Good morning, State College.

Alex Mullen, a dual major in computer science and engineering science with a 4.0 GPA, was named summer 2025 student marshal for Penn State’s College of Engineering and will earn two bachelor’s degrees at the Aug.

16 commencement. A State College Area High School graduate—son of Tracy Mullen—he led research projects, internships and the men’s ultimate frisbee team and will join General Dynamics after graduation.

The Penn State Board of Trustees approved a 2% tuition increase for in-state undergrads at University Park on July 18; the raise will add about $205 per semester for the 2026–27 school year.

Many students voiced concerns about rising costs and urged the administration to ensure that improvements in education match the increased expense—leading to calls for greater budget transparency.

Penn State University Libraries will host two speakers on open scholarship topics as part of the second Penn State Open Scholarship Boot Camp from Aug.

13-15 at University Park. Sarah Rajtmajer will speak about using AI for scientific checks on Aug. 13 and Lynda Kellam will cover saving public data on Aug. 14 in Foster Auditorium—both talks are free and open to everyone.

A student-produced newscast from a Penn State reporting trip to Kazakhstan will air on WPSU-TV twice in August; it will run at noon on Aug.

2 and at 10:30 p.m. on Aug. 28, reporting on topics such as the country’s geopolitical issues, Kokpar, a Uyghur community, and glacier water sources (created by students from the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications).

After months of negotiations, Penn State and Centre County signed a new 20-year Pilot Agreement that replaces the expired deal and shifts from tax payments to the university providing goods and services.

The agreement sets fees to increase every two years and builds on last year's nearly $1.9 million impact for the county.

Rasha Elwakil is reinstated as UPUA president after a judicial board ruled her April 23 removal invalid because she did not receive one week's notice and lacked proper oversight—Fletcher Port is reinstated as vice president effective immediately.

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.

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.

Anna Pearl Belinda at Seven Mountains Wine Cellars

2-4 p.m. — Seven Mountains Wine Cellars and Stonefly Cafe — Free entry — Enjoy original tunes from local singer-songwriter Anna Pearl in a cozy atmosphere.