The head of the Penn State trustees said in a statement that while the past month has been difficult, it also offers a chance “to rededicate ourselves to our university, its academics and its athletics.”

“This can and must be a new chapter for Penn State,” said Chairwoman Karen Peetz in her monthly update that’s posted on the trustees’ website.

The remarks came as the Joe Paterno family announced that it plans to appeal the NCAA sanctions.

Peetz said that, “the board finds the punitive sanctions difficult and the process with the NCAA unfortunate. However, the alternatives were much worse, including a potential four-year death penalty, and we support President (Rodney) Erickson’s decision to accept the (c)onsent (d)ecree.

“The university and the board will comply with the NCAA’s sanctions. We commit to transparently communicating about our compliance with those sanctions, and to continuing our efforts to build academic and athletic programs at the highest standards of excellence.”

The NCAA penalties against Penn State include a four-year ban on postseason football games and a $60 million fine.

Former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell was appointed to make sure the university complies with the sanctions, which extend to training for staff and athletes on reporting violations.

Peetz sounded a positive tone in her message, saying she has been “heartened by the character and commitment demonstrated by our student athletes and our coaches in recent days. I will be in the stands on September 1st at Beaver Stadium, and I hope many of you will be as well.”

Anne Danahy can be reached at 231-4648. Follow her on Twitter@AnneDanahy.