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The Magazine of the Penn State Alumni Association
Alumni

Still Going, Boldly

Half a century into his career, actor and director Jonathan Frakes—best known as Commander William Riker from the USS Enterprise—looks back on his path from campus theater usher to Star Trek, unlikely social media fame, and beyond.
 

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By Jeff Rice '03 Com
Photos by Gregg SegalSeptember / October 2025

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students in Lau's Ethics of Star Trek course, courtesy
Faculty Expertise

Live Long and Ponder

Professor Andrew Lau’s “Ethics of Star Trek” seminar was a popular and thought-provoking option for engineering students.
Jeff Rice '03 Com

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top and seat of Butler House Toilet Bowl IM football trophy, courtesy
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Item of Note: January / February 2026

Toilet Bowl IM Football Trophy, 1973, submitted by Vic Pascarella '77 H&HD
Robyn Rydzy '95 Com
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