Guard the Statue

 It is homecoming week at Penn State, which means it is time to guard the lion.  Every year students gather to guard the lion from vandalism attacks during homecoming.  This event will be held tomorrow and it will include speakers, food, music, and Penn State pride. 

With homecoming week quickly approaching Happy Valley, there are many events to look forward to.  One of the reasons that make everyone so eager to participate in the events and all come together is because of the tradition. Tradition brings a sense of unity to the students and a reason to get involved. One of the annual, highly-anticipated homecoming traditions is the Guard the Lion Shrine event.

The Nittany Lion Shrine is without a doubt one of the most historic places on Penn State campus. It was donated during Homecoming in 1942 as a gift of the class of 1940. The sculpture is located across from the Paterno Library, near the recreation center and is in an isolated spot surrounded by trees. The Nittany Lion Shrine has become a symbol of Penn State. If you are a student here it is most likely a given you will take family pictures with the Nittany Lion Shrine at least once in your four years. The week of senior graduation it is always expected for extremely long lines to form just to get that picture of you in a cap and gown resting on the statue. Expect to see the shrine in most Penn State documentaries, advertisements, and videos.

The Nittany Lion Shrine in essence has become a symbol of strength for the school. It has proved its strength by surviving multiple vandalism attacks against it. The first incident of vandalism to the shrine actually started when Sue Paterno and her friend splashed orange paint on the Nittany Lion during the week of a Syracuse football game. Several other vandalism attacks on the Nittany Lion occurred afterward and now it is tradition for students and alumni to come together and guard the Lion Shrine every homecoming. The event is led by the Lion Ambassadors and it is always one of the best Homecoming traditions. The Guard the Lion Shrine event is always jam-packed and brings a strong sense of unity and strength to whoever joins. Expect guest speakers, a DJ, food and drinks, and a whole lot of spirit.

With all that has happened in the past year at Penn State University, the Nittany Lion Shrine represents strength more than ever. Expect a huge crowd this Homecoming time to come out, protect it, and support it.

The event will take place on October 5, 2012 from 10pm until midnight.

For more information see Happy Valley.

State Theater Entertainment

There is always something to do in state college.  Check out below to find out all the entertainment that is coming to the State Theater, including Kenny Loggins.  Check out this great theater that is so close to everything you love about stage college.

Kenny Loggins and his band Blue Sky Riders - October 1
On October 1 Kenny Loggins will rock The State Theatre with his familiar favorites and new music with his band Blue Sky Riders, also featuring Gary Burr, one of Nashville’s most accomplished writers, and Georgia Middleman, who brings female vocals to a three-part blend that Loggins says comes “once in a lifetime.” Whether you’re a fan of Loggins & Messina or Loggins’ solo music, you can’t miss this show!

September 26 & 27 are the last showings of the critically acclaimed film Sleepwalk with Me, named by Entertainment Weekly as one of the “Must See Films” from 2012 Sundance. Sleepwalk with Me is comedy written by, directed by and starring comedian Mike Birbiglia, based on a true story he told in his one-man off-Broadway show and his first book. The film follows the journey of an aspiring comedian in denial about his girlfriend, played by Lauren Ambrose, his career, and, most significantly, his sleepwalking disorder. The more he fails to express his true feelings, the more his anxiety comes out in increasingly funny and dangerous sleepwalking incidents.

Plus, don’t miss these great events, and much more! 

• Ben Taylor, folk singer/songwriter, and son of James Taylor and Carly Simon, on October 4
• Manhattan Short, the world’s first global film fest, on October 7
• Jodi Benson, the Voice of the Little Mermaid, joined by local young singers, TWO shows on October 14
• Proof, a Murder Mystery presented by the State College Community Theatre, October 11-21 in The Attic
• Tinariwen, poet-guitarists from the Southern Sahara Desert on October 23
• G. Love & Special Sauce on November 7
• ImaginOcean, a one-of-a-kind black light puppet show for kids on November 9 

For more information see Happy Valley.

