We are (still) Penn State

Amidst the ongoing witch-hunt of the “who’s who” in the Penn State scandal, I find myself saddened by all the events. I attended Penn State years ago, and there’s one thing I realized after my time there was over. No one is a “former” Penn Stater. We will always be Penn State. The pride that comes with attending the university resonates within oneself and no matter what happens, where you are, or what you do, you will always feel that pride swell within you when you talk about Penn State.

Of course, that has all been put to the test this past week.

During my short time at Penn State, I went to the football games and watched Joe Paterno run down the field amid his players. The students were always in awe to watch this legend, JoePa, right there in front of us.

I also volunteered at a charity for underprivileged children. The Second Mile appealed to me because I had always wanted to reach out and help people and this organization gave me the opportunity, as a student, to do so.

I volunteered with The Second Mile during 2002, which puts me right in line with the Jerry Sandusky timeline. Knowing that this was allegedly going on while I was doing my part to help these children makes me ill. Although I had never actually seen Sandusky while I was there, knowing that his presence was felt in such a negative way makes me feel like I was a part of something evil.

For the record, regardless of its founder, The Second Mile is an amazing organization that does so much for these children. It is a travesty that its name has been tarnished in such a way.

As for Joe Paterno, I started writing this minutes after hearing about his retirement. Joe Paterno is Penn State. Whether he is the coach of the Nittany Lions or not, I think everyone who has attended the university knows that he makes up a big part of the institution. To see him go, especially over this scandal, has been heartbreaking.

In my humble opinion, he should not be the one to leave the university over this case. As for the reason for his decision, in the statement Paterno released on Wednesday, Nov. 9, he said, “At this moment the Board of Trustees should not spend a single minute discussing my status. They have far more important matters to address.”

While Graham Spanier says he stands behind his employees, Tim Curley and Gary Schultz, Joe Paterno has and always will support the victims of this horrific event. That’s a class act, right there.

Investigations like this always turn into a witch-hunt. The public will always want to know who was involved, who was guilty, who could have stopped this. This is human nature. Yet, here we are, every Penn Stater feeling guilt-by-association. But this will not stop the Lion Pride.

We are, still, Penn State. We always will be. I will always be proud of my university, no matter what happens. Am I proud of who represents it at the current time? Not at all. But I sure am proud to be wearing my Nittany blue and white…and always will be.

Rebecca Schnitzer

Levittown