Honorary Board Members

Sue Paterno has not had a paying job since 1963. Yet despite leaving a teaching career to raise her family, she has not stopped working. A 1962 Arts & Letters graduate of Penn State, Sue has dedicated herself to her family, her University, and her community.

At Penn State, Sue helped establish the Liberal Arts Alumni Society and the Summer Institute for Academic Achievement, a program that offers underrepresented students additional preparation for college-level work. She served as a member of the University's National Development Council, chaired the Libraries Advisory Board, and was a volunteer for the Grand Destiny Campaign for both the College of the Liberal Arts and the University Libraries. In addition, she was the honorary co-chair of the Alumni Association's first-ever National Service Week, the largest community service effort ever undertaken by an alumni association. In 1995, the University recognized her service to Penn State by awarding her with the Lion's Paw. And in 1996, it named her the Renaissance Woman of the Year.

She currently sits on the University's Leadership Gifts Committee and the National Council for Penn State Philanthropy.

Sue's commitment to public service extends beyond her alma mater. In 1989, she began working with the Pennsylvania Special Olympics, co-chairing the opening and closing ceremonies of the summer games and joining its board in 1991. Sue remains involved with the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games, held each June on the University Park campus. She also helps organize a 5k run held at Penn State's Beaver Stadium each spring. In 2008, Sue and her late-husband, former Penn State football head coach Joe Paterno, were inducted into the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Hall of Fame.

She has also served as chair of the United Way and honorary co-chair for its "Day of Caring." Sue ia an active member of the Penn State Catholic Community. In 2009, the Paternos were honored for their support of the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association with a Lifetime of Achievement recognition.

In addition to her time, Sue joined her husband in committing resources to the University. In 1998, they pledged $3.5 million to endow faculty positions and scholarships as well as to support two building projects - a new interfaith spiritual center and the Penn State All-Sports Museum. Additionally, a $6.5 million catholic student faith center opened in 2012 bears her name.

She and her husband have raised five children, all Penn State graduates and have 17 grandchildren.

John Riley passed away in February 2018. He helped found the Wildlife For Everyone Foundation in 2004 and served as the organization's treasurer during its early years. He proudly served on the board of directors since its inception and was honored by the Foundation as its first Lifetime Honorary Board Member. Riley was a graduate of Eastern University and had over 40 years of experience as a certified public accountant. He opened the first offices of Riley and Company, Inc. in 1969 in Mount Pocono, PA and later added a second office in Stroudsburg, PA.

Riley spent much of his life dedicated to helping others, including wildlife and its habitat. He was honored in 1990 by PICPA with its distinguished public service award for the state of Pennsylvania. He was recognized as citizen of the year by both the Mount Pocono and Monroe County Chambers of Commerce. In addition to the Wildlife For Everyone Foundation, Riley served as president of the state Federation of Sportsmen Clubs and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, was treasurer of the Eastern Monroe Public Library and served on the board of directors of the Kettle Creek Endowment Foundation and the Affordable Housing Board. He was honored by the Boy Scouts of America, Minsi Trails Council with its executive award.