Good morning, State College.

Taste of the Town, a signature fundraiser for Centre County United Way, was held November 16 at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center where over 300 guests sampled food, wine, and spirits from more than 30 local restaurants—live entertainment, auctions, and interactive experiences enhanced the evening.

Doggie's Pub in State College will expand into the neighboring Homerella Building—its plan, approved by the Design Review Board on Oct 20, will add a new bar, restrooms, and an accessible entrance to ease pedestrian congestion.

Construction will begin in April and finish in fall as the project connects the old space with a brighter, modern courtyard area.

Faculty from Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology discussed what cybersecurity is and why it matters during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, noting how hackers can harm personal data.

The Q&A offered simple tips — like using a password manager and two-factor authentication — to help everyone protect their information online.

In a new Penn Stater magazine interview available online, Andrew Read, Penn State’s senior vice president for research, said federal funding for basic research is needed for new ideas and growth.

He warned that cuts, including the loss of 70 grants and limits on cost recovery that might reduce funding by nearly $100 million a year, could hurt Penn State’s research—undermining its top role.

Penn State is hosting ten free public seminars through early December to discuss new research on critical minerals and ways to improve clean energy supplies.

The EarthTalks series—led by faculty and experts from government and industry—will present projects on recovering minerals from local streams and mining waste.

The College of IST held its third annual Alumni Symposium and Awards Ceremony at the Graduate by Hilton State College on Oct.

17, where three graduates were honored. Julio Ortiz received the Dean’s Alumni Excellence Award, Michael Whang was given the Emerging Professional Award, and Steve Sharer will later receive the Outstanding Alumni Award from RipRap Security—recognizing their key roles in advancing the college's legacy.

Douglas C. Orzolek has been named associate dean for graduate academic affairs at Penn State’s Fox Graduate School after a national search and will begin his role on Jan.

2, 2026 to support student success. He is returning to his alma mater where he earned his master’s in music education in 1993—his new role will focus on enhancing student support and faculty mentoring.

After Penn State approved a $1 deal on Oct.

13 to sell WPSU to WHYY, the public media station in central Penn will remain on air for at least three years—continuing local news and internships. WHYY must raise $8.6 million within three weeks to fund the transition—closing is expected by June 30, 2026.

No. 6 Penn State women’s hockey swept Mercyhurst in two games at Pegula Ice Arena, outscoring the Lakers 9—1 and extending its unbeaten run to 8—0—0.

The team showed strong offense and defense as several players contributed key goals and assists.

Penn State women's hockey captain Tessa Janecke has been announced to play for Team USA in the Rivalry Series this November and December, so No. 6 Penn State will play without her during those games.

She scored the Golden Goal in the 2025 IIHF World Championships and will join the team in a two-game series against Lindenwood starting Friday at 2:00 p.m. — her absence is expected to affect scoring.

Penn State women’s hockey players Tessa Janecke, Danica Maynard and Katie DeSa won AHA Player of the Week honors after strong play against Mercyhurst with Janecke earning her ninth honor, Maynard scoring three assists and a goal, and DeSa posting her third shutout in a 2-0 series.

The Nittany Lions will play a two-game series against Lindenwood at Pegula Ice Arena on Friday at 2 p.m.—local fans look forward to more standout plays.

After Tuesday practice at Holuba Hall, Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith said the offense had a private session to work on a new strategy for Saturday’s game in Columbus—he said the plan is to run deeper passing routes and give key players more time, while also noting that quarterback Jaxon Smolik left the Iowa game with an injury and defensive end Chaz Coleman was recovering. Further, Smith mentioned that young receivers and Nick Singleton would see more opportunities as the team adjusts their play.

Penn State will host the THON 5K Fun Run/Walk race on Sunday, Oct.

26, with the Kids' race starting at 10:40 a.m. and the full 5K beginning at 11 a.m.—roads near Curtin Road and surrounding streets will be closed until 2 p.m. for safety.

Penn State men’s hockey forward Matt DiMarsico earned Big Ten First Star of the Week for the third straight week after scoring six points over the weekend—he became the first Lion to record multiple hat-tricks and now ranks fifth in the nation with 11 points while tied for second with six goals.

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.

Bella White Live Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The State Theatre — Ticket pricing not specified — Experience the enchanting sounds of Bella White's unique country/folk music.

Coppin State Eagles vs. Penn State Lady Lions Women's Basketball

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM — Rec Hall — Tickets available — Witness the exciting women's basketball matchup as Coppin State takes on Penn State.

Riley Green Concert

6:45-10:00 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — $41.75 – $91.75 — Experience the multi-platinum singer-songwriter's highly successful Damn Country Music Tour.

Michigan Wolverines at Penn State Nittany Lions Men's Hockey

7-9 p.m. — Pegula Ice Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electric atmosphere of college hockey in the heart of Hockey Valley.

Arun Ramamurthy Trio Concert

7-10 p.m. — Manny's Performance Space — From $11.99 — Experience the captivating blend of Indo-Jazz with Arun Ramamurthy showcasing his violin mastery.

Peter Bradley Adams Concert

8-11 p.m. — State Theatre — Ticket required — Experience the intimate and inspiring sounds of indie folk rock by Peter Bradley Adams.