions of ethics and accountability in sports and leadership. This list draws from verified sources like Wikipedia's List of Penn State people, focusing on confirmed attendees without glorifying or detailing crimes.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jerry Sandusky | Defensive coordinator | physical education | 1965 | Former Penn State Nittany Lions football defensive coordinator convicted in 2012 of child sexual abuse offenses spanning over 15 years. |