Happy Valley Iphone App

 Penn State is a huge University, and it is hard to to know what is going on at all times.  However, now thanks to the Happy Valley Iphone App you can know what is going on at the touch of your finger.  Anything you want to know from food to entertainment is all contained in one location with this app.  Download it now for your phone for free!

The best of Happy Valley is now readily accessible from anywhere with this sophisticated new free mobile application now available for Android and iPhone devices.

Shopping, dining, Penn State Football, whatever you desire in Happy Valley, this app is here to make your life easier.

The app features terrific dining and shopping specials from local establishments as well as a list of top places to eat, shop and so much more in the State College area.

The app is super easy to use and navigate. Each venue has an address listed along with its phone number. If you have a question about the store, simply press the phone number to call the store! After all, you are using a phone right?

The home page is divided into six categories that make it simple to find what you’re looking for. Food & Drink, Shopping, Entertainment, Health & Beauty, Kids Stuff and Lodging. One click on any of those menu items and you will be directed to the set of listings. 

Interested in local news in the Centre County region? The app has that as well. So if you’re an alum or former resident now living thousands of miles away and looking to get a quick look at what’s going on back home, Centre County local news and sports will have you covered.

This app is a must-have if you are traveling to Happy Valley. It’s the perfect guide to help you find what you are looking for and make your stay in town as easy as possible. For locals, it's a good way to check out some deals you may not have seen before.                                                

Consider it a Happy Valley Yellow Pages right in your pocket as it's a great way to find businesses as well as savings.

For more information see Happy Valley.

Penn State Performing Arts Events

The arts scene at Penn State is growing, with more opportunities to perform it is becoming a hot spot for theater and music.  Learn more about Penn State's booming arts scene below.

Penn State’s College of Arts and Architecture produces some of the best student musicians, actors and artists from around the country. The school is able to nurture and produce some of the performers in the school of music, theatre and visual arts that capture and produce some of the most difficult productions. Faculty and students often use several venues from around the State College area including the Center for the Performing Arts, Music at Penn’s Woods, Penn State Centre Stage, Schwab Auditorium and Eisenhower Auditorium.

Of course, State College maintains a vibrant artistic community by maintaining several theaters throughout the area. These venues are very diverse and well‑organized and known for bringing some of the best acts to the area. Such venues include: The State Theatre or The Boal Barn.

The Center for the Performing Arts provides a context, through artistic connections, to the human experience. The Center for the Performing Arts provides two venues, Schwab Auditorium and Eisenhower Auditorium, to display creative and enriching arts that are both pleasing to the eye and very entertaining. The 2012‑2013 schedule is both impressive and has a wide variety of acts. From the complete Beethoven string quartets, to a duo that ranges between Stravinsky and Radiohead with seamless skill, to a performance of Mozart’s masterpiece The Magic Flute, the season brings unprecedented attention and commitment to classical music in central Pennsylvania. These performances will be shared between Schwab Auditorium and Eisenhower Auditorium, both located on Penn State campus.

Schwab Auditorium houses a proscenium stage and a Preservation Hall Jazz Band play The Center for the Performing Arts on September 28. Plays and Performances around State College 900‑seat, Renaissance‑style seating area. Today, Schwab’s performance space is used for the chamber music, student performances to speeches by noteworthy visitors. Upcoming performances include the Kalichstein‑Laredo‑Robinson Trio whose first performance as a trio was at President Carter’s inauguration on October 3. Actors From the London Stage will perform Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice where actors will use minimal props and costumes to perform this noteworthy comedy on October 10 and 11. And also, a variety of string musicians including world famous violinists, guitarists, cellists, pianists and saxophonists.

