July / August 2022 cover
July / August 2022

Nittany Lions in NASCAR • Social Media Stars on Campus

Features

Pride and Purpose

An accomplished résumé, a supportive family, and a student-centric approach set the stage for Neeli Bendapudi’s historic hire as Penn State’s 19th president.
Erin Strout ’97 Com

Screen Time

Social media apps like TikTok are a constant presence in the lives of today’s college students, for whom every moment is potential content. It’s a nearly universal experience—and, for a relative few, a path to a new sort of fame.
Michelle Santiago Cortés

Safely Satisfying the Need for Speed

The successful launch this season of NASCAR’s revolutionary Next Gen car marked a great leap forward for the sport—and a huge success for the two Penn Staters charged with ensuring the new car is fun, fast, and safer than ever.
Matt Crossman

Campus Life

Changing Times

COVID and consumer trends have driven dramatic turnover of downtown State College businesses.
Robyn Rydzy '95 Com

Sports

Pace Setter

Morgan Giannone is helping to expand NASCAR’s global audience.
Jeff Rice '03 Com

Track Master

Working at Pocono Raceway is a year-round gig, but for operations chief Kevin Henry, there’s nothing like NASCAR week.
Ryan Jones '95 Com

Jack of a New Trade

Former Nittany Lion running back Brandon Johnson is now a key part of a championship pit crew.
Jeff Rice '03 Com

Chalk Talk: Stuart Selber

The adviser for the Penn State Triathlon Club has tips for those interested in getting into the high-endurance sport.
Jeff Rice '03 Com

Lighting the Way

Nittany Lion great Gary Brown brought joy to his roles as football player and coach.
Jeff Rice '03 Com

Point of Focus

Even as she studies and competes, Nittany Lion fencer Kateryna Chorniy is ever mindful of her family in Ukraine.
Jeff Rice '03 Com

Faculty Expertise

From the Editor

My Thoughts Exactly

Association News

New Members