Vol. 122, No. 2 Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021

Faculty members protest the university’s lack of vaccine mandate By Megan Swift greatest global pandemic in THE more than a century, which the Penn State administration is not This Monday and Tuesday, ap- treating with the required se- proximately 270 faculty members riousness and urgency,” West from 16 of Penn State’s campuses said. “True, the administration, opted to teach their in-person under pressure, declared a mask classes via Zoom to protest the mandate. That is necessary but university’s lack of a coronavirus insufficient.” vaccine mandate. Faculty members should also Gary King, professor of biobe- have a say in the mode of course havioral health at Penn State, delivery, whether it be in person pledged to participate in the pro- or remote, West said. test hosted by Penn State’s Coali- In April, the university an- tion for a Just University “to show nounced approximately 96% of solidarity” with his colleagues classes will be held in person this in a statement against the semester, and it has not changed administration’s position. the policy since. “It was both personal and a “The employee’s preference matter of public health,” King said to work remotely is not, by itself, of his decision to protest. “We re- a sufficient justification for ap- ally expected so much more from proval for interim remote work,” Jordan Dawson/Collegian the administration and the Board Penn State said in its “Fall 2021 Penn State faculty members and other community members attend a rally in favor of university-wide vaccine of Trustees.” Process for Return to On-Site During a virtual town hall Work for Staff” document in mandates at Old Main on Friday, Aug 13 in University Park, Pa. meeting on Aug. 3, President Eric April. “Approval or denial of an Professors, said she is “very con- involved in the review were of requests that were not referred Barron announced the university interim remote work request is cerned about the health of every- deeply aware of the short time or withdrawn were approved.” would not mandate vaccinations, not predictive of approval or de- one” in the local area, and she is available to confirm changes and In a petition the group will though Penn State “is not impar- nial of a longer-term remote work a State College resident herself. communicate these decisions to eventually send to Penn State’s tial to them,” and an immediate arrangement.” “[The AAUP is] organizing in students,” Jones said in the letter. administration, senior faculty indoor mask mandate soon fol- Penn State said all arrange- support of the vaccine mandate Jones explained there were members are signing their sup- lowed for all students, faculty, ments approved for this fall will and in support of the demands of only two cases in which instruc- port of the “Zoom-In” protest and staff and visitors. continue to be considered tempo- the open letter and [to] protect tion modes could be changed faculty members who requested King said he gave his students rary and coronavirus-related. faculty who have the right to ex- — for courses that can be best work adjustments in light of the chance to voice comments Currently, faculty members ercise their academic freedom delivered through asynchronous public health concerns. or ask questions about the pro- cannot choose to protest COVID remote instruction for reasons During the town hall, univer- test during class on Monday via their own mode “We are in the midst policies,” Rodino- unrelated to the pandemic and sity officials also said Penn State Zoom, and he said he “didn’t of instruction Colocino said. for faculty members with health will not offer remote learning really receive any.” because it is no of the greatest global “Faculty should needs related to the pandemic. options — even for quarantined “My students were very non- longer permit- pandemic in more not just be in- “Even if students request or students — which elicited back- chalant about it… that just shows ted by the U.S. than a century, which formed of a plan agree to an informal change in lash from faculty members and the support of the students Department of but consulted in mode, this is still not appropriate students alike. there,” King said, noting that only Education and the Penn State the process.” and could issues for Penn West said he believes Barron’s one student was absent. “Clearly, Middle States administration is In a letter sent State and our students,” Jones legacy will be “largely deter- they are concerned about this Commission for not treating with the to Penn State aca- said in the letter. “In other words, mined” by how he handles the matter as well. We all want to be Higher Educa- demic leaders by it is not appropriate for faculty pandemic, but time is running in the classroom but… with the tion, according to required seriousness Penn State Exec- members to ask students to vote out, as Barron is set to retire in greatest amount of safety.” Penn State. The and urgency.” utive Vice Presi- on the instructional mode of the 2022. Michael West, professor of consent and pro- dent and Provost course.” “President Barron’s inaction African American studies, his- vision of remote Michael West Nick Jones last Rodino-Colocino said she be- on the vaccine mandate has ef- tory and African studies, said he synchronous Penn State professor Wednesday, the lieves around one-third of the fac- fectively handed veto power to decided to “Zoom-In” to protest classes “no