From the Archives: Joe Paterno Responds to Theta Chi’s K.I.C.K.S. Charity Invitation

March 29, 1988 | Penn State Football History

Click to read letter from Joe Paterno declining an invite to KICKS

Among the memorable pieces of correspondence in our fraternity’s archives is this letter dated March 29, 1988, from Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno to Theta Chi Fraternity at Penn State.

The letter was a response to an invitation from the chapter to participate in its annual K.I.C.K.S. charity event. While Coach Paterno was unable to take part because of his already demanding schedule and numerous similar requests from other organizations, he took the time to respond personally and offer his best wishes for the event’s success.

In his letter to Christopher Heidrick of Theta Chi, Paterno explained that he had received so many requests from organizations that he had decided not to become involved with any of them, rather than help some while turning others down. He closed by wishing the chapter the best in its charitable endeavors.

Although the answer was a respectful decline, the letter remains a wonderful piece of our chapter’s history. It documents an effort by Theta Chi to engage one of Penn State’s most recognizable figures in support of a charitable cause and offers a glimpse into the chapter’s K.I.C.K.S. tradition nearly four decades ago.

A little piece of Penn State and Theta Chi history, preserved in a letter from one of the university’s most recognizable leaders.