State College
Today
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, State College. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Yang Yang, an assistant professor at Penn State, received the DOE Early Career Research Program Award of nearly $875,000 for five years to study radiation's effect on metallic glasses for safer nuclear reactors. He will combine electron microscopy, simulations, and machine learning (at Penn State) to reveal atomic-scale changes. Penn State
- ➤ State College Area School Board reviewed final plans for Park Forest Middle School Monday at its meeting, with a vote scheduled for Jan. 12. The 270,000 sqft building on Little Lion Drive in Patton Township will begin construction May 15 and is expected to open for students in January 2029. StateCollege.com
- ➤ David Norloff, a Penn State alumnus and associate teaching professor at the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications (with experience from flip phones and dial-up days), now uses his telecom background to teach courses on AI and modern communication trends. His approach brings industry know-how to classrooms and inspires student learning. Penn State
- ➤ Lauren Clymer has been named the fall 2025 Penn State Smeal College of Business student marshal and will graduate on Sunday, Dec. 21, with a 3.99 GPA. The accounting major from Mertztown will join KPMG in Philadelphia after graduation (underscoring her focus on sustainability, mentorship, and self-care). Penn State
- ➤ Penn State Paterno Fellow Gianna Martinelli used her Spanish studies with experiences abroad and a summer internship at Delaware Volunteer Legal Services to set her path toward a family law career. The liberal arts student now pursues a double major while mentoring peers + leading an a cappella group. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State held Plant Yourself in Ag Day at Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center in the fall, engaging high school students and ag education undergraduates in hands-on workshops with researchers — who showcased modern ag careers and skills. Penn State
- ➤ Penn State Global representatives attended a three-day summit at Wilton Park earlier this month, where experts and the Duke of Edinburgh discussed boosting youth empathy through education and planned a global observatory to expand research and partnerships. Penn State
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ State College Borough, the Community Land Trust, and The HOME Foundation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 821 Old Boalsburg Road to complete two energy-efficient, accessible, affordable rental units — occupancy is expected early next year. StateCollege.com
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Penn State Baseball announced its 2026 schedule, opening with the MLB Desert Invitational in Scottsdale from Feb. 13 to 15 and a Bahamas series from Feb. 27 to Mar. 1 — the home opener is set for Mar. 3 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Onward State
- ➤ Penn State women's volleyball players Kennedy Martin and Gillian Grimes were named to AVCA All-American teams on Dec. 17. Martin broke the school record with 728 points this season (a standout achievement), while Grimes, who earned Big Ten Libero of the Year, is no longer eligible for future honors. Daily Collegian
- ➤ After a tough 3 & 4 start that featured injuries sidelining star quarterback Drew Allar, Penn State football saw head coach James Franklin fired. King Mack said new coach Matt Campbell is working to rebuild leadership and give underclassmen more playing time. StateCollege.com
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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.
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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.
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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.
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UCLA Bruins vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Men's Basketball
8:30-10:30 p.m. — Bryce Jordan Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch the exciting clash of two powerhouse college basketball teams.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you.
~ Jean-Paul Sartre
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