lon- university said it ulty has requested course adjust- a noisy and recalcitrant band of the lack of a vaccine mandate be- ger exists” as of reopened the pro- ments and hasn’t heard anything naysayers,” West said. “Barron cause he said via email he wants May 31. cess for requesting faculty work back from the university, which is ought to do the right thing on his to urge Penn State’s administra- Michelle Rodino-Colocino, as- adjustments from Aug. 5-12 due why Penn State’s AAUP chapter way out the door… Everything tion to “respect evidence and rea- sociate professor of media stud- to the “changing nature” of the launched a campaign Wednesday else he may have done will pale in son” — key principles he said all ies and president of the Penn pandemic. titled “#WeGotYourBacks.” comparison.” universities are based upon. State chapter of the Ameri- “Requests were reviewed on As of Aug. 19, Penn State said in Visit collegian.psu.edu to read “We are in the midst of the can Association of University a case-by-case basis, and those a statement that “more than 68% the full story. IT’S GOOD TO BE BACK By Nick Stonesifer is more hands-on — completing hand on Zoom. something this time.” nursing) said he is optimistic THE DAILY COLLEGIAN the online labs was difficult. Soccio said the shift back to in McCarraher (junior-mechani- for this semester and the new “You can’t really mix chemicals person was an adjustment but cal engineering) said during the beginnings that come therein. As Penn State students kick off online,” Walker said. one “not as big” as students online learning period, he was “It’s a fresh start, so I’m pretty the fall semester with a return Lauren Carragher said think. unable to do some of the work comfortable now,” Monteagudo to in-person learning, many said she believes the transition “It seems kind of scary, he needed to because of techni- said. they’re glad to be back — espe- back to in-person learning is but then you get in there and cal capabilities — his computer Paige Watson said she was ex- cially since online learning is a “good adjustment.” you’re like, ‘OK this actually wasn’t “as powerful.” cited to go to class and get a “real largely behind them. Yet, Carragher isn’t that bad,’” Soccio said. Some students have a hopeful experience” with the in-person River Terry said he has enjoyed (sophomore-veteri- “I love it,” Regan Hand- outlook on the upcoming semes- setting. the return to in-person settings. nary and biomedical ley said about the return ter, such as Allison Melendez, Watson (sophomore-compu- Terry (junior-biology) didn’t like sciences) said she is to in-person learning. who said she’s excited for the op- tational math) said she already online learning because he was concerned the in-per- Handley (junior-sec- portunities that come with the fall feels like she’s focusing better in unable to “grasp” concepts over son setting “won’t last ondary education) only semester. her in-person classes than she Zoom, and he said he believes the for long,” referencing the had a semester and a half “I thought it was really nice,” did online. She said she believes return to in person will help him delta variant and wheth- of in-person learning before Melendez (sophomore-biomedi- it was easier to “slack off” during improve his learning. er faculty members want the switch to online — she cal engineering) said. “I thought online learning. “I think that looking at a screen to teach in person or via said she prefers being in the it was a lot easier to stay focused “I think the biggest culture and trying to pay attention is a lot Zoom. classroom. and pay attention. And it was shock was seeing so many people harder than being in person and Rachel Soccio said “As someone who’s going also fun seeing more people than because last year — no one was looking at the person involved,” she feels more comfort- to be a teacher, I can defi- usual.” on campus,” Watson said. “Walk- Terry said. able in person. Soccio nitely see the differences in Andrew Monteagudo said it ing around, you really didn’t see And, Andrew Walker said he (sophomore-veterinary attentiveness,” Handley said. “feels great to be back in person” that many people, and [now] the believes being in person will al- and biomedical sciences) Nathan McCarraher said but found it difficult to communi- [HUB-Robeson Center] is full of low him to get more out of his said she believes it’s eas- his grades “plummeted” dur- cate with people since there was people.” chemistry labs. ier to “read the room” and ing the initial online switch, and a prolonged period of time he Walker (junior-forensic sci- ask questions face-to-face he’s excited to return in per- didn’t interact in a classroom. To email reporter: [email protected]. ence) said the work for his major as opposed to raising her son so he can “actually learn Still, Monteagudo (freshman- Follow him on Twitter at @StonesiferNick. Page 2 | Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021 LOCAL The Daily Collegian MAKEUP, ART, DRAG Penn State alumna Laurel Charleston reflects on artistic journey, makeup artist career By Olivia Estright Penn State, Charleston was a turned down by different schools THE DAILY COLLEGIAN french horn player in the Penn because they were trans and State Blue Band, a member of nonbinary,” Lenart said. While sitting on the carpeted the LGBTQA Round Table, a Granitzski said unfortunately, floor of Nick Granitzski’s apart- participant in drag shows and he doesn’t believe the discrimi- ment, Laurel