Good morning, State College.

Fourteen interdisciplinary research teams received the 2026 Seed Grant from the Institute of Energy and the Environment at University Park to advance energy and environmental research.

The program involves over 40 researchers across 10 colleges and 21 departments and supports projects seeking external funding.

The College of Engineering announced that Dean Emeritus David Wormley passed away May 19 in Lancaster.

He served as dean for 20 years and is remembered for his steady leadership that boosted teaching, research, and funding efforts.

Wanjiru Kareithi, a postdoctoral scholar from the College of Arts and Architecture (OAE), was honored with the 2026 Outstanding Postdoctoral Scholar Award in Arts, Humanities and Education at Penn State.

Her work on equitable leadership in higher education supports academic growth and mentoring across the campus.

Penn State is expanding its AI programs by launching AI Studio and an AI literacy course for summer class students, with full campus access planned for fall.

The initiative gives secured access to paid AI models to help students and faculty build responsible AI skills.

A group of Penn State students earned an honorable mention at LA Hacks for their Pixel Truth game that teaches media literacy by having players evaluate news headlines (the competition was held in April at UCLA).

They spent 36 hours developing the Roblox-based game to help users understand digital well-being.

The Leonhard Center hosted a three-day faculty summer academy from June 2-4 to train engineering professors on using AI in classrooms.

Faculty participated in hands-on sessions on prompt engineering & creating AI-integrated assignments to enhance teaching methods.

Penn State will celebrate its one millionth degree in August with a flavor contest at the Berkey Creamery + voting opens today and runs through July 10 with the winning flavor announced during summer commencement and sold in the fall.

Yesterday, the Alumni Council welcomed 14 new volunteer leaders who began three-year terms on the Penn State Alumni Association governing board; the board is split evenly between elected and appointed members to guide a network of over 800,000 alumni.

Heather Grab, assistant professor at Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, was awarded the Lorenzo L.

Langstroth Early Career Professorship in Entomology to honor her research on pollinator biology and her commitment to student mentoring + developing practical tools for agriculture.

Penn State professor Katherine Zipp received the Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award on June 12 for her support of postdoctoral scholars at the College of Agricultural Sciences.

The recognition honored her work with scholars (including nominee Grace Wildermuth) in mentoring emerging researchers.

Penn State Athletics ended its 33-year Nike era and began a 10-year adidas deal with a pop-up sale at Pegula Ice Arena on Wednesday, July 1, where fans saw new apparel and merchandise — additional sales and events are planned for this week.

Penn State football named Reid Kagy as its new director of strength and conditioning to build a team culture with daily competitive drills (drawing on his experience from Iowa State).

He replaces longtime director Chuck Losey as the team prepares for fall practice.

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.