Born in Johnstown in 1943, Ben Novak graduated from Penn State in 1965 after serving as student body president and as a brother at Tau Kappa Epsilon. After graduating from Georgetown University Law School in 1968, Novak served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Infantry in Vietnam, earning the Bronze Star. Returning in 1970, Novak established his own law firm in State College and Bellefonte and practiced law in Pennsylvania for more than three decades. A visionary and indefatigable force, he has been, variously: author of three books, four-term Penn State trustee, founder of the Mount Nittany Conservancy; president of Lion's Paw Alumni Association; a PhD recipient in philosophy, history, and political science; and an adjunct professor and assistant dean of students. The Nittany Valley Society, a nonprofit cultural conservancy, honors Ben Novak's legacy through the Novak Fellowship, an annual opportunity for student-fellows to enter into the Nittany Valley's storied and legendary past through research and learning while forging friendships throughout the community for the future. Applicants for the Novak Fellowship are accepted throughout the year. Learn more about Ben Novak, the Novak Fellowship, and work of past fellows.