Eisenhower Auditorium is larger, has a seating capacity of 2,500 and is Penn State’s primary theatrical performance space. Opened in 1974 and later named for former University President Milton S. Eisenhower, the modern‑style auditorium hosts almost 200 events each year. Most of the events presented by the Center for the Performing Arts occur on the Eisenhower stage. This year’s 2012‑2013 schedule begins with a performance by Preservation Hall Jazz Band and The Del McCoury Band American Legacies where the high lonesome sound of bluegrass will meet the hot and lively jazz of New Orleans. On October 30, the Pilobolus Dance Theatre will stretch the limits of the human body and balance. The Pilobolus Dance Theatre will be creative and witty during their performance piece. On November 1, the Banjo Summit 2 give an encore presentation and display the “old‑time clawhammer style.” Eisenhower will also feature such performing arts such as The Great Mountain, Les Grands Ballet Canadiens de Montreal, The Addams Family and many more.

Penn State Centre Stage is expression, art and it will test the limits of imagination and structure. Penn State Centre Stage is completely produced by students and faculty. Whether in the studio or on‑stage Penn State’s School of Theatre is almost performing year‑round, tackling difficult productions it is impressive the professionalism of these young performers. Upcoming performances this fall will include “From up here,” “Sweeney Todd” set to perform in October at the Pavilion Theatre on‑campus, “In the Red and Brown Water” set to play for two weeks in November at the Playhouse Theatre and also Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost, which would make for the perfect Valentine’s Day date this coming year at the Pavilion Theatre.

There are also several theatres in downtown State College and surrounding areas that rely on professional, traveling performers or they rely on the community’s hard work and dedication to perform. The State Theatre literally has something for everyone: from high drama to children’s musicals to rock n’ roll to featured indie movies. The State Theatre is the place to see community based traveling acts and they will feature many local and regional artists. In the 2012‑2013 season many notable acts plan to perform at the State Theatre including Arlo Guthrie, folk music singer/songwriter Ben Taylor and Brio Dance Company’s fall concert that will benefit THON.

The State College Community Theatre are not professional actors or singers but they are teachers, students and community members that have a love and a knack for the performing arts. With a zip in their step and a twinkle in their eye, the Community Theatre performs all of their plays at the Boalsburg Boal Barn Playhouse along Old Boalsburg Road. Considered a “Theater in the round” the Boal Barn Playhouse has all around seating with the stage in the middle of the room! Upcoming performances include The Man Who Came To Dinner, James and the Giant Peach and David Auburn’s “Proof.”

For more information see Happy Valley.

Documentary Shines on Penn State’s Thon

Penn State’s Thon is one of the biggest fundraisers in the country.  Thousands of Penn State students participate to raise money for the kids every year in a giant dance marathon.  The fundraiser raises money for pediatric cancer and has received national attention every year.   Now, this national attention is shows in a new documentary to air next month.

Each February, thousands of Penn State students take part in the IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, better known as THON, to help combat pediatric cancer. Many people know that students collect money and dance for 46 hours. But few realize how much year-round planning goes into this no-sitting, no-sleeping phenomenon.

For the first time ever, audiences will get a behind-the-scenes look at the largest student-run philanthropy in the world benefitting the Four Diamonds Fund when Penn State Public Broadcasting presents the documentary “Why We Dance: The Story of THON” at 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, on WPSU-TV.

 

A sneak peek can be seen at http://live.psu.edu/youtube/hsxrWfkX4kw online.

That same night, the documentary will air across Pennsylvania on the following public television stations:

-- WVIA-TV in Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton at 8 p.m.
-- WQED-TV in Pittsburgh at 8 p.m.
-- WQLN-TV in Erie at 9 p.m.
-- WITF-TV in Harrisburg at 9 p.m.

A live, online stream of the 8 p.m. premiere will be available at wpsu.org, and then posted to Vimeo and YouTube at 9 p.m.

The 60-minute television program introduces viewers to Four Diamonds families battling childhood cancer. It also follows Penn State THON student volunteers as they plan and carry out logistics for fundraising events and share special experiences with their adopted THON families throughout the year.

“Some people think that it’s just a dance party, but it’s so much more,” said Jeff Hughes, executive producer of the documentary. “Not only is raising money to combat childhood cancer a wonderful cause,

it’s a powerful example of college students making things better for these families.”

The money raised goes to the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, which provides specialized care, financial assistance for medical expenses and cancer research.

Since 1977, THON has raised more than $88 million.

Production of the documentary began in September 2010.

Additional events will also take place in the weeks leading up to the premiere, including a private screening

for THON families and guests on Sept. 14, at the Hershey Theatre, and screenings in select cities co-hosted by the Penn State Alumni Association and public television stations.

For more information, visit http://wpsu.org/thondocumentary online.

Penn State Public Broadcasting, licensed to Penn State, produces noncommercial television, radio and online media. Their public service media programming and complementary outreach materials address important societal issues for Pennsylvania, the nation and the world.

You can find more details at Penn State.

Move-In Weekend

Welcome Back Everyone!  Whether you are new to Penn State or this is your senior year,  welcome week is a fun filled way to get back into campus life.  There are tons of activities this year for you to participate in, and these will help you get involved in Penn State Campus Life. Check out the schedule below and we know you have a great semester ahead of you.

Friday, Aug. 22
LGBTA Student Resource Center Open House: Meet the staff and find out about the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Ally Student Resource Center's resources and student groups, meet new people and enjoy refreshments from 2 to 4 p.m. in 101 Boucke Building.
Parent and Family Information Panel: Parents and family members are invited to learn about important Penn State resources and strategies for supporting a college student, and meet other families of new students. The one-hour panel begins at 2 p.m. in the HUB-Robeson Center Auditorium.
SPA-Movie on the HUB Lawn: Students moving into their residence halls on Friday will be treated to a large-screen movie under the stars. Sponsored by SPA, the Student Programming Association, the show starts at 9 p.m. behind the HUB-Robeson Center. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.


Saturday, Aug. 23
Resident Assistant (R.A.) House Meetings and Dinners (on-campus students only): This meeting, mandatory for all students in residence halls, is an opportunity for roommates and neighbors to share their first dinner together and learn about living on campus. Students should see their R.A. for meeting time and location.

Commuter Connection: First-year students commuting from home or living off-campus, new Change of Campus students and new Adult Learners are invited to this reception to meet other commuting students, learn tips for college success and gain insight on strategies to acclimate to the University Park community. The hour-long reception begins at 6 p.m. in Heritage Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center.
President's New Student Convocation: All new students are required to attend this program, which begins at 7:45 p.m. at the Bryce Jordan Center. "The president's New Student Convocation is really the official welcome to the Penn State family," said Shandol Hoover, coordinator of new student programs. "The convocation is one of two times the class of 2012 will be gathered together for one event; the second is their graduation."


Sunday, Aug. 24

Academic College Deans' Meetings: It's important for new students to attend their academic college orientation meeting to learn more about their academic careers. Times and locations vary by college.
Change of Campus and Transfer Student Connections: All of these students are invited to this reception to meet staff and connect with other new students. The event begins at 3:30 p.m. in Alumni Hall, HUB Robeson-Center. Snacks and information packets are provided.
Multicultural Resource Center and Paul Robeson Cultural Center Fall Orientation for New Multicultural Students: This session offers all new undergraduate multicultural students at University Park strategies for success as well as the opportunity to become familiar with academic and co-curricular resources available on campus. It begins at 5:30 p.m. in Heritage Hall, Hub-Robeson Center.
Be a Part from the Start: The Lion Ambassadors, Blue Band, leaders from Residence Life and student organizations, cheerleaders and the Nittany Lion will be on hand to teach new students what Penn State pride is all about. Students will learn the Alma Mater, fight songs and Penn State traditions. It begins at 8 p.m. in Rec Hall.


Monday, Aug. 25
Campus Information Stations: From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, these stations will be set up at various campus locations to assist new students who have lost their way. On-site volunteers will provide maps and directions.
Involvement Days: Student Organizations: Involvement Days are Monday through Thursday (Aug. 25-28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.) with different groups attending each day. Student organizations, campus resources, community service agencies and organizations, and fraternities and sororities (on Thursday) will be available at Alumni Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center to recruit new members and answer questions. Music and prizes will be available.


Tuesday, Aug. 26

Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) Change of Campus and Transfer Student Program: Undergraduate multicultural students (Black/African American, Asian and Pacific American, Hispanic/Latino American and Native American) can meet their MRC counselor and hear former transfer students' suggestions and strategies for social engagement and academic success at University Park. Refreshments will be provided. This event is sponsored by the Multicultural Resource Center and begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Grange Building.
Downtown Tour: Off-Campus Student Unions (OCSU) leaders will show new students around downtown State College and talk about community resources available to students. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Meet for the tour at 7 p.m. at the HUB-Robeson Center Information Desk.


Wednesday, Aug. 27
SPA Concert: An outdoor concert begins at 8 p.m. at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Check out posters in residence halls and the HUB-Robeson Center for more details. Tickets will be available at 9 a.m. on the day of the concert at the Medlar Field ticket office. The concert is open only to Penn State students, and all attendees must present a valid Penn State student ID with a ticket to enter the baseball park.


Thursday, Aug. 28 SPA LateNight Movie: The film starts at 10 p.m. in the HUB-Robeson Center Auditorium.


Friday, Aug. 29

Habitat for Humanity's Operation HUB 2008: Help build a house — and friendships — on the HUB-Robeson Center lawn and make a difference in the community. The house work lasts from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The frame will be partially dismantled and components placed on a flatbed truck; the pieces will be transported to a permanent lot in the local community to be reassembled and completed. Sign up to volunteer.
Football Eve: Join in the annual rally held before the first home football game, at Beaver Stadium from 7 to 9 p.m.


Sunday, Aug. 31

Fresh START: The Fresh START 2008 Day of Service for first-year, change-of-campus and transfer students provides an opportunity to get involved in the community while meeting new people. Groups meet at 9 a.m. at Alumni Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center. Register at http://www.sa.psu.edu/engage.














  

For more information please see Penn State Live.

Tailgating and Penn State: A Long Tradition

College Football season is approaching and that means it is time for Penn State Fan's favorite weekend tradition.  Tailgating!  Blue and white will be everywhere, as Penn State fans gather as the sun comes up to eat, drink, and cheer on the Nittany Lions for the upcoming season.  

Fall is rapidly approaching, meaning Penn State Football and tailgating are quickly returning to Happy Valley.

It’s arguably the most anticipated time of the year in the region as fans flock to Beaver Stadium for seven weekends a year.

This year, there’s even more to be excited about as a brand new era of Penn State Football kicks off under new head coach Bill O’Brien.

And for the second straight season, there has been a change to the team’s iconic football jerseys. This time, with player’s names featured on the back of their jerseys along with a blue ribbon to promote child sexual abuse awareness.

The names on the jerseys are a tribute to the players’ loyalty for the decision to stay with the program in the midst of troubling times.

This will be a fun season, as Penn State fans can witness the brand new offense that Bill O’Brien will be calling on game day. It’s also a chance to see some of the very talented underclassman that now have the chance to prove themselves. 

While the football program has undergone some significant changes, one thing that will always stay the same is the way Penn State fans tailgate.

It’s a rite of passage to arrive at Beaver Stadium as the sun rises and leave the parking lot as the sun begins to set. It’s a day filled with the five Fs: family, fun, friends, food and football.

Whether you have an RV loaded up with the finest tailgating equipment and food, or a small car with a few lawn chairs and some cold cuts, it doesn't really matter. Just hanging out with over 100,000 of your closest Penn State friends is reason enough to tailgate. 

But the fun doesn’t have to begin and end a Saturday. From Friday to Sunday there’s plenty of ways to enjoy a Penn State Football weekend. 

For more information see Happy Valley.