Welcome Paterno Fellows and Aspirants!
It has been the most sensational summer in Penn State history, hasn’t it–and yet I have a feeling that this will also be the greatest academic year in Penn State history. As they say in Indianapolis, “Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines!” Let me give you a few things to think about as you get settled in, and do drop by when you can to tell me about your summer adventures–studying abroad, taking on an internship, getting your research going, or doing a summer job.
1. Note that I’m attaching a list of fall semester events that are sponsored or co-sponsored by the Paterno Fellows Program. It’s a preview: you’ll get additional information about these activities periodically. I know you’ll find them interesting and enjoyable.
2. Note in particular the special event for incoming freshman Fellows and aspirants–the September 4 film “Do the Right Thing.” Afterwards there will be a short discussion session so that freshman students leave the event thinking about the ethical issues that the film presents. Attention juniors and seniors: I’m seeking four volunteers to lead the discussion (don’t worry: you’ll get some informal guidance about how to do it)–so please register your willingness to help out by writing me SOON at jls25@psu.edu.
3. Where do we go next with the Paterno Fellows Program, particularly in the light of the Freeh Report and subsequent (and unfolding) events? I know that many of you are asking this question. Please know that you will definitely get a chance or chances to register your views on the subject. I will first be summoning the Paterno Fellows Student Advisory Board for a meeting ASAP, and the eight of them will help me to arrive at the most appropriate ways of soliciting your input. Stay tuned. In the meantime, please look at Paterno Fellow Julianna Viau’s thoughtful blog posting on the matter: it’s on the LAUS blog, ready for your thought and for any thoughtful responses or other blog entries that you would like to post: http://blogs.la.psu.edu/laus/2012/08/what-the-freeh-report-means-for-one-paterno-fellow.html
I also recommend the blog postings on the Center for Democratic Deliberation site:
http://blogs.la.psu.edu/cdd/
Register your ideas, and watch for opportunities to deliberate with others.
4. Congratulations to our summer Paterno Fellows graduates Ruth Canagarajah, Ju Hyun Park, and Peter Szekeres.