For the first time in 79 years, Old Main will be without one of its two iconic American elm trees. The large elm, located at the south-eastern corner of the building was infected with elm yellows, a disease that has spread like the plague among many other elm trees on campus and throughout the region. The tree was removed in an effort to help slow the spread of the disease, which has no known cure.
Earlier this afternoon, the candidates running for the three alumni seats on the Penn State Board of Trustees were publicly announced.
Many topics were covered Monday during President Erickson's fireside chat, ranging from State Patty's Day to academic prestige. However, the budget issue took center stage as Erickson and Vice President for Student Affairs Damon Sims took questions from about 35 students and alumni in the Hintz Family Alumni Center.
In a continued effort to communicate with the student body, President Rodney Erickson and VP for Student Affairs, Damon Sims, will host a fireside chat today (February 27th) at the Hintz Alumni Center.
Last night, the Political Science Association held its first debate in ten months. These debates are typically a trivial affair. The Political Science Association invites several political organizations, definitely more than needed, to debate a topic that one of the groups had selected. To herald in the return of political discourse on campus, Thursday night's debate was on entitlements, a subject selected by the College Republicans. While the Republicans arrived ready to handle the attacks from three other parties, their preparation was for naught. The three other political organizations did not attend.
The 2012 Homecoming theme was announced Saturday afternoon at THON. Following a short video presentation with members of the Homecoming Committee on stage, the theme was revealed as "The Glory Echoes On." After the announcement, the committee members (which included UPUA president and unfortunately tieless T.J. Bard) and Executive Directer Bridgette Carrier performed the THON line dance on stage.