New set of faculty trading cards introduced

University Park, Pa. -- Penn State has just introduced its third annual series of faculty trading cards, and already they're on their way to becoming collectors' items, having been requested for the archives of the Trading Card Museum, a popular Web site built by and for trading card enthusiasts, artists, dealers and producers.

This year's set follows the pattern of the 2007 and 2008 sets by profiling a mix of 10 contemporary and historical Penn State faculty who have earned national and international distinction through their research and scholarly activities.

All three sets of cards can be viewed at http://tradingcards.psu.edu.

The front of each card pictures the faculty member, and the reverse side briefly describes achievements for which he or she is widely recognized.

"The trading cards are a unique way to engage a broad audience and raise the public profile of the scope and importance of the research and creative work that Penn State faculty have carried out, and continue to pursue," said Michael Bezilla, director of research communications in the Office of University Relations.

The cards are a joint production of University Relations and the Penn State Alumni Association. The idea for the cards originated with University President Graham Spanier, who distributes them at football tailgates and other special events.

Penn State ranks among the nation's top research universities, with annual expenditures exceeding $717 million. To learn more about specific research and creative endeavors at the University, visit http://www.rps.psu.edu.