Exactly one year ago, the Penn State community entered into a whirlwind of shock, confusion, tragedy, and eventually the first seedlings of healing. The images are still fresh in our mind from all these emotions, and will no doubt continue to be as the community moves forward.

Below, then President Spanier, athletic director Tim Curley, and coach Joe Paterno are seen presenting a momentous accolade, during what would become one of the last publicly optimistic moments for a university on the brink of its darkest period.

Just days before the grand jury report was released, Joe Paterno is honored following win #409. (Photo by Dave Cole, October 29, 2011)

The media swarms State College following the release of the grand jury report. (Photo by Eric Weiss, November 7, 2011)

Director of Sports Information Jeff Nelson reads a brief statement to alert the media that Joe Paterno’s weekly press conference had been canceled. (Photo by Dave Cole, November 8, 2011)

Joe Paterno is swarmed by students and media outside his home after he announced that he would retire at the end of the season. (Photo by Dave Cole)

The media waits to enter the boardroom, where the Board of Trustees are set to hold a press conference (Photo by Dave Cole, November 9, 2011)

John Surma moments after announcing the firing of Graham Spanier and Joe Paterno. (Photo by Dave Cole, November 9, 2011)

Students gather at Old Main to honor Joe Paterno. (Photo by Dave Cole)

Students take to the streets to show support for Joe Paterno after his termination. (Photo by Dave Cole. November 9, 2011)

Students take to Old Main to show support for Joe Paterno. (Photo by Dave Cole)

Penn State students overturn a news van during a riot following Paterno’s ouster. (Photo by Dave Cole)

Penn State students hold a candelight vigil for the victims of child sexual abuse. (Photo by Shawn Inglima)

Mural Artist Michael Pilato is surrounded by media after removing the depiction of Sandusky. (Photo by Dave Cole)

Prior to the first game without Joe Paterno on the sideline, Nebraska and Penn State players huddle in prayer. (Photo by Dave Cole, November 12)

Interim head coach Tom Bradley following the loss to Nebraska. (Photo by Dave Cole)

The Centre County Courthouse in the early morning hours of Jerry Sandusky’s preliminary hearing. (Photo by Eric Weiss, December 13, 2011)

Jerry Sandusky arrives in Bellefonte for his preliminary hearing (Photo by Eric Weiss)

Bill O’Brien is hired as the next Penn State head coach. (Photo by Mike Misciagno, January 2, 2012)

Students gather around the Joe Paterno statue to mourn his passing. (Photo by Ryan Beckler)

Beaver Stadium remains lit up to honor Joe Paterno. (Photo by Don Ferrell)

Thousands of mourners paid respects to Joe Paterno at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center. (Photo by Shawn Inglima)

A memorial is held at the BJC following Paterno’s passing. (Photo by Shawn Inglima)

Jerry Sandusky arrives for his June trial. (Photo by Staff)

Jerry Sandusky smiles as he leaves the courthouse on one of the last days of his trial. (Photo by Kevin Horne)

Jerry Sandusky is convicted on 45 of 48 counts of crimes relating to child sexual abuse.

Louis Freeh issues a reporting condemning Penn State for mishandling the Sandusky situation. (Photo by Mike Misciagno)

The statue of Joe Paterno adjacent to Beaver Stadium is removed. (Photo by Mike Misciagno)

NCAA President Mark Emmert issues crippling athletic sanctions against Penn State. (Photo by NCAA)

President Rodney Erickson watches on as Trustee Joel Myers questions recent actions. (Photo by Dave Cole)

Bill O’Brien at his first media day as Penn State’s head coach. (Photo by Dave Cole)

Linebacker and team leader Michael Mauti during the 2012 football media day. (Photo by Dave Cole)

Writer Joe Posnanski, who spent a lot of time with Paterno at the end of his life, gives a talk about his biography ‘Paterno.’ (Photo by Dave Cole)

Jerry Sandusky is sentenced to 30-60 years in prison for child sexual abuse. (Photo by Dave Cole)

Bill O’Brien leads the team in singing the Alma Mater after a game. (Photo by Dave Cole)

Despite the NCAA sanctions, Penn State has produced a solid season on the field in 2012. (Photo by Dave Cole)

Mural artist Michael Pilato added a “409” insignia on the back of Paterno’s seat. (Photo by Ryan Beckler, October 29, 2012)

Tim Curley is released on bail, following additional charges brought against him and former VP Gary Schultz, as well as new charges against former president Graham Spanier (Photo: Bill Waddell, November 3, 2012)