Still Life
Commencement across Penn State: Spring 2012
Spring commencement 2012 under way
Penn State, Moroccan students problem-solve together
Finals Week Spring Semester 2012
Children explore career options at University Park
Painting the Lines at Beaver Stadium
Did They Get It Right? - RedTails
Iconic Penn State elm taken down over spring break 2012
We ... are Penn State (December 19, 2011)
Disease stricken matching elm tree slated for removal
Penn State's creamery, from the cow to the cone
With the Nittany Lion football team winning its first Big Ten home game Saturday to improve to 3-2 and some big home football games on the horizon, Penn State officials want to make sure that life in Paternoville remains fun and safe. Paternoville, the name students used to describe the tents outside of Beaver Stadium last season prior to a big win over Ohio State, drew national attention as the Nittany Lions climbed back into the ranks of the college football elite and enthusiasm among Penn State fans intensified. "We are very proud of our student fans and the support they have shown last season and again this season. They certainly contribute to our team's success and make Beaver Stadium 'The Greatest Show in College Football.' We want to make sure they remain safe as they wait in line for front row seats to enjoy the game," said Tim Curley, director of athletics. "There were some instances last season where some students could have suffered serious injuries" said Steve Shelow, director of University Police. "We hope that if students do choose to camp out the day before the game, they will heed a few common sense reminders about things such as electricity and safety. We want to make sure all our fans get into the game safely." If students decide to camp outside of Beaver Stadium, they should wait until 6 a.m. or later on Thursday morning during the week of the game to do so, and their tents and related items should be removed by 8 a.m. on Saturday when the Beaver Stadium lots open. (more)
Rape and sexual assault are issues on college campuses nationwide and are a matter of grave concern to Penn State. The items below outline many of the services, educational programs and policies at the University to combat these crimes and to promote sexual assault awareness among students. Please also visit the Web sites listed at the bottom for (more)
Police Service Officer John Bessey was honored by Penn State University Police with a Performance Recognition Certificate on Friday, Dec, 16. The award was presented for excellence in performance of his duties on Oct. 8. On that date, Bessey was assigned to one of the squads on the field for crowd control in Beaver Stadium at the end of the Penn State vs. Ohio State football game. Bessey's squad was deployed in front of the student section. At one point, a section of railing gave way, causing a large number of fans and police staff to fall onto the field. One of the police officers, Don Reed, was working along the rail in the vicinity of the section in an attempt to keep the crowd moving out of the portals. When the section of railing gave way, Reed was part of the initial crowd who tumbled onto the field. There was a surge of fans that continued to enter the field through this opening. Bessey quickly went to Reed's aid and pulled him out of the crowd. According to Penn State University Police, "Bessey's quick and decisive action most likely saved Reed from serious injury, and is a tribute to his service to the University community." (more)
As the Penn State Nittany Lion football team prepares for its high-profile, prime time game with Big Ten border rival Ohio State on Oct. 8, the University is encouraging all fans to be enthusiastic -- but also to be safe and responsible. The rare night game in Beaver Stadium between the Nittany Lions and Buckeyes will kickoff at 7:45 p.m. and be televised nationally by ESPN. "We're going to need our fans' energetic and enthusiastic support in what should be a great atmosphere for college football," said Timothy Curley, director of Intercollegiate Athletics. "But before, during, and after the game we want fans, visitors to the community and local residents to be safe. We don't want to see enthusiasm turn negative toward opposing teams' fans, or to become destructive in any way. That's not what Penn State football is all about, and only tarnishes the efforts of our student-athletes and the great reputation of the University." (more)
Through championship seasons and hard-fought losses, one constant has remained with Penn State football over the years -- other than Joe Paterno. The reputation of class, loyalty and dignity among its fans continues to be a staple of the program, setting it apart from many other major college football programs. The University is ensuring that the irresponsible actions of a few do nothing to harm that reputation, or the well-being of other fans in Beaver Stadium. For the past several seasons, University Police have stepped up security in the part of the stadium where complaints have been the heaviest -- the student section -- while maintaining a presence throughout the stands to help keep fans safe and secure. One of their primary duties is to keep a watchful eye out for any dangerous and illegal activity by fans. Individuals observed engaging in dangerous or disruptive activity -- for example, throwing objects at people in the stadium, on the playing field or causing a disturbance -- will be subject to immediate removal from the stadium and criminal charges. Additionally, Penn State students will be referred to the University's Office of Judicial Affairs. (more)
In an open letter to Penn State parents and families, Bill Mahon, co-chair of the Campus and Community Partnership United Against Dangerous Drinking and assistant vice president for University Relations at Penn State, urges you to have a discussion with your family members who may be coming to the University to study this fall. "Penn State and the surrounding State College community overall are considered very safe places to live, work and study, according to rankings of such quality of life issues by various national groups," said Mahon, "but the one aspect of this community that can be a problem is dangerous drinking." He cites examples of several Penn State students who died in alcohol-rated incidents this past year. (more)
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and peace of mind for students, faculty and staff, the Escort Service is available for anyone who must walk on the University Park campus after dark. By calling 865-WALK (865-9255), an individual can arrange for an immediate escort anytime between dusk and dawn. Escorts can be identified easily by their Escort Service ID badges and special t-shirts or jackets. In addition, the person being escorted will be given the name of his/her escort when the escorting arrangement is made. (more)
As fall semester drew to a close in December, Penn State University Police arrested a suspect in a series of nighttime intrusions into the residence hall rooms of women students. According to police, student vigilance and cooperation played a key role in helping address this string of intrusions.
"We commend our students and would like to (more)
When Dave Shultz's pager beeps, his first thought often is of a possible terrorist incident. "I know it's not likely here, but since 9-11, it's hard to keep those thoughts out of your mind," said Shultz, a 32-year veteran of Penn State Police and an original member of Penn State's HazMat Response Team. The team was established on the University Park campus in 1985 to handle incidents involving hazardous materials -- specifically any liquid, gas, solid, dust or vapor that can damage or destroy by explosion, fire, corrosion or toxic reaction. Since 1993, the 22-member team -- all Penn State employees and all volunteers -- has also been certified by the state to serve as the Centre County Hazmat Team. (more)
Editor's note: The following is a letter from Penn State President Graham B. Spanier and Vicky L. Triponey, vice president for student affairs.
Dear Penn State community members:
We are writing to address a serious matter that affects everyone in the Penn State community. In the past few weeks, several sexual assaults have been (more)
