Paterno Fellows can now pick up their VIP tickets for the Toni Morrison lecture on the evening of April 7–the one that includes an introductory gathering featuring at least one Paterno.  Come to 119 Sparks to get your ticket.

April 7 should be a very special evening for Fellows. At 8 pm Nobel Prize winning author Toni Morrison will be speaking in Eisenhower Auditorium.  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. Perhaps you saw the recent front page story in the Collegian, touting Toni Morrison’s appearance. I saw her myself about a dozen years ago, and her presentation is one that I’ll never forget:  it all built up beautifully to the last word she spoke: “home.”

The evening will also feature two other special features.  First, you’ll have a chance to socialize before the lecture with Sue Paterno, who 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.  When you arrive at 6:45, you’ll be directed to the right place.

Second, 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. The first 50 Paterno Fellows will get special VIP seating in the first five rows of Eisenhower Auditorium.