Over a week ago, Onward State broke the story about "The Joe We Know", a film exploring Joe Paterno's Grand Experiment featuring over seventy former Penn State Lettermen was set to premiere in the State Theatre last weekend. Starting today and continuing through next Wednesday, there will be twelve more opportunities to view the film.
My fellow editor, Kevin Horne, did no wrong in publishing his post. He initiated public criticism of THON, something most irrationally fear, and is necessary to the vitality of the program. His concerns are valid, and only seek to craft a more dynamic philanthropy. However, I have my disputes with the arguments that he crafted.
There's nothing quite like a night in 302 HUB, kicking back with two Diet Cokes and watching the gears of our student government turn simultaneously with the wheels of progress. Last night was no different, as the UPUA met for their weekly General Assembly meeting.
Sharaya Musser is having a tremendous season for the Penn State women's gymnastics team. Musser has taken first place in the all-around competition in all seven meets this year. She has also won four Big Ten Gymnast of the Week honors this season. Her ability to perform well on all four individual events has helped Penn State earn the No. 10 ranking, as well as five victories in seven meets. Onward State got a chance to speak with Musser about her season, gymnastics and even dinosaurs.
Last year, I wrote a post-THON piece detailing the conflicts between members of the THON audience and the Rules & Regulations Committee. Unfortunately, I along with many other R&R members ran into similar situations this past weekend. In order to overcome these miscommunications, as well as those between the other THON Committees, both sides must do their part.
I'll admit -- and anyone who knows me can attest to this -- I haven't always been a huge fan of THON.
There isn't a powerful enough adjective to describe the fact that Penn State students raise millions of dollars for the Four Diamond Fund every year. Raising $10 million for childhood cancer research and support is something that is so unbelievably special and something that requires an extraordinary amount of time, effort, and love. That being said, and I know it's not the conventional wisdom, we can do better. THON has many problems that aren't being fixed, because frankly, people are scared to talk negatively about THON. Someone once told me, "I hate THON the organization, but I love THON the cause." Before everyone grabs their pitchforks and torches, let me just explain myself.