University Park, PA -- In recognition of Penn State's long involvement with the sport of fly-fishing, the Penn State University Libraries have established the George Harvey Fly Fishing Literature Collection.

The Libraries intend to supplement its current holdings on fly-fishing, fly tying, aquatic entomology, fish species of importance to fly-fishing, and related angling topics described by prominent fly-fishing authors, with new publications in each of these areas, to achieve a level of coverage befitting the University's reputation as an unsurpassed center for fly-fishing educational activities located in a region surrounded by over forty of the finest limestone trout streams in the eastern United States.

This project honors George Harvey, the acknowledged "dean of American fly-fishers," for his role in introducing fly-fishing on the college level. In the 1930's, Harvey began at Penn State the first fly-fishing course offered by any American institution of higher education, and by 1973 when he retired from the University, had instructed over 35,000 undergraduates and adult learners in the techniques of fly-fishing and fly tying.

In addition to performing extension activities in angling for the University, Harvey received a number of state and national awards for his efforts on behalf of the sport, and hosted both Presidents Eisenhower and Carter on fishing trips to this region.

Today the Penn State course satisfies general degree requirements for physical education, and the five sections offered annually always are filled. Last year Penn State Trustee Jessie Arnelle began a special initiative for Penn State students of color to involve the students in an environment that they had not experienced in the past and to introduce them to a potential lifelong activity. Pictures and a story about this class are available at http://live.psu.edu/index.php?sec=vs&story=3222

If you are interested in how you can help to sponsor the Libraries initiative or want more information, contact University Libraries Director of Development Selden W. Smith at 814-865-2258.

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Editor's Contact:
Catherine Grigor, 814-865-0401