State College
Today
Thursday, May 7th, 2026
Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 7th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Centre Gives Party will be held tonight from 5-8 p.m. at University Wine Company (540 Misty Hill Drive) as part of a 36‑hour online fundraiser hosted by Centre Foundation from May 6‑7 to support Spotlight PA State College journalism. StateCollege.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Penn State College of Health and Human Development was ranked the nation’s top allied health school for NIH funding by The Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research. It received over $29.5 million in research dollars in 2025 — a sign of strong research and rich opportunities for students. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State senior Isabel Rivera is graduating this month after a summer of geography research that blended classroom learning, data analysis, and fieldwork (in South Africa). She will start graduate studies this fall to study how tourism shapes Puerto Rico's sustainable development. Penn State
- ➤ Beth Farmer, a longtime faculty member at Penn State Dickinson Law, has committed $2 million to create an endowed scholarship to help law students with tuition costs. The scholarship is active now and is available to students at both campuses. Penn State
- ➤ Former Outdoor School Director Bill Hug visited Shaver’s Creek as his daughter Lilianna wrapped up her third year as a cabin counselor for the 50-year-old program that provides local elementary students hands-on outdoor education, reinforcing the community’s bond with nature. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State Athletics revealed details for its third annual season ticket lottery for 2026 football. Grade-specific one-week request windows run from July 20 to July 31 at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. via the Penn State portal (ticket cost is $246) with email notifications coming the week of August 3. Onward State
- ➤ Materials science professor Joshua Robinson at Penn State has been named director of the Materials Research Institute, effective July 1. He will lead MRI, housed at University Park, and use his research and industry partnerships + programs to boost material innovation. Penn State
- ➤ The first cohort from the Summer Discovery program at Penn State is set to graduate with bachelor’s degrees during spring commencement ceremonies. The program began in 2021 and has prepared 285 students from 84 high schools for college. Penn State
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Wayne Sebastianelli, a trusted doctor and mentor to many Penn State athletes, passed away Monday, May 4 in State College; his careful decisions and warm care made a lasting impact on patients and the local community. StateCollege.com
- ➤ Penn State researchers find college students are more likely to start and benefit from digital therapy via an app than campus clinic referrals. Published today (May 7), the study screened over 6,200 students for mental health risks and showed digital therapy increased service uptake and improved outcomes. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State researchers found that pregnant women with elevated blood sugar levels (even without a gestational diabetes diagnosis) are more likely to have larger babies, which could lead to long-term health risks. They recommend early nutritional guidance to help improve outcomes. Penn State
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Penn State women's lacrosse, led by Coach Kayla Treanor appointed 352 days ago, will face Stanford in the NCAA tournament first round game tomorrow at 6 p.m. on campus, as the team looks to secure its first tournament win since 2017 & build on a strong season. Daily Collegian
- ➤ Three Penn State men's volleyball players earned AVCA All-America honors yesterday. Outside hitter Sean Harvey was named to the second team (while middle blocker Owen Rose and libero Ryan Merk received honorable mentions) in a selection featuring 24 players. Daily Collegian
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PUULUUP with The Wild Shoats
7-10 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — $28 — Experience a unique blend of ancient sounds and modern flair as Ramo Teder and Marko Veisson showcase their musical journey.
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Natural Information Society Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Manny's Live Performance Space — From $15 — Experience the unique sounds of Natural Information Society, creating long-form compositions since 2010.
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2026 XL Fest All-Access Pass
5:59-7:29 p.m. — Blue Brick Theatre — $99 + fees — Experience 12 shows of hilarious improv magic at the Happy Valley XL Fest.
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Marisa Anderson Live Performance
6-9 p.m. — Manny’s Live Performance Space — $20 — Experience a unique blend of blues, country, and abstract sounds from one of the most distinctive guitar players of her generation.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.
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Reveal the authorAbout State College Today
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