Penn State seeks 150 years of graduation day photos

University Park, Pa. -- To commemorate 150 years of teaching, research and service, Penn State is producing a television commercial that will feature photographs of its graduates from the University's founding in 1855 to the present. Penn State commercials typically air on national and regional telecasts of Penn State sporting events such as football and basketball games.

Penn State graduates may send photos of themselves in their caps and gowns. The University is looking for a mix of photographs spanning the decades, from the late 1800s through the 1920s, '30s, '40s, '50s, '60s, '70s and so on to the present. Photos taken at the Nittany Lion Shrine especially are welcome.

Penn State is very interested in photos that tell an interesting story: for example, a photo of a senior citizen in his or her cap and gown; several generations of a family of Penn State graduates in caps and gowns; a photo of twins in their caps and gowns; a couple in their caps and gowns; a group of friends in their caps and gowns; or a graduate with her or his family. Both formal portraits and informal snapshots can be submitted, as long as the graduate is wearing a cap and gown.

Home movies and videos of Penn State graduates in caps and gowns also are welcome.

Those submitting photos are urged to send copies instead of originals, as photos will not be returned. Photos should be submitted with the following information: sender's name, address and telephone number; the names of everyone in the photo; and the year the photo was taken.

Sending a photo does not guarantee that it will be used in the commercial. In addition, by sending a photo, the sender is giving Penn State permission to use the photo in Penn State promotional efforts, which may include other Penn State videos and Penn State Web sites.

Both black-and-white and color photos will be accepted. Photos may be standard prints, or electronic photos. Scanned photos should be at least 300 dpi (dots per inch), and can be saved as .jpg, .png, .tif or .bmp files. When using .jpg format, the highest quality setting should be used. Videotapes and home movies also are welcome. If the sender cannot make a copy of the videotape or home movie, he or she should be sure to include a return address.

Submissions should be sent to: WPSX TV, in care of Eileen Akin, 206 Wagner Building, University Park, PA 16802. Electronic submissions should be sent via e-mail to psu150thphotos@outreach.psu.edu. For more information, call Melisande McCrae at (814) 865-7517 or e-mail mjm17@psu.edu. All materials must be received by June 20.