Good morning, State College.

Penn State doctoral student Matt Hollingham is running 3,500 miles over 61 days through 10 countries to honor his late fiancée and raise funds for Centre County Youth Services, Save the Children, and a dedicated scholarship.

Sponsored by Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, he is currently in Sweden.

The Chamber of Business and Industry invites nominations until 5 p.m. on Aug.

21 (via cbicc.org/awards) for its 2026 awards recognizing local economic impact. Winners will be honored at a reception on Oct. 21 at The Nittany Lion Inn with Stuckey Automotive as sponsor.

Penn State GeoGraphics Lab students produced a large-format memorial map honoring conservationist David Myers after alumnus Bob Myers commissioned the project.

The map now hangs at the Ruskin Group Theatre’s donor lounge in Santa Monica — linking student work to a legacy of protecting natural lands.

Evelyn Mastaglio, a second-year neurobiology student at Penn State, shared her experience switching from biology to the new interdisciplinary major plus engaging in research on Alzheimer's genetics and animal traits.

She will join a study abroad program in Siena next spring as she continues her path toward medical school.

Penn State will be ranked No. 20 for space science research in the upcoming U.S. News Best Global Universities report set for release on July 16 — the ranking reflects its interdisciplinary strength in astronomy, geosciences, physics, and engineering as the university prepares for a NASA mission later this month.

In March, nursing students and leaders met at the Penn Stater Conference Center and Hotel for the inaugural Gail E.

Latimer, RN Nursing Leadership Lecture on artificial intelligence in healthcare; assistant dean Grace Sun stressed AI’s benefits and risks and urged critical engagement (endowed by alumna Latimer).

Due to Pollack renovations and a growing student body, Penn State's Housing Assignment Office announced that students may be assigned to supplemental housing with rooms for up to eight and housing assignments will be emailed at noon Tuesday, July 28.

Penn State has named Megan McKnight as director of Health Promotion and Wellness, effective June 29.

She joins from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and will lead programs focused on student mental health, prevention education, and overall well-being across campus (an effort to boost student success).

Three-star cornerback Dhillon McGee, ranked (No. 67 in Texas) by 247Sports, committed to Penn State football as the program’s fifth 2027 recruit.

He chose the Nittany Lions over SMU and Texas after announcing his decision on Instagram Wednesday night.

Penn State field hockey announced its fall schedule on Wednesday; the season, in its first under head coach Hannah Prince, starts with a home opener on Friday, Aug.

28 in Happy Valley against Virginia, then includes games with Lock Haven, Villanova and a road opener at Delaware on Sept. 6.

Former Penn State football tight end Brenton Strange signed a three-year extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars yesterday, earning $25 million guaranteed in a deal worth up to $48 million.

He played in 37 games for Penn State and now continues his NFL career.

State College quarterback Connor Kulka earned his first Power 4 offer from Rutgers Tuesday after a strong sophomore season.

He also has an offer from Buffalo from his impressive campaign on the field.

Penn State is retooling its running back lineup in Happy Valley after losing Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton to the NFL.

Coach Matt Campbell said James Peoples plus Carson Hansen will share carries while new talents like Quinton Martin Jr. and D’Antae Sheffey build for the upcoming season.

Penn State forward Gavin McKenna, projected as the No. 1 NHL draft pick, set a school record with seven assists in a February game at Pegula Ice Arena (5-4 win over Ohio State).

He earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year in a season that showcased his skills.

Sips & Sounds Food and Drink Festival

4-9 p.m. — Sidney Friedman Park — Food and drink festival featuring local music and drinks — Celebrate summer with cold beverages and lively performances in State College!

Anna Pearl Belinda Concert

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Titan Hollow — Free entry — Celebrate the weekend of the 4th with local singer-songwriter Anna Pearl Belinda performing live.

The Fretliners Concert

8-11 p.m. — The State Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of live music with The Fretliners in a vibrant venue.

Central Pennsylvania Festival for the Arts

Jul 8-12 — Downtown State College Improvement District — Free entry — Celebrate art, music, and community at one of the nation's top-ranked art fairs.

Anna Pearl Belinda

5-6 p.m. — Willard Building — Free entry — Experience the soaring vocals and storytelling of local singer-songwriter Anna Pearl as she records her debut album.

Anna Pearl Belinda Live Performance

7-9 p.m. — Tussey Mountain Ski and Recreation — Free entry — Experience a captivating solo performance by Anna Pearl, a local singer-songwriter from State College.

Craig Finn & Patterson Hood Live Concert

8-11 p.m. — The State Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of storytelling through music with acclaimed artists Craig Finn and Patterson Hood.