Good morning, State College.

Yesterday, the Penn Stater Hotel + Conference Center held a ribbon cutting to mark a major renovation that updated 302 rooms, a grand lobby, and 55,000 square feet of conference space at Innovation Park.

Owner Scholar Hotel Group said the over $10 million upgrade will help the hotel attract larger conferences and strengthen its role in the community.

Penn State tied for No. 17 among US public universities and No. 39 among all US universities in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings—placing it in the top 5% globally and as the top public university in Pennsylvania.

Penn State leaders released the results of the Job Satisfaction and Engagement Survey and described plans to improve performance by having unit action plans ready by December 1—staff showed high satisfaction with benefits but low trust in senior leadership and performance management. The survey, taken by over 52% of staff in February, will be repeated in 2027 to track progress.

Renata Engel accepted a three-year role as vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor at Penn State effective immediately — she served in an interim role since mid-May.

Over the next three years she will work with campus leaders to support students, faculty, and staff and plan a strong future for the campuses.

Gregg Township board supervisors received the first payment from Travelers Insurance Company after former secretary Pamela Hackenburg stole over $600K from the township.

The board said a second payment will cover legal and accounting fees incurred in the case—Hackenburg was sentenced to prison and ordered to pay restitution.

Researchers at Penn State have built a new skin sensor using special graphene and polymers — it detects tiny amounts of vitamin B6 in sweat — and can be adapted for checking glucose.

The tool will let patients, especially those with diabetes, track these levels without needing blood draws.

Penn State men's hockey lost to Clarkson by a score of 6 to 4 in their home opener at Pegula Ice Arena and the game featured JJ Wiebusch scoring four goals—the first time a Nittany Lion has done so in a varsity match.

The team will play the series wrap-up today at 7 p.m.—the outcome of that game may shape their season progress.

At media day on Thursday, Penn State coach Mike Rhoades said freshman Kayden Mingo leads the team with strong maturity and teamwork.

He added that freshman Ivan Jurić is a talented big man who will soon play a key role as the team continues its full-court press—its main strategy.

Penn State men's basketball was ranked No. 18 in the Big Ten preseason media poll as announced on October 9.

Coach Mike Rhoades is adding 10 new players after a 16-15 season—only three players returned—while the team will open the season at home against Fairfield on Nov. 3.

Penn State men's basketball announced student season ticket details for the 2025-26 season — tickets cost $50 and sales begin at 7 a.m. Oct.

23 on Ticketmaster — and the package covers all home games. The ticket does not include games during university breaks — including the Dec. 29 matchup with North Carolina Central, the Jan. 3 contest against Illinois, and the Jan. 6 game with Michigan — and the season opens with a home game against Fairfield on Nov. 3.

Penn State men’s hockey junior Aiden Fink and defenseman Mac Gadowsky were named to the U.S. Collegiate Select team that will join the Spengler Cup in December—marking the first American entry since 1988.

The tournament starts on December 26 and will feature top college hockey players from the U.S. and abroad.

Penn State men’s soccer has won three straight games against Michigan State and King’s College and will travel to UCLA to try to secure a fourth win.

UCLA, which has not won since Sept. 19 and posts fewer shots this season, meets the Nittany Lions in their fifth encounter — a match that could shift their season momentum.

Penn State will host Northwestern at Beaver Stadium on Saturday for its annual homecoming game as the Nittany Lions try to rebound after recent losses — the Wildcats, with a 3-2 record, are eager to secure their first win in State College in over a decade.

Northwestern Wildcats vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Football Game

3:30-6:30 p.m. — Beaver Stadium — Check local listings for ticket info — It's Homecoming as the Nittany Lions take on the Wildcats in a thrilling Big Ten matchup.

Bartender Training Class

6-10 p.m. — Ramada by Wyndham State College Hotel & Conference Center — Cost varies — Gain hands-on experience and industry knowledge in a comprehensive bartending course.

Mr. Gnome Concert with Sunday Love Club and Person

7-10 p.m. — Manny's Performance Space — From $10 — Experience the expansive, technicolor art-rock sounds of mr. Gnome in a cozy venue.

Katie Pruitt Concert

8-11 PM — The State Theatre — Ticket information not provided — Experience the transformative power of music with Katie Pruitt on her Time Wasn't Wasted Tour.

Tarwa N-Tiniri Concert

7-10 p.m. — Manny's Performance Space — Free entry — Experience the soulful desert blues from the all-Berber band Tarwa N-Tiniri, hailing from Morocco.

Thesaurus Rex Halloween Bash

7-11 p.m. — Manny's Performance Space — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a night of local folk-jam music with Thesaurus Rex and Ham on a Stick for Halloween.

Soles of Duende - Can We Dance Here?

7:30-9 p.m. — Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State — Free entry — Experience a captivating fusion of tap, flamenco, and Indian classical dance that speaks without words.

Keller Williams Live Performance

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — The State Theatre — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy an eclectic blend of rock, jazz, funk, and bluegrass from innovative artist Keller Williams.