Good morning, State College.

Michelle Sikes, a former Rhodes Scholar and associate professor in Penn State’s Department of Kinesiology, mentors finalists for the Rhodes Scholarship and helps them prepare for a two-day interview process.

The mentoring committee conducts mock interviews to build the students’ confidence for the final panel interview—drawing on Sikes’ own award-winning experience.

Scientists from Penn State and international researchers detected strange radio signals from a cosmic detector called ANITA in Antarctica that defy current particle physics theories—signals that seem to come from below the horizon.

They are now designing a larger detector named PUEO that will improve detection of these anomalies and may uncover new types of particle interactions.

During spring break week, more than 135 graduate students attended a writing retreat at Pattee Library’s Collaboration Commons organized by Penn State University Libraries to get quiet writing time, workshops, and help with drafting work.

Participants used study packs with pens and notebooks—many reported they made key progress on chapters and research projects while also meeting peers.

Eight Penn State research projects have been selected for the Commercialization GAP Fund funded by the Penn State Research Foundation—each project will receive up to $75,000 and support with patents, marketing, and industry connections to move discoveries from the lab to the market. The projects cover a range of areas including lung cancer diagnostics, energy-efficient data centers, and recycling of electronic waste.

Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley returns for its third year on Sunday, June 15 with a 7 a.m. swim from Foster Joseph Sayers Lake at Bald Eagle State Park and now finishes on Curtin Road instead of inside Beaver Stadium.

The race will cause several road closures and traffic impacts in the region as local officials ask motorists and campus users to use alternate routes.

Utah midfielder Chase Robertson transferred to Penn State men's lacrosse after finishing his freshman season with the Utes, where he tallied 16 goals, nine assists, and 11 ground balls, as his Instagram shows him in Penn State gear — he is the second portal addition following Spencer Hughes.

Canadian forward Pierce Mbuyi (17) committed to Penn State men's hockey after scoring 29 goals in 63 games with the Owen Sound Attack (OHL Rookie of the Year) and is projected as a first-round NHL pick.

He joins a strong 2025 recruiting class that also includes Jackson Smith and Luke Misa.

Penn State gymnast Josh Karnes won a silver medal in the all-around at the Pan American Qualifiers on June 13 — his team will compete in the finals today.

Penn State women's volleyball unveiled its national championship rings that honor last season's 35-2 record (featuring pink gemstones for coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley and eight stars for each title), marking its first championship win since 2014.

South Dakota transfer McKenna Young committed to Penn State softball on June 13th when she announced her decision on social media.

The pitcher from Brodhead, Wisconsin pitched 128 innings, had 152 strikeouts and a 14-8 record while retaining two seasons of eligibility—she will join the team.

Steep Canyon Rangers Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The State Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of traditional bluegrass with a contemporary twist from award-winning songwriters.

Happy Valley Puzzle Swap

1-2 p.m. — Walmart Supercenter — Free entry — Exchange gently used jigsaw puzzles in a community-friendly environment.

Open Gym

Beat the evening heat and have the kids burn off some energy at CEG's Summer Tuesday night Open Gyms! Open for ages 1–18, but please note that ages 1–5 require a parent or guardian to stay with them. 6:15pm–7:30pm at Centre Elite Gymnastics, 177 Champion Drive, Suite 200, State College, PA 16803. $5/members, $10/non-members.

Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival

June 25-29 — Centre County Grange Fair — Ticketed event — Enjoy performances from 19 Bluegrass bands including Grand Ole Opry star Rhonda Vincent.

Sips & Sounds Downtown Celebration

4:00 – 8:45 p.m. — Sidney Friedman Park — Free entry — Experience a vibrant summer celebration with live music and refreshing beverages in downtown State College.

Langhorne Slim Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The State Theatre — Ticket prices not specified — Experience the powerful and raw sounds of acclaimed singer-songwriter Langhorne Slim.

Killer Queen Tribute Concert

8-11 p.m. — The State Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the acclaimed tribute band Killer Queen as they bring the magic of Queen to life on stage.

Firecracker 4K Independence Day Run/Walk

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Medlar Field — Registration fee required — Celebrate Independence Day with a patriotic run and enjoy festivities topped off with fireworks.

Movies in the Garden: A Complete Unknown

8:30-10:30 p.m. — H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens — Adults $15, Children $10 — Enjoy an outdoor movie night featuring the biographical film about Bob Dylan starring Timothée Chalamet.

Sam Grisman Project Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The State Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the revival of timeless acoustic music inspired by the legacies of Jerry Garcia and David Grisman.