Say it isn't so Joe!

After hearing about despicable acts of child molestation and sexual abuse committed by a former football coach from my alma mater, only a few words came to mind.

Disbelief. Deceit. And, most importantly, shame. Sifting through my emotions hasn’t been easy and will continue to test my resolve as hearing proceedings start and more victims step forward.

A university that offered me the opportunity to advance myself as a person and improve on my shortfalls was all of a sudden marred by controversy. On top of it, top university officials were told to report to Harrisburg on charges of perjury.

That is what I woke up to on Sunday – a sad and tragic reality that no alumnus wants to ever hear.

As for Penn State football, the stage was set. They would host the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a pivotal game on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Beaver Stadium. An ESPN Game Day-type atmosphere ensued, but a dark cloud quickly formed over the stadium that JoePa built. Instead of College Game Day banners and fanfare, we got ESPN reporter Jeremy Schaap, standing behind a microphone filling the entire nation in on lies, cover-ups and the willful allowance of a sex offender to use university facilities long after his retirement.

And to hear that Joe Paterno, our coach and leader for the past 46 years, would retire at seaon's end was news that reverberated down College Avenue straight up to Old Main.

This wasn’t the way we wanted it to happen. It won’t be the same without Joe running out onto the field decked out in his khaki pants, Nike shoes and Penn State windbreaker. And those glasses! JoePa is Penn State football; however, I do believe it's time for a culture change within the athletic department. This just wasn't the way to do it.

I graduated from Penn State in May 2010 and attended University Park during my junior and senior years.

While I was at University Park, I didn’t waste one second. I made memories that will remain with me for the rest of my life, and even through this entire mess and charges of sexual abuse, I still have an undeniable pride for the blue and white community. As far as I’m concerned, Jerry Sandusky, Tim Curley and everyone involved in this investigation, excommunicated themselves from that brotherhood, from that bond.

A true Penn Stater knows what “Success with Honor” means. A true Penn Stater remains steadfast through trials and tribulations. A true Penn Stater knows that once you are Penn State, you remain Penn State.

Looking back, it always felt like a privilege to step into class at the Carnegie Building, not a necessity based on tuition I paid the school. A friend of mine was told me that the best debt you can ever have is your education and I can’t deny that.

Penn State allowed me to be me.

So, here’s what I hope becomes of this.

The Penn State Board of Trustees cleans house and swiftly relieves Graham Spanier of his responsibility as president of the university. Jerry Sandusky never sees the the outside of a jail cell again. Tim Curley and Gary Schultz are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. And, if Curley and Schultz are convicted, they should lose any benefits coming from Penn State. Spanier shouldn’t get anything but a swift kick to the curb.

I love Penn State and will continue to be a member of the alumni association. These times are trying, but right now all I can do is keep calm and fight on.

For the Glory,

John Williams

Class of 2010