Biography
Andy Nagypal, like so many others before and since, arrived in the Happy Valley in search of knowledge and remained well beyond the end of his academic career. In his dogged pursuit of Truth, he has found here far too many questions in need of serious answers.
A Hungarian native and naturalized citizen, Andy was raised in Philadelphia and came to State College to study history and political science at Penn State. While in school, he parlayed a natural talent for communication into a gig with the campus radio station, The LION 90.7fm, and in the process, honed an acute intellectual curiosity and passion for provocative discourse. On the airwaves, he would discover his ideal outlet for expressing opinion and stimulating discussion.
In the Fall of 1999, Andy founded his long-running, cult-favorite public affairs talk show, Radio Free Penn State. An independent-minded, conservative libertarian, his frank, townhall-style forum brought a sorely needed outside voice to the academic echo chamber.
His inquisitive nature and steadfast refusal to accept any claim at face value led him to fearlessly challenge the status quo, both within Penn State University and in the surrounding community. This insistence on covering the most important topics in the most controversial ways earned him a few determined enemies, but many more devoted followers.
Today, as an alumni advisor to The LION, Andy continues to cover important stories from both sides of College Avenue in ways that no one else can or will. With keen insight and unswerving honesty, he tackles the issues with a fresh perspective and distinctive style.
With a guest list ranging from national names like Ann Coulter and Pat Toomey to local leaders like Bill Welch and Jake Corman, Andy Nagypal has built his audience and reputation by leading “the conversations you can’t ignore.”