Charleston prac- other queer and music-oriented nation Charleston faced is a new ticed a full drag look for the first organizations — all while study- concept. time at Penn State. In the reflec- ing music performance as an “It’s hard to change the minds tion of the handheld mirror under undergraduate student. of tenured professors or people the dull light, the look was far Granitzski said he noticed who won’t really hear you for who from perfect — but that wasn’t Charleston was working over 60 you are,” Granitzki said. going to stop Charleston. hour weeks between classes and Despite the conflicts, Charles- Although some may recognize other clubs they joined. ton ended up receiving a gradu- Charleston as a makeup artist “Even before drag, I was so ate certificate in orchestra on Instagram with over 50,000 impressed with how determined conducting from Penn State. followers, many Penn State stu- they were with what they were Charleston said they’ve contin- dents may know their name from doing,” Granitzski said. ued to pursue their passion for drag shows, the Blue Band, music Granitzski said Charleston ini- music as the assistant director education classes, the LGBTQA tially planned on studying music of the Queer Urban Orchestra in Student Roundtable or simply education, but Charleston said Manhattan. Concerts will be in from the “eccentric, electric” she ended up graduating in 2019 person once again in October for aura Charleston radiated around with a bachelor’s degree in music the first time since the onset of campus, Granitzski said. performance. the pandemic, which Charleston Recently, Charleston was Charleston said at some is “excited about.” signed as a full-time makeup point, they realized they were “Now, I see myself doing artist to Art Department, a busi- about to enter a career with an makeup for some of the biggest ness designed to foster creative unwelcoming atmosphere. runway [models] in the world, collaboration among different “When I first entered Penn but at the same time, I would types of artists. They are the first State University, my dream was love to still conduct orchestras,” transgender person the Art De- to be the fiercest music educator Charleston said. “I’m really just Courtesy of Laurel Charleston partment has signed, according on the planet,” Charleston said. going to pursue both careers as Laurel Charleston poses with their face painted with one of the several to artist representative TJ Volpe. “I quickly realized that being an long as I can.” makeup designs they created. For Charleston, makeup is an art form. “I got signed to one of the big- out queer person in the public Outside of the music industry, gest talent agencies in North school system in Pennsylvania is Charleston got her first taste and prepares for the four to five even compensate them for their America, which is crazy,” literally awful.” of being a makeup artist as a hours it will take her to create a time,” Charleston said. Charleston said. “They only rep- Charleston said one of their participant in Penn State’s drag look. Although Charleston said she resent 30 makeup artists locally, friends who is an educator in the shows. Once Charleston said she has doesn’t agree with clients who and I’m the only one doing this Pennsylvania school system has Charleston said her drag name enough footage for social media, don’t pay for her work, she un- type of work, which I think is to “hide” that he’s transgender “Laurel Charleston” is actually she wipes it off. derstands what it’s like to build really cool.” while at work. a mockery of her mother. After “What I’ve realized is that being a portfolio and collaborate with Charleston’s website describes After weighing her options, escaping an “abusive” and “aw- a makeup artist isn’t just about other artists. her work as having a “vibrant Charleston decided to apply to ful” relationship, Charleston ex- palette, extreme precision and different graduate schools to doing great work,” Charleston Charleston said she thinks the plained she changed a few words said. “It’s about doing great work world of academia is what instills relentless creativity.” However, further her education. around and went on stage as a Charleston said they haven’t Charleston said she believes as fast as possible. When you’re the idea that young artists should “bad mother.” on set, time is money.” accept unpaid opportunities. always been focused on their most graduate-level orchestra “From my experience, a lot of makeup career, though. conducting programs are “run by Charleston explained the “I’m here to tell you that your the people I work with, [includ- time they had to do an avant- labor is worth time and money,” After growing up in Bangor, older, white men,” and because ing myself], need the craft of drag Pennsylvania, which Charles- of this, she ended up facing more garde makeup look for a client Charleston said. “Know your to express trauma in their life,” on a Farfetched commercial set. worth.” ton said they believe is “racist, adversity than expected. Charleston said. “It was me try- homophobic and transphobic,” “I basically got denied when- Charleston said they were given Charleston said from this point ing to brand myself early on. It 45 minutes for a look that would on, they aren’t completely set on a Charleston said coming to Penn ever I would share my pronouns,” didn’t stick, but it was fun.” State opened their mind up to a Charleston said. normally take an hour and a half. path for the future. With multiple