Penn State Nittany Lions
It wasn’t a hard decision for Michael Mauti to make. A standout from Penn State, Mauti made a significant impact during his college football days in Happy Valley. Now, with his playing days behind him, the former Big Ten Linebacker of the Year is set to make a different kind of impact off the field.
Speaking with PennLive at the ninth annual Mid Penn Bank Celebrity Golf Classic at Hershey Country Club on Thursday, Mauti discussed his new role at his alma mater. Hired by Penn State University Athletics in May as the Associate Director of Development, he’s back in State College ahead of this coming season.
“It’s a place I’ve always loved,” Mauti said. “I’m passionate about it and I’ve always wanted Penn State football to win, so I decided to be a part of that.”
Mauti was a First-team All-American at Penn State in 2012. Following his collegiate success, he had stints with the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints from 2013-17 after being selected No. 213 overall in the 2013 NFL Draft. Over his NFL career, Mauti recorded 72 tackles, two forced fumbles, a sack, and a defensive touchdown.
Fast forward to now, Mauti’s responsibilities might not involve giving opposing offenses nightmares, but they certainly pertain to Penn State’s program in a different way. He now spearheads fundraising efforts and community engagement for Penn State Athletics.
“Right now we’re working with the Nittany Lion Club and fundraising,” Mauti said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do. We got a big project approved with the new stadium renovations. There’s a lot of exciting things happening up there right now and we have to get better.”
Penn State’s board of trustees fully approved a $700 million renovation for Beaver Stadium on May 21 via a 26-2 vote, with three abstentions.
In his new role, Mauti also works alongside former college teammate Jordan Hill. Hill, a Super Bowl XLVIII champion with the Seattle Seahawks, was recently hired as Penn State’s Director of Advancement after a three-year tenure as Trinity High School’s head football coach. Mauti also served as an assistant coach for Trinity under Hill. The two have been reunited, having both been named First-team All-Big Ten selections as teammates for the Nittany Lions in 2012.
“We’ve been working together,” Mauti said of his continued working relationship with Hill. “We get to see each other on campus, which is very cool.”
Penn State football kicks off its season at West Virginia on Aug. 31 before hosting Bowling Green on Sept. 7. The Nittany Lions will hold their Whiteout game on Nov. 9 against Washington, among a slew of other home themes. Amid all the action, Mauti will be making his rounds in his newfound role.
“My decision to come to Penn State definitely changed the course of my life,” Mauti said of his college days and return to State College. “The relationships I have here are for life.”
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