Dede and John Kazmaier and Lori Bechtel-Wherry offer a toast at the dedication of the Kazmaier Family Building. Photo Credit: Marty Jo Irvin-Stellabotte

Altoona, Pa. -- Penn State Altoona recognized the philanthropy of John and Deedra "Dede" Kazmaier and the late Jane Patterson Kazmaier Lower during an official dedication of the Kazmaier Family Building on June 4. The building is home to Penn State Altoona's Office of Development and Alumni Relations. Approximately 150 community and business leaders, government officials, Penn State Altoona Advisory Board and Alumni Society board members and special guests attended the ceremony. 

"The naming and dedication of the Kazmaier Family Building in honor of John and Dede Kazmaier and Jane Patterson Kazmaier Lower is a fitting tribute to their distinguished service and devotion to our college, as well as their lasting influence on our community," stated Chancellor Lori J. Bechtel-Wherry. "Penn State Altoona expresses its gratitude for their commitment to our mission through generous acts of philanthropy, service and leadership."

Over the years, John Kazmaier has been a primary source of inspiration for Penn State Altoona's growing presence and investment in downtown Altoona. He has fervently supported revitalization and espoused a vision in which Penn State Altoona plays a key role in re-establishing the city of Altoona as a business and cultural epicenter. 

The Kazmaier family has long supported Penn State Altoona's development efforts. That support includes participation in several fund raising campaigns such as the Community Arts Center building fund. In 1997, Mrs. Lower established a scholarship that benefits outstanding full-time, female students from a Blair County high school. The Kazmaier family has been honored for its philanthropic support with induction into the Platinum category of Penn State Altoona's Ivyside Society, the highest level of recognition. 

In April 2008, John and Dede Kazmaier were inducted into the University's Mount Nittany Society. They both possess a distinguished record of volunteer service to Penn State Altoona. John Kazmaier has served on the Penn State Altoona Advisory Board for over thirty years. Dede Kazmaier currently serves on Penn State Altoona's Campaign Council and University Development's Stewardship Program Committee.

This story appeared on Penn State Live (http://live.psu.edu/story/40158).