It's mid-March, which for Penn State can only mean one thing -- it's UPUA election season.
Campaigning kicked off today at 7 a.m., and you have no doubt already received a barrage of Facebook invitations from various campaigns. With current UPUA President T.J. Bard announcing his intention to not seek re-election, three executive tickets qualified for the ballot and have their sights set on replacing him.
Can significant days in Penn State's academic calendar just be normal? The first day of Thanksgiving break brought the unfortunate news that Joe Paterno had lung cancer. The beginning of winter break coincided with a post-practice fight between Matt McGloin and Curtis Drake which left McGloin concussed. Now today, at the beginning of spring break, news broke that the sign for Paternoville outside Beaver Stadium was knocked down by a driver and stolen.
While many Penn Staters will be travelling to exotic beaches and foreign countries for a week come Friday, a few students have chosen to take the non-traditional route for Spring Break 2012. Not to say that there is anything wrong with taking a week off to enjoy yourself and participate in potentially regrettable activities for seven straight days, but some students have decided to make a difference in the lives of others next week.
It was supposed to signify the beginning of the end. When it broke last night that President T.J. Bard would not be running for re-election, I anticipated a Presidential address for the ages, complete with tears, reflection, and nostalgia. What happened next, however, is symbolic of the altruistic nature of Bard's presidency.
Spring break means something different to everyone. It could mean a plane trip to an exotic location or a car ride back home. It could mean a week of carefree drinking or cheap labor. Regardless, spring break is a much-needed hiatus from classes for all college students.
Current UPUA President T.J. Bard announced in an e-mail to the assembly Monday night that he would not be seeking re-election for a second term next year. Bard cited "personal issues" as the reason for this decision.