First Centre County Resident Chosen as Drum Major for the Penn State Blue Band

21 April 2004 --Kevin Rudy of Centre Hall, Pennsylvania, is the first person from Centre County to be selected as Drum Major for the Penn State Blue Band.

Rudy, who will be completing a major in mathematics with a minor in statistics in Spring 2006, has been selected because of his superb musical skills. Rudy says that his love for music was kindled when he started piano lessons in third grade. He later was part of the concert and jazz bands at Penns Valley Area High School. Rudy was thrilled when he heard of his selection and feels that it is a dream come true. He says, "My selection as a drum major means that I get to represent and lead one of the best collegiate marching bands in the country. It is really quite an honor."

Rudy is a fine student and has earned numerous awards. He has been honored with the Clyde and Mildred Sidler Scholarship, the Lula Bartges Hosterman Memorial Scholarship, the Gordon M. Rackley Memorial Track Scholarship, the College Football Hall of Fame Scholarship, and the Louis B. Armstrong Jazz Band Award. He has varied interests and his extracurricular pursuits include intramural football, basketball, and soccer. He has been part of the Penn State Marching Blue Band and the Basketball Pep Band. He also has been the Statistician/Manager for the Penn State Women's Lacrosse Team.

Rudy credits all his success to his parents. He says, "My parents always supported and encouraged my involvement in music. I wouldn't be where I am now without their help." He is the son of Cindye and Douglas Rudy, of Centre Hall.

[ Suchitra Haritsa ]

CONTACTS:
Kevin Rudy, 814-571-7596 (cell phone), kdr138@psu.edu
Cindye C. Rudy (mother), 865-5000, ccr2@psu.edu