Topics

More

Penn State Alum Ryan Belz Appears On Hasan Minhaj’s ‘Patriot Act’

Penn State alumnus, former UPUA presidential candidate, and Plinko record-breaker Ryan Belz discussed student loans and the “We Are” chant on the latest episode of Hasan Minhaj’s Netflix show “Patriot Act.”

Minhaj’s episode focused on the struggle that more than 44 million Americans with student loans face to pay off collegiate debt collected by a “multi-billion dollar predatory industry that ruins lives.” The episode explained the murky regulations and staggering figures surrounding the process of taking out and paying back student loans in America.

Belz’s return to television featured considerably less wheel-spinning, Plinko, and screaming than his first appearance:

Minhaj used a clip from the “Price is Right” to introduce Belz, who also served as the president of Penn State Students for Trump during his time at Penn State. The clip showed Belz sprinting among the audience members and screaming after learning he would have the chance to play Plinko on the show.

“I love this clip so much,” Minhaj said. “We actually tracked down Ryan, and guess what Ryan wanted to do with his Plinko money?”

The show then cut to an interview with Belz, who told Minhaj that he planned to use the $31,500 he won on the gameshow to pay off a portion of his approximate $130,000 student debt total.

“Did you personally pay the Sandusky settlement with $130,000?” Minhaj replied.

“One would think, with that amount, but no,” Belz said.

Minhaj then asked Belz if he enjoyed his time at Penn State.

“Absolutely loved it, would not change it for a thing,” he answered.

The two entered into a hesitant “We Are” chant exchange, with Belz serving an enthusiastic “We Are” for the host’s flat “Penn State” return.

“That’s not a slogan, Ryan,” Minhaj said. “You could do any school like that. We are University of Phoenix online!”

“Okay then,” Belz replied.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Jim Davidson

Jim is a junior English and history major and the features editor for Onward State. He, like most of the Penn State undergraduate population, is from 'just outside Philadelphia,' and grew up in Spring City, Pennsylvania. He covers a variety of Penn State topics, but spends nine months of every year waiting for the start of soccer season. You can reach him via email at [email protected] or follow him on twitter @messijim.

‘Most People Have That Esoteric Thing:’ Rowan Lapi Building Community With Clothing Brand

“How cool would it be to bring together all those people that really relate to the world and feel like they have this esoteric thing?”

Stephen Nedoroscik Survives Semifinals & Moves Onto Finale Of ‘Dancing With The Stars’

Pommel horse guy and his partner recieved 53 points for the night.

Abdul Carter Coming Into His Own At Defensive End

It took three weeks for the new defensive end to record his first sack of the season. Now, he ranks at the top of the Big Ten in the category.

113kFollowers
164kFollowers
62.7kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter
Other posts by Jim

To The People & The Place, I Love You, Goodbye: Jim Davidson’s Senior Column

“Although it’s still unclear where my own path, where my own train, is headed, I know that if I could go back and begin the same journey again, I would slow down as I passed through Happy Valley.”

Penn State Women’s Soccer Alum Ellie Jean Signs With Dutch Club PSV Eindhoven

‘You’re Always A Part Of The Program’: Naeher, Krieger, & The Soccer Journey That Began In Happy Valley