Pa. state rep., Penn State alum honors father’s legacy with Ag Sciences scholarship

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Pennsylvania State Rep. and Penn State alumnus Perry Stambaugh recently made a six-figure gift to establish the Harry H. and Perry A. Stambaugh Scholarship in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

The scholarship gives first preference to students of the college who are pursuing a minor or second major in journalism, but if no one meets that criteria it is otherwise open to all agricultural sciences students who meet general eligibility requirements. Stambaugh, who had a successful career in agricultural journalism before pursuing politics, created the scholarship in honor of his father, a 1953 graduate of the college with a degree in agricultural economics.

“This scholarship is a powerful reflection of what it means to be a land-grant institution, connecting people, culture and communities through education and service,” said Elizabeth Karcher, associate dean for Undergraduate Education. “By supporting students who are passionate about both agriculture and communication, it helps to ensure that the stories and impact of our industry reach the people who depend on it most. It’s a meaningful way to honor a family legacy while investing in students who will carry that mission forward.”

Stambaugh, who earned degrees in broadcast journalism and history in 1982, grew up and continues to live in Green Park, Perry County, on his family’s bicentennial farm, Green Pastures Farms, which his father owned and operated for 60 years.

“He had agriculture in his blood,” said Stambaugh. “From the time he graduated from Penn State, he was already developing different agronomy concepts for the farm and was implementing soil conservation measures. He also had a natural love for cattle and started our family’s Black Angus operation.”

Creating a scholarship in his father’s memory has been something Stambaugh has wanted to do since Harry passed in 2017, he said.

“My dad graduated from the College of Agricultural Sciences and remained actively involved through the Ag Alumni Society as a board member,” said Stambaugh. “He helped found the Perry-Juniata Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association where he developed the chapter’s scholarship program, and he was a founder of the Penn State Agricultural Economics Society, and an Armsby Honor Society inductee.

“This scholarship is really about honoring his legacy, as well as his commitment to agriculture and the students of Penn State, as well as his love for the University," Stambaugh added.

As a legislator representing all of Perry County and most of Juniata County, but also a farmer, Stambaugh appreciates the work going on in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

“I’ve seen a lot of the research conducted by the college, and it is simply stunning work. The concepts being explored and developed are cutting edge. In my previous career in ag journalism [notably with Pennsylvania Farmer magazine], I saw the impact of the college and Penn State Extension in farming operations all over Pennsylvania. With a growing world population, we need to find ways to produce more food and fiber safely and sustainably, and the work taking place at the college will make that possible.”

In addition to honoring his father, Stambaugh said, he also feels creating this scholarship for undergraduate students is just a continuation of his family’s commitment to Penn State and agriculture.

“My family has always been committed to service,” said Stambaugh. “We were raised that way. I am now in politics, which is a service job and a field no one should enter unless they are willing to give back for the betterment of their community. My dad would be very honored to know he has a scholarship in his name and can continue our family’s legacy to Penn State.”

Gifts like the Harry H. and Perry A. Stambaugh Scholarship advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.