Good morning, State College.

The Fox Graduate School announced a new parental leave policy that took effect on July 1—covering all Penn State graduate students welcoming a new child.

The policy lets both birthing and non-birthing parents take up to six weeks off within 120 days and requires a 30-day notice so students return at the same academic standing.

Jessica Wellington, a doctoral candidate at Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, received an NIH research award to study the needs of parental caregivers for adults with profound autism — her three-year project will use interviews across the country to help shape future health care policies.

Valerie Smykalov, a Penn State doctoral student in environmental engineering and biogeochemistry, has been awarded a three-year National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship to study carbon movement in river systems (her project uses deep learning and process-based modeling to improve carbon cycle estimates). She is one of eight graduate students to receive the award in 2025.

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences launched a grant program that lets faculty and students create hands-on projects linking classroom learning to real-world agricultural and environmental challenges.

The program, through SAFES, awards $5,000 grants to five projects including an immersive Southwest field tour and a sustainable golf course design initiative (hosted at Toftrees Golf Resort in State College).

The Nittany Lions women's lacrosse team hired Amy Moreau as an assistant coach on July 16th as incoming coach Kayla Treanor finalized her coaching staff for the upcoming season.

Moreau coached at Davidson College and played five seasons at UMass—experiences that are expected to boost the team’s competitive play.

After finishing last season with 31 wins, 6 losses and 1 tie, the Penn State women’s hockey team — which relies on star players like Tessa Janecke, Katelyn Roberts, Maddy Christian and goalie Katie DeSa — is preparing for the upcoming season with an opener against St. Lawrence in about two months. The team will build on its past success with key contributors Kendall Butze, Grace Outwater and Leah Stecker.

Penn State Men's Hockey announced its 10-game non-conference schedule on Wednesday and will start the season on the road for the third straight year.

The team will play Arizona State on October 3, host Clarkson on October 9 and 10 at Pegula Ice Arena, face Long Island University on October 17 and 18, and meet Stonehill later in October.

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.

Live Music: Anchor&Arrow Performance

6-9 p.m. — HiWay Pizza Pub — Free entry — Enjoy high-energy performances from Happy Valley’s FUNked-Up duo, combining soul, funk, rock, and jazz.

Albert Cummings Live

8-11 p.m. — The State Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying blues of renowned guitarist Albert Cummings.

All About the Importers

6:00 PM — Allen Street Grill — $31 to $50 — Explore the art of importing flavors from the world’s best food and drink to local establishments.

Boalsburg Farmers Market

2-6 p.m. — Pennsylvania Military Museum — Free entry — Explore fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local specialties every Tuesday afternoon.

Molly Tuttle Live in Concert

8-11 p.m. — The State Theatre — $30+ — Experience the award-winning talents of Molly Tuttle in an unforgettable evening of music.