Good morning, State College.

THON Weekend 2027 will take place from Friday, Feb.

19 through Sunday, Feb. 21 at the Bryce Jordan Center. Last year’s event raised $18,841,726.53 for The Kids (a record total) and will feature new executive director Lauren Mellas, named in March.

Penn State Smeal College of Business will bid farewell to longtime leaders Randy Woolridge and Robin Stevens when they retire on June 30.

Their work strengthened ties with Wall Street and paved the way for future student opportunities.

Three art history doctoral candidates at Penn State have been awarded prestigious fellowships to support their dissertation research in the 2026-27 academic year.

Amy Orner (Sir John Soane’s Museum Foundation), Han Chen (Getty Foundation) and Holli Turner (Metropolitan Museum of Art) are set to advance their studies.

Penn State Liberal Arts students traveled to Spain and Italy last month in a study-abroad program that built their language skills and cultural understanding.

The immersive course included visits in Bilbao, San Sebastián, Prato, Florence, and Bologna — where they sampled local foods and toured historic sites.

THON, Penn State’s annual 46-hour dance marathon for the kids, will be held Feb.

19 through 21 at the Bryce Jordan Center & aims to raise funds for Four Diamonds to fight childhood cancer. Preparations are underway to surpass last year’s record of nearly $18.8 million raised.

Penn State’s 2026-27 RIDEpass program begins July 1 at University Park with expanded online enrollment for all eligible graduate students.

The monthly fare increases from $23 to $24 and faculty and staff will register in person at the Transportation Services Office from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Researchers at Penn State and NIST have developed a glass sensor that uses atoms to improve navigation and wireless communication, using a chip-like manufacturing process (similar to semiconductor fabrication) to produce stable vapor cells with long-lasting performance.

The team plans to integrate these sensors with electronics for quantum applications soon.

Penn State’s Cocoziello Institute announced its 2026–27 Seed Grant Program winners, funding five teams from University Park + Penn State Harrisburg to study challenges in the built environment such as 3D-printed housing and smart building tech.

The funding will begin July 1.

Penn State researchers at the University Park lab are testing frozen soil with sensors to understand Arctic permafrost thaw and refine satellite climate models.

The findings may improve how local experts plan for environmental changes (the work is part of a multi-university project).

Penn State women's hockey released its 2026-27 schedule featuring 34 games (17 at home).

The season will start with a preseason scrimmage against RIT on Sept. 18 and will open at Pegula Ice Arena on Sept. 24 and 25.

Penn State finished 21st nationally in the Learfield Cup standings for the 2025-26 season with national champion wrestling and a Frozen Four finalist women's ice hockey team boosting its score.

Athletic director Pat Kraft oversaw major coaching changes that led to a drop from last season.

Penn State athletes face the new NCAA five-for-five rule, which gives them five years to play five seasons starting with their first college year if under 19, while players who used four seasons in 2025-26 lose extra eligibility — the rule opens early play for freshmen and prevents redshirt abuses.

Penn State commit Jaxon Cover was picked by the Ottawa Senators at the NHL draft after scoring 52 points with the London Knights.

The 6-foot-2 winger — a fast riser recognized for his creative offense — will join Happy Valley next season to further develop his skills.

Gavin McKenna, the Penn State forward who set a freshman record with 51 points, was selected No. 1 overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday night (he earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors in 2026), marking a milestone for the program.

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.