L. Peter Gold was born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts and attended Harvard University. In 1965, he began teaching chemistry at Penn State, where he taught for 35 years before retiring as professor emeritus in 2001. He also spent 35 years playing flute and piccolo in the Nittany Valley Symphony, of which he was a founding member. His dedication to the symphony included everything from setting up and taking down the stage for each rehearsal to serving on the Board of Directors twice as secretary and representative of the players. He was known by family, friends and colleagues to be a humorous and caring man; his friendly manner and quick wit often provided levity and laughter to the most difficult rehearsals and meetings, and his wisdom and experience were especially helpful as the symphony evolved into the artistic corporation it is today. This fund endows the Principal Chair for Piccolo/Flute of the Nittany Valley Symphony. Since 1967 the Nittany Valley Symphony has been part of our community, giving opportunity for local musicians to perform music for audiences to hear and enjoy.