Under the baobab: Blue-White weekend kicked off spring traditions in Happy Valley
Happy Valley’s annual rite of spring really begins with the Blue-White weekend, when we are reminded that no matter how dark the night, the morning will come, how cold the wind, the sun will warm us.
Coming “home,” memories and children in tow, we seek the first robin, the early blooming flowers, the back booth at the Ye Olde College Diner with a plate full of sticky buns. We remember we once touched each other’s hopes and dreams. Our young people continue to hope and dream. We must help build a world where those dreams can take root.
Around town
The Paul Robeson Cultural Center and the PSU Black Caucus hosted the Black Community Celebration at Heritage Hall. Over 100 grads and undergrads of African and diaspora descent from the class of 2025 received honors and recognition, including a Ghanaian original Kente cloth shawl. Dr. Stephanie Danette Preston was the emcee. Dean Clarence Lang of The College of Liberal Arts was the keynote speaker. Sounds of Alarie sang the Black National Anthem and “A Change Is Gonna Come.” Nathan Oyeniyi, a 2025 graduate, performed a crowd-stirring saxophone solo.
Latinx Community Celebration and the Lavender Recognition were both held last week in Alumni Hall at the HUB/Robeson.
The Lion’s Paw senior honor society was established at Penn State in 1908 with the primary purpose of uniting undergraduate leaders for service to the university. At their annual pining ceremony, LP presents a Lion’s Paw Medal to honor those who have contributed notable service to the university. Recent past recipients include: Franco Harris, Roger Williams, Tony Leach, Susan Welch, Russ Rose, Jerry Zolten, Mike (the Mailman) Herr, J. Randall Woolridge and yours truly. This year’s honoree was Gary Abdullah Jr., who was cited for “uplifting generations with heart and humility, guiding students through challenges with honest care. Building trust across communities creating a Penn State where every student feels seen, supported, and truly at home.”
Penn State film student, Liana Simmons, premiered her documentary “Hanging Up The Hat” at The State Theatre. The film features 2025 graduate Carson Pedaci, the outgoing drum major for the Blue Band. Also at The State Theatre, Next Stage offered two readings of “Educating Rita” and “Eleemosynary.” The Center for the Performing Arts presented a wonderful celebration and commemoration to a packed Eisenhower Auditorium. CPA continues to offer cutting edge innovative and inspiring programming.
The Paterno Family Beaver Stadium Run attracted thousands of participants to its annual fundraising event for Special Olympics Pennsylvania. Sue Paterno and Coach James Franklin sent the participants off on the 5K run and two-mile family fun walk.
Teammates For Life sponsored Celebration for Excellence: a one-hour panel discussion, “Sink or Swim,” moderated by Rachel Ahrenhold McConnell, and featuring Katie Collins, Beth Fahey Albright and Ann Ragan Kearns. All four women are alumnae of the Penn State swimming and diving team and are highly accomplished in their respective fields of advertising, marketing, public relations, sales, apparel/fashion and human resources. After the panel, a fashion show was held at Harper’s Clothing store. Penn State student-athletes modeled the latest fashions, including those from Abigail Collins, a new Penn State apparel line co-founded by swimming and diving alumna Katie Collins. Lady Lion basketball alum Maren Walseth and current women’s volleyball star Caroline Jurevicius emceed the event. Harper’s donated 10% of all sales to Teammates For Life.
And the resistance continues. Dozens of citizens protested in front of U.S. Rep. Glenn “G.T.” Thompson’s Bellefonte offices. Dr. Michael Berkman, director of McCourtney Institute for Democracy, spoke to a packed Unitarian Universalist Church on civil liberties and democracy as the first of several lectures on protecting Constitutional rights. The next three will be held at University Baptist and Brethren Church. The Monday Peace Vigil also continues at the Allen Street gates.
Stay strong, sisters and brothers. We are not alone.