When I turn my computer on, it opens up with a wallpaper picture of my four kids and two of their spouses. It was taken about two years ago at a Second Mile function in Reading, Pa. to raise money for The Second Mile. The event was structured around honoring my husband and son as one of a few father and son legacies who both played football at Penn State under Joe Paterno. All of our kids made it a point to come to this dinner, not only to see their dad and brother honored, but also to show their Penn State Pride by being part of an organization that is devoted to helping thousands of Pennsylvania’s kids in need of a chance to lead better lives.
This picture brings back good memories of an evening well spent in the company of fellow Penn Staters and supporters of the Second Mile. I say in the company of “fellow” Penn Staters because my three daughters, son, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law all graduated from my husband and my alma mater. We have always enjoyed functions like this because there is a particular atmosphere that all of us who bleed “blue and white” like to be part of. After all, part of our collective identity is tied to the university that helped shape us.
But today, when I looked at that picture it also reminded that on the very night this picture was taken our family was seated at a table with the founder of the Second Mile, Jerry Sandusky. And unless you have been in a coma the past few days, you understand why I started this paragraph with the word “but”. Two years ago, I had the utmost respect for this man and his years of tireless efforts on behalf of the children of the Second Mile. But today, I am saddened, confused, angry, sickened, and disappointed by the horrific allegations reported against him, and the prominent leaders of our University.
I am not offering my opinion on this matter because it doesn’t matter what I think, but I am choosing to believe our legal systems “due process” will prevail. So my energy will be spent on remembering the victims and their families by praying that they will receive God’s healing and be able to move forward with their lives. I pray that they will live their lives in such a way as to inspire others. I pray that these families will operate in faith and believe God can turn that which was meant for evil and harm into something good. I thank God for one of my favorite verses from the Bible that says, “We are more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37) and I pray for all those involved to come to understand these words personally. Finally, if you are reading this I ask that you join me in praying for all persons involved in this situation.
As a member of the “Penn State family”, I felt compelled to write about this because I have always been proud to belong to such an upstanding group of people. But, like many of you I am trying to sort this out and put into perspective just who “we are”.
I have been reading stuff about people being embarrassed to wear their Penn State apparel or even tell others where they go to school. I have heard that many are worried about the impact of this on the reputation of Penn State. I also entertain some of those same thoughts and this is where I am going to give you my opinion and tell you that I still believe “we are” a unique group made up of mainly “good people” who do good things for the greater good of all. If that weren’t so, we wouldn’t be so shocked with these events that have rocked our Penn State world.
Yes, Penn State will have scars from this, but I learned a long time ago that scars heal over time and the scar tissue left behind is stronger and has more character than what was originally there. So first and foremost, we must continue to pray for the real victims, (because we are not the victims here,) and it is our duty to help them in any way we can individually and collectively. Then as alumni, we must reaffirm the values of honor, dignity, accountability and respect for all persons, because Penn State is an” institution” that is not greater than the “people” who comprise it.
I know Penn State has a moral compass and will learn from this and do what is right. And, as a graduate, with strong ties to this place, I will do my part to help Penn State regain the “love and loyalty” we sing about in our alma mater. In case you want to know, for me, there are so many reasons why I am still Penn State proud even in light of these disturbing accusations. Let me share my family’s story:
In my family, from the time my kids were young, there was never any question about where they wanted to attend college. One by one they went off to be educated at the only university they ever wanted to be part of: Penn State. They went there to get a world class education and learn how to become productive citizens in all areas of their lives. They went there to experience the same traditions that my husband and I were part of during our college years spent there. They went there to be part of Thon, the largest student run philanthropic organization in the country. They went there to help build and participate in another student run organization, Uplifting Athletes. They went there to do internships with the Second Mile. They went there to be part of the Greek System, the track team, the equestrian team, and the hockey team. They went there to be part of the football program that built the University into what it is today. And upon graduating from Penn State, they all became members of the largest dues paying alumni group in the world. But most of all, they went to Penn State to develop relationships with people that will last a lifetime and be part of their Penn State family. So for my own family, “We are … Penn State” and proud by how we have been positively affected by our affiliation and experiences with this University.
Below are links to other peoples written expression of their feelings about this:
