Campus Life | PennStater Magazine

Campus Life

illustration of various activities and events at Rec Hall over the years, by Aaron Meshon

Rec Collection

From music superstars to national championships, commencement, THON, and chaotic class registration, Recreation Building has been the site of countless memories made over its nearly 100-year history. Here, readers recount some of their favorite moments in Rec Hall.

Robyn Rydzy '95 Com

black and white exterior photo of the Corner Room, photo by Penn State Archives

Then & Now: The Corner Room

The iconic eatery has fed generations of Penn Staters.

Jeff Rice '03 Com

closeup of fried chicken rice and cup of red sauce in a takeout container by Nick Sloff '92 A&A

A Taste for Giving

Alum-owned restaurant Tasty K makes philanthropy a priority.

Jeff Rice '03 Com

photo of yarn woven on a loom, courtesy

Club Hopping: Sculpture Club

Sculpture Club members presented a student art exhibit this spring.

Jeff Rice '03 Com

exterior photo of Willard Building at dusk by Nick Sloff '92 A&A

My Favorite Things: Chad Littlefield

A 2024 Alumni Achievement Award honoree recalls classrooms after hours.

Jeff Rice '03 Com

closeup of the Willard Bell outside Old Main with flowering trees in the background by Nick Sloff '92 A&A

Q: What's the source of the sound we hear from the Old Main bell chimes?

What's up with that?

Jeff Rice '03 Com

photo of Justin Leusner sitting with MacBook at a white table, by Cardoni

Everyday People: Justin Leusner

Justin Leusner is CEO and founder of a popular sports news startup catering to Gen Z.

Amy Strauss Downey '04 Lib

photo illustration of the lion on all fours to standing by Aaron Goodman

The Suit

From all fours to one-armed pushups: a decade-by-decade look at the Nittany Lion's evolution.

Mary Murphy

newly renovated Palmer Art Museum, exterior, photo by Nick Sloff '92 A&A

Fine Art Finds A New Home

After five years of planning, building, and curating, the new Palmer Museum of Art is set to open its doors in June.

Robyn Rydzy '95 Com

Engineering Collaborative Research and Education Building under construction, photo by Steve Tressler

Westward Expansion

The College of Engineering is expanding to West Campus.

Jeff Rice '03 Com

Dean Tonya Peeples sitting outside the Engineering Design and Innovation Building, photo by Steve Tressler

Tonya Peeples, Building a Community

As the College of Engineering expands its physical space, new dean Tonya Peeples has an eye on empowering students and faculty to reach their goals.

Jeff Rice '03 Com

photo of two students in cap and gown at commencement ceremony by Penn State Mont Alto/Poornima Tomy

Partnering Up

Commonwealth campuses and community colleges collaborate to expand opportunities for Pennsylvania students.

Robyn Rydzy '95 Com

photo of students sitting on blankets on the HUB lawn playing backgammon and listening to music with stage in the background photo by Patrick Mansell

Then and Now: Movin' On

The annual spring music festival started in 1975.

Jeff Rice '03 Com

closeup photo of small blue and white iced cakes, courtesy

Sweet Spot

Dolce Vita Desserts creates custom comfort treats from scratch.

Jeff Rice '03 Com

illustration of a woman holding a microphone branded with Nittany Lion by Joel Kimmel

Club Hopping: Women in Sports Media

Penn State's chapter of The Association for Women in Sports Media is the largest in the country.

Jeff Rice '03 Com

photo of the front of the State Theatre in downtown State College

My Favorite Things: Patrick Mather

Schreyer Honors College dean can't imagine Penn State without the State Theatre.

Jeff Rice '03 Com