Good morning, State College.

Penn State junior Sofia Colonero created JAQ, a jacket that turns into a purse, and is fine-tuning the design with local support from Happy Valley LaunchBox and a nearby seamstress.

She said the encouraging feedback from the community fuels plans to officially launch the product soon.

Penn State Center for the Performing Arts announced its 2026/27 season with Broadway shows, international dance, and music events starting this fall.

Tickets go on sale Aug. 11 for members + Oct. 13 for 'Hamlet' at Eisenhower Auditorium, and the season continues through April with live shows and community programs.

The U.S. National Science Foundation awarded Penn State’s Two-Dimensional Crystal Consortium $4.6 million over four years to help it shift to long-term sustainability while keeping research tools and training open to scientists.

The funding boosts work on new electronics, light devices, quantum tools and computer systems + drives materials science innovation.

Science-U at Home has released two new experiment videos, 'Spherification' and 'Plastic Milk,' that families can try at home.

The videos are available now on science-u.org (with episodes airing on public TV) and offer a fun way to learn basic science.

Jody Pritt was named interim vice provost for Penn State Global effective Aug.

1 after serving as associate vice provost for international student advising. A national search for a permanent vice provost will begin in the spring as Sabine Klahr transitions to phased retirement.

Penn State students in the Sustainable Labs Program work with researchers and lab staff to find practical ways to boost sustainability in research environments.

Their hands-on work builds skills that help alumni succeed in various career paths.

Since January, Penn State Extension's Tilva AI tool, which has been used over 50,000 times to guide users on plant diseases and soil tests, now offers follow-up suggestions + expert consultation to help farmers, educators and others access trusted research-based information in the community.

Retired county extension educator Carol Schurman, who now volunteers with Indiana County 4-H, was recently inducted into the National Association of County Agricultural Agents Hall of Fame for nearly 50 years of service.

The honor recognizes her lifetime commitment to agricultural education.

Penn State’s Department of Food Science will host the Chocolate Short Course from June 21-25, 2027 at University Park.

The five-day program provides craft and industrial chocolate makers with hands-on learning from cacao sourcing to finished production.

Penn State’s Ag Progress Days will run Aug.

11-13 at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center near State College. The free expo will feature nearly 500 exhibits and demonstrations on agriculture, including research tours, safety sessions (offering practical advice) and hands-on activities for all ages.

Penn State long snapper Blaise Sokach-Minnick was named to the Mannelly Award watch list on Monday, joining two other Nittany Lions as he aims for a breakout season after Duzansky’s departure (the honor benefits Bernie’s Book Bank for child literacy).

Matthew Filiaci, a left-handed pitcher from West Orange (New Jersey), announced on Instagram on Sunday that he will play baseball at Penn State; his strong season at Seton Hall Prep marks the first commitment of the 2028 class.

Former Penn State women's hockey defender Leah Stecker signed her Standard Player Agreement with the Boston Fleet yesterday and became the first 2026 draftee to do so (she was selected 27th overall).

Penn State quarterback Rocco Becht was named to the Maxwell Award watch list Monday as announced by the team.

He enters his final season with 9,274 passing yards, 64 touchdowns and over 2,500 snaps as the lone nominee for 2026.