Alumni

50 Years of THON

From humble beginnings in the HUB Ballroom to the multimillion-dollar phenomenon it has become, THON alums take us through the evolution of the world’s largest student-run philanthropy.
Robyn Rydzy '95 Com

'A Magical Place'

For the Carruthers family, Four Diamonds and THON were beacons of light during the dark years of battling pediatric cancer.
Robyn Passante '95 Com

Remembering Our Own

From our January/February 2002 issue: A special In Memoriam feature dedicated to the 10 Penn Staters who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Michele Marchetti '95 Com

‘The Light of the Room’

At 81, Sue Paterno is still adding new chapters to her life’s story, defined by the same themes—dedication to family, a rare resilience, and an unceasing desire to serve—that have carried her all along.
Robyn Passante '95 Com

A Category All Her Own

Ali Krieger's career has been defined by daunting setbacks and incredible success. As she nears the end of her playing days, the two-time World Cup champion isn't sure what's next—only that, as ever, she'll be ready. 
Ryan Jones '95 Com

Favorite Road Trips

From day trips to cross-country treks, readers recall the joy, surprises, risks, and rewards of the college road trips they'll never forget.
B.J. Reyes ’95 Com

Favorite Road Trips: Bonus Letters

From day trips to cross-country treks, readers recall the joy, surprises, risks, and rewards of the college road trips they'll never forget.
B.J. Reyes ’95 Com

Turning a Corner

The new alumni owners of Hotel State College and Co. knew they’d have their hands full balancing respect for tradition and long-overdue updates to the iconic downtown business. They didn’t know they’d have to cope with a pandemic, too.
Robyn Passante '95 Com

Master Chef

Born in the U.S., raised in Greece, and educated as an engineer at Penn State, Yiannis Lucacos followed an unlikely path to culinary fame. For his fans, neither a lingering recession nor a pandemic can stop them from celebrating his delicious updates on classic Greek cuisine.
Savita Iyer

Galaktoboureko

This traditional Greek dessert of custard-filled, crispy phyllo dough bathed in a sweet, citrus syrup is the perfect ending to any meal.

"A Great Man on Any Stage"

When Jesse Arnelle arrived at Penn State in 1951, he already possessed the build of a world-class athlete. Arnelle was 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds when he came to University Park from New Rochelle, N.Y., to play both basketball and football.
Michael Weinreb '94 Com

Leading With Joy

Gene Woods never gave up on music, even as he rose to the level of CEO at a major health care system. Now, the former State College bar band staple is using his talent to spread a message of positivity that aligns perfectly with his approach to work and life.
Théoden Janes

Stepping Into the Storm

In the midst of electoral unrest, government corruption, and a divided populace, Peru turned to Francisco Sagasti, a career academic who hoped to provide a steadying hand as the country’s president.
Michael Weinreb '94 Com