Good morning, State College.

Mike Karns, founder and CEO of Marathon Digital, appeared on Invent Penn State's 'Dare to Disrupt' podcast and discussed Broadway shows (including Hamilton and Hadestown) as well as launching his new company, the Season.

His interview also showed how his Penn State training helped him build community connections.

First and second-year Penn State students can apply now to join the HealthWorks Peer Educators program (2026-27 academic year).

The program trains students to deliver workshops and one-on-one wellness sessions covering topics from stress management to nutrition at the 020 Intramural Building and the 102 HUB-Robeson Center.

The Penn State Presidential Leadership Academy is now accepting applications from first-year University Park students with a 3.2 GPA or above.

Applications close at 5 p.m. on Feb. 27, 2026 (faculty nominations end at 5 p.m. on Feb. 16, 2026).

Penn State's assistant vice president and dean of students Danny Shaha has received the Goldstone ASCA Foundation's national Legacy of Excellence Award for his sustained leadership in student affairs (he will be formally recognized at the foundation's annual meeting).

Penn State faculty have filed to form a union with the Penn State Faculty Alliance (PSFA) to pursue better salaries and job security, and an election is set for 2026 in the State College community.

Camila Lopez Perez, a Penn State doctoral student, has received the Dr. Robert A.

Ellis Fellowship to support her fusion energy research at PPPL; she is advancing lithium coating techniques and testing plasma-facing materials to boost reactor performance.

Anna Mary Cingle, a senior in art history at Penn State, has led student organizations and public art programs that enhance access to the arts, and the State College native plans to pursue a master’s in arts management while strengthening links between students + college leaders.

Penn State leaders held a virtual town hall on Dec.

9 to present a future-focused strategy for Commonwealth Campuses and discuss plans to support campuses scheduled to close after spring. The session was watched by more than 1,600 viewers and featured panelists addressing academic programs, student support, and staffing adjustments.

Penn State students and alumni earned top honors at the MS&T technical meeting in Columbus - undergraduates won first and third place in the speaking contest while graduate researchers received the Diamond Award and Richerson Educational Outreach Award.

At a State College Planning Commission meeting last Wednesday, representatives from Greystar Development East, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. and WDG Architecture presented plans for a 1505-bed student housing project replacing long-term parking on Hastings Road and University Drive. They proposed controlling crowding with pedestrian flow measures and varied colors (aimed at enhancing design).

A new column spotlights Penn State women's hockey top-5 performers after the Nittany Lions secured a 4-1 win against Northeastern on Nov.

29. The piece outlines key stats for players like Tessa Janecke and Grace Outwater ahead of their Dec. 30 game against Cornell at Pegula Ice Arena.

Penn State running backs coach Stan Drayton will join South Carolina next season as his one-year contract ended—no buyout is needed, which adds to head coach Matt Campbell’s ongoing staff changes.

Matt Campbell, the new head coach for the Nittany Lions, thanked Iowa State by buying a full page ad in a major Iowa newspaper three days after his December 8 introduction.

He expressed deep gratitude for the support he received during his ten years there.

Penn State will not retain defensive coordinator Jim Knowles (per On3) as coach Matt Campbell plans to bring defensive coordinator Jon Heacock from Ames to lead the team, following Knowles’ season with mixed results.

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.

Penn State Wrestling vs. Rutgers

4:00 – 5:30 PM — Rec Hall — Ticket prices may vary — Catch the excitement as Penn State takes on Rutgers in a thrilling wrestling match.