Ben Novak, in the eyes of this writer, is the Godfather of Governance Reform at Penn State University. As a former Trustee, Dr. Novak was vocally critical of the Board long before the Sandusky scandal broke in November. We recently sat down with Dr. Novak for a 10 questions interview.
In August, somebody registered creepycoachcostume.com. Yes, you read that right. Someone bought a domain name, where one could purchase a Sandusky coaching outfit for this year’s shenanigans. The outfit comes with a cap that says “Ped State,” a whistle, and a t-shirt that promotes “Sandusky Football Camp.”
Earlier this month, ESPN launched its College Colors Day contest. Whichever university garnered the most votes would win $10,000, which ESPN would donate to the school's scholarship fund. But now computer bots have compromised the contest.
Now is the time for my fellow seniors to determine how they want to be remembered. The Lion Shrine, The Allen Street Gate, the Fish Tank in the HUB -- they're all gifts from previous graduating classes. Past students have even decided they wanted to be remembered by endowing scholarships to their descendants of the Penn State family. All are noble projects that have been created For the Glory.
The Board of Trustees are mandated to manage the welfare of the university. If their governance goes against the whims of the alumni and student body, so be it. It is not the Board’s duty to cater itself to the masses. This is something we -- and I include myself -- ought to remember as the Trustees continue to make difficult decisions for the foreseeable future.
A Beginner’s Guide to “Troll Hunting”
as you come to value a multitude of aspects the school has to offer, you’ll certainly find many detractors on comment boards and Twitter -- "trolls" if you will. These trolls will do nothing but speak contorted ills of Dear Old State and her students. You may feel compelled to defend your college. But remember, don't feed the trolls!