Paterno Fellows have very a special evening in store for them on April 7. It’s just two weeks away now: be sure to get it on your calendars.
You already know that the Nobel Prize winning author Toni Morrison will be speaking in Eisenhower Auditorium at 8 pm. (You also know that she is author of several amazing novels, including Beloved–a book which many regard as the greatest novel written by an American in the past fifty years. Hence the Nobel Prize!) Perhaps you saw the recent front page story in the Collegian, touting Toni Morrison’s appearance.
What you haven’t known until now is that the evening will also feature at least one Paterno and maybe more, as well as a chance to socialize before the lecture by Toni Morrison. Sue Paterno has indicated that she would like to meet some Paterno Fellows before the lecture, Joe Paterno will attend if his schedule permits (it’s Spring football Season, after all), and so we have arranged for a reception beforehand (from 6:45-7:45) in a large conference room located at the rear of Eisenhower Auditorium.
As part of the reception (which includes some good food and drink), English professor Lovalerie King will provide a brief and informal introduction to Toni Morrison that will help you to enjoy the lecture even more. Dr King, who also directs the Africana Research Center on campus, has published extensively on Toni Morrison’s life and works.
Paterno Fellows have no “required” events–but this is as close as it comes to one. Please plan on attending; Fellows are expected to be there. We should have information about tickets about March 30, so stay tuned to this space because you’ll need a ticket to get in for this event. In fact, Paterno Fellows will get special VIP seating in the first five rows of Eisenhower Auditorium.