State College
Today
Saturday, February 28th, 2026
Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 28th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Penn State honored 19 employees in its “We Are!” feature for exceptional work, including roles in faculty+staff positions from payroll updates to event planning support. Nominators praised their commitment that strengthens campus community ties. Penn State
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Allison Beese, a Penn State professor (expert in advanced manufacturing), has been named senior associate director of the new National Security Institute and will begin her role on May 15 in University Park. Penn State
- ➤ Professor Laura Guertin has published an open-access multimedia textbook on scientific ocean drilling on Penn State Pressbooks, drawing on Penn State Brandywine student research and collaboration with experts Elizabeth Doyle and Tessa Peixoto to explain how ocean drilling reveals Earth's history. Penn State
- ➤ Ballot positions for the Penn State alumni trustee election were drawn on Feb. 27 by a random drawing. Candidate materials will be available starting March 6 and ballots will be sent on April 20 with voting ending by 9:00 a.m. on May 7. Penn State
- ➤ Karen Thole will become the inaugural director of Penn State’s new National Security Institute on May 15 — returning as an Evan Pugh University Professor to strengthen research partnerships with the ARL, government agencies and industry. She will lead efforts to advance national security solutions across campus and beyond. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State Human Resources honored 15 full-time employees (faculty, staff, and technical service) for 25 years of service in February as part of its monthly recognition series. Recipients received a personalized numeral and could choose a gift from the Years of Service Recognition Program catalog. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State scientists found that the FXR protein can pair with itself instead of its usual partner to switch genes on and off. The discovery may lead to new treatment approaches for liver disease and diabetes in the future. Penn State
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Researchers from Penn State Nutritional Sciences found that a VR buffet with many food choices led people to serve themselves up to 75% more calories, though those high in self-control took fewer extra calories, suggesting that food variety can spur overeating and may help redesign dining settings for healthier eating. Penn State
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Penn State men’s volleyball swept Merrimack 3-0 at Rec Hall this weekend, with 11 players seeing time in a dominant win. The team will travel to face Long Beach State at 10 p.m. Saturday, Mar. 7. Daily Collegian
- ➤ At Pegula Ice Arena Friday evening, No. 3 Penn State women's hockey defeated Syracuse 7-0 with Tessa Janecke scoring a hat trick — the team will try to secure a tournament win in game two at 3 p.m. today. Onward State
- ➤ Penn State football tight end Gabe Burkle transferred from Iowa State this offseason and is working to get back on the field + he logged 54 catches in four seasons while improving his receiver skills. He will join play when fall camp resumes. StateCollege.com
- ➤ Penn State safety Jeremiah Cooper is rehabbing an ACL injury in State College alongside linebacker Tony Rojas and expects to return as a safety under coach Matt Campbell for his final college season, planning to rejoin Beaver Stadium once recovery is complete (teammates remain hopeful). StateCollege.com
- ➤ Penn State softball extended its win streak to double digits with a 6-0 win over N.C. Central on Friday during the Tennessee Invitational. The team will face top-ranked Tennessee at 5:30 p.m. Friday and aims to build on its strong offensive play. Daily Collegian
- ➤ No. 6 Penn State men's gymnastics will face No. 12 Springfield College Sunday at 1 p.m. at Rec Hall—the meet is their final chance to compete against a non-Big Ten team before they face Michigan on March 7. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Former Penn State wide receiver Tyler Lucas won Beast Games Season 2 on Wednesday night by outlasting 199 competitors for a $5 million cash prize. The U.S. Air Force pilot said his win will help secure his children's future. Onward State
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Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Basketball
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting college basketball showdown between two powerhouse teams.
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Tipa Tipo with El Combo Del Valle
7-10 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — From $11.99 — Experience a fresh blend of 70s soft rock and Latin rhythms with Tipa Tipo's tropical yacht rock en español.
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LaMP Live Performance
8-11 p.m. — The State Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the unique fusion of sounds from drummer Russ Lawton, organist Ray Paczkowski, and guitarist Scott Metzger.
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America at 250 Concert
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Nittany Valley Symphony — Ticket purchase required — Celebrate a diverse musical heritage with American masterpieces across genres.
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2026 Penn State Bass Expo
March 20-21 — Penn State School of Music — Free entry — Celebrate double bass artistry with guest musicians and a vibrant community atmosphere.
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The Shawshank Redemption Screening
8:00-9:31 p.m. — The State Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the timeless story of hope and friendship within the confines of a prison.
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Better Than Ezra Live
8-11 p.m. — The State Theatre — Ticket limit: 10 per customer — Experience legendary rock music with Better Than Ezra's engaging performance.
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Crafts & Cocktails at The Rivet
This adults-only, station-based evening gives you a punch card to enjoy craft activities *and* craft cocktails and mocktails. Every ticket sold supports STEM and maker programs for our community, so get your ticket (3/25 or 5/6) and let's craft for a cause!
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Peppa Pig Live - My First Concert
6-7 p.m. — Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State — Ticket prices vary — Engage with Peppa Pig and family in a delightful introduction to orchestral music for young children.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Focus is saying no to good ideas.
~ Sam Altman
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