Sad news this morning: Lewis Katz, '66g, died in a private plane crash over a Massachusetts field last night, according to various outlets. The Dickinson Law Graduate, for whom the Law Building here is named after, was the co-owner of The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Philadelphia Daily News, and Philly.com. He was 72. The Gulfstream IV plane crashed at about 9:40 p.m. last night as it was headed to Atlantic City, and all seven passengers died. The plane erupted into a fireball on its way down over Hanscom Field, and the blast shook nearby homes, according to Philly.com.
Integrity monitor George Mitchell has submitted a glowing review of Penn State's compliance with the Freeh Report in his seventh quarterly report to the NCAA, a common theme for the former senator as his second annual report dawns in September. He praised Penn State's efforts to enhance security at athletic events and facilities, a new compliance plan, increased development of Clery Act compliance, and adherence to the athletics integrity agreement.
OPP Communications Coordinator Paul Ruskin, whose travels have expanded from Alaska to Spain, is set to retire.
The Office of Physical Plant, in conjunction with the Heritage Tree Program, installed a plaque last week in front of the Weeping Willow tree just west of Old Main.
Rodney Erickson's victory lap continued Thursday, as Representative Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) gave a nod to the former president's years of service on the House floor. "At every stage, he's been an inspirational leader to those around him, a leader to and advocate for the university in countless ways," Thompson said.
Penn State's brand is strong: In a comprehensive study, collegeatlas.org ranked it seventh of the nation's 400 largest universities in social media influence and engagement.