U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-5th District, Pennsylvania, recently received the eighth annual Friend of Penn State legislative award.
A 1981 Penn State graduate, Thompson received the award on July 2 at a luncheon ceremony on Penn State’s University Park campus. He was chosen for the honor by the Legislative Education and Advocacy Committee of Alumni Council, the Alumni Association’s governing body.
The Friend of Penn State legislative award recognizes state and federal legislators who have played a significant role in the continued improvement of Penn State.
Thompson — widely known as “GT” — is a member of the House Agriculture Committee and is now serving his second term as chairman of its Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy and Forestry. He also serves on the Natural Resources Committee, and the Education and Workforce Committee.
Thompson holds a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation from Penn State and a master’s degree in education from Temple University.
Kevin Steele, chair of the Alumni Association’s Legislative Education and Advocacy Committee, said Thompson “is a proud Penn State alum and an active supporter of Penn State, particularly its College of Agricultural Sciences.”
“Glenn Thompson has been a strong advocate for Pennsylvania agriculture — one of the state’s top industries,” said Steele. “GT takes part in and strongly supports agriculture-related events at Penn State, has advocated for federal funding for Penn State and has shown many times that he understands the uniqueness and importance of agricultural research and extension programs.”
Thompson said receiving the award “is a distinct honor, but the real privilege is being able to work with the talented scientists and students at Penn State. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is blessed to have such a world-class research institution in Penn State delivering new technical and scientific innovations that improve quality of life and help our economy modernize and grow. I look forward to continuing this partnership to promote public service and advance educational excellence.”
In choosing Thompson to receive the award, the Legislative Education and Advocacy Committee members noted his active support for Penn State and, in particular, the College of Agricultural Sciences; his frequent presence on the University Park campus; his participation in and support for agriculture-related events; and his advocacy for Pennsylvania agriculture.
Thompson was nominated for the award by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and the Penn State Ag Council. Formed in 1961 as forum for interaction between the college and the agriculture industry, the council comprises organizations, groups and businesses who represent strategic agricultural or related interests in Pennsylvania.
Thompson is now serving his second term as co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, and his first term as co-chair of the Congressional Natural Gas Caucus.
First elected to Congress in 2008, Thompson began his third term in January. He is a life-long resident of Howard Township, Centre County.
Before being elected to Congress, Thompson spent 28 years as a therapist, rehabilitation services manager and licensed nursing home administrator. He is a former member of the Bald Eagle Area School Board and is past vice-chair of the Private Industry Council of the Central Corridor.
Thompson is a community leader and volunteer firefighter, with three decades of service. He and his wife, Penny Ammerman Thompson, have three adult sons: Parker, Logan and Kale.
