Good morning, State College.

7 Brew opened its first drive-thru coffee stand yesterday at 1923 S.

Atherton St. in Hills Plaza with a ribbon cutting and a $7,383 donation to THON. The chain gave away over $37,000 in free drinks + will host Swag Day on Friday, Dec. 12 to mark its debut.

A report released Dec.

9 by the National Academies & Penn State scientists detailed a science strategy to guide human Mars missions with four planned campaign objectives including habitability and water cycles. The 240-page roadmap is set to influence government and industry decisions for future landings.

Penn State launched the Center for Theory of Emergent Quantum Matter to unite researchers for quantum breakthroughs.

Led by Jainendra K. Jain and managed under the ICDS + Quantum Hub at University Park, the center will offer postdoctoral applications beginning Dec. 15.

Penn State architecture students reimagined Welch Pool as a year-round hub with a design for a two-story entrance featuring a ticketing area, lifeguard lounge, and a spa — with saunas, a hot tub, shower area and fresh-air garden.

Their project is on display in the Stuckeman Family Building.

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences honored exceptional teachers with its 2025 awards today, recognizing innovation and strong student support.

The honors went to educators including Jason Keagy, Daniel Foster, Jennifer Koehl, Josephine Wee, Jody Kull & Veronica Roman-Reyna, with Justin Brown also acknowledged for his dedication.

Penn State professor Murali Haran (Eberly College of Science) has been named editor in chief of the Journal of Agricultural, Biological and Environmental Statistics and will begin his three year term in 2026.

His work in environmental science and disease modeling supports the appointment.

Researchers at Penn State studied oil-in-water droplets that extend filopodia-like arms to sense chemical cues like living cells.

The work, funded by the Sloan Foundation and presented at Materials Day in October, was published online in the Journal of the American Chemical Society and will feature on an upcoming cover.

Penn State women's volleyball players Gillian Grimes, Kennedy Martin, and Maggie Mendelson were named to the AVCA All-East Coast Regional Team on Tuesday.

Their honors capped a streak of 45 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, with Grimes marking the first libero selection since 2021 (reflecting their strong season).

Penn State men’s basketball, currently 8-1 (season record), will take on Indiana in Bloomington Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. on national TV as freshman guard Kayden Mingo and Indiana’s Nick Dorn set the stage for a key conference contest.

Interim coach Terry Smith previewed Penn State’s final 2025 football game—the Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson on Dec.

27—and said his team will rely on a 'next man up' mindset amid player opt-outs and a limited coaching staff.

Ty Howle, Penn State football tight ends coach and co-offensive coordinator, will join Virginia Tech as offensive coordinator and play caller; he leaves the Nittany Lions after serving since 2020.

The Nittany Lions hold the No. 1 ranking as eight wrestlers remain in the top 10, with true freshmen Marcus Blaze, Aaron Nagao and PJ Duke improving their standings.

The team will travel to Laramie on Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. to face the Wyoming Cowboys.

Pat Kraft wrapped up a 54-day coaching search by naming Matt Campbell as Penn State football's next head coach Monday; (the process included moments like boxes of Crumbl Cookies delivered to his office) Kraft said Campbell is the leader needed to revive the program.

Michigan State Spartans at Penn State Nittany Lions Basketball

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Cost info unavailable — A new era of Penn State Hoops begins with a young and talented roster ready to make their mark.

Nittany Lions vs. Eagles Basketball Game

1-2:30 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a new era of Penn State basketball with a fresh, talented roster.

First Night State College

3 PM – 12 AM — Downtown State College Improvement District — Button required for some activities — Celebrate the New Year with family-friendly fun including ice sculptures and performances.