Letter to Drew Allar from a Penn State alum—
You and the team face a challenge I’ll never envy. You’re a talented crew facing setbacks you never expected, that are visible on the national level.
You also have one of the most unique opportunities in front of you; recovery and showing the resiliency of our program.
In Search of Solace in Happy Valley
From deafening crescendo to devastating collapse, the arc of ultimately unfulfilled anticipation that held Happy Valley in thrall throughout this past weekend will, for better or worse, define more than the rest of Penn State’s 2025 football season and quite possibly many more to follow.
Music That Connects Us: Manny’s Celebrates Two Years of Secret Planet with a Week of Global Sounds
At Manny’s Live Performance Space, something magical is about to happen. From October 4–9, Manny’s will celebrate the two-year anniversary of Secret Planet with a week-long series of concerts that bring the heartbeats of the world to our little corner of Central Pennsylvania.
Introducing the Connectors: Erica Quinn
Erica brings creative energy and a passion for collaboration to everything she does in Happy Valley. Most days, she can be found falling in love with cross-sector arts projects across Pennsylvania, weaving her bike through local alleyways, paddling the Lehigh River, porch-sitting with her three cats in Lemont, reading tarot cards, or lighting up the dance floor at Manny’s.
Out Front of the Parade: Lessons from Mimi Barash Coppersmith
By Greg Woodman Most of us are happy to be in the parade. Or content to watch the parade. We enjoy the music, the fellowship, the energy of marching together. But very few want to step out front, where the spotlight shines, where the risks are highest, and where the critics are loudest. Mimi Barash […]
Tailgating: The Last Great American Neighborhood
The weekend long awaited by college football fans, not just Penn State and Oregon, but all those who love the unique trappings of the sport, is nearly upon us. An NBC national broadcast and ESPN’s flagship pregame show College GameDay will be back on campus to soak up the vibes from one of the game’s greatest traditions: The Beaver Stadium White Out.
A Celebration of Creativity: The First HappyValley Maker Faire
Last weekend, something truly extraordinary happened at Axemann Brewery. The first-ever HappyValley Maker Faire brought together curious kids, seasoned engineers, creative artists, garage inventors, and everyday tinkerers for a hands-on, high-energy celebration of creativity and community. As someone who has spent a career in business and marketing, I have seen my fair share of expos and trade shows. But this was different. This was alive. It was a living network of community and connection, a space where people didn’t just attend—they belonged.
Introducing the Connectors: Luke Massaro
Luke Massaro was born and raised in State College before heading off to Bucknell University, where he earned his degree and played football for the Bison. After seven years in the Rockies, living in Colorado and Montana, Luke returned in 2018 with his wife, also a State College native, to put down roots, raise their two children (now ages 5 and 7), and build community in Happy Valley.
Research Cuts at Universities Around the Country Have Happy Valley on High Alert
A national squeeze on federal research funding is forcing America’s universities into difficult choices, and Penn State is squarely in the crosshairs. Across the country, institutions are pausing projects, shrinking graduate cohorts, and merging departments. In Happy Valley, the implications extend well beyond campus, touching everything from local jobs to the innovation economy that has long defined this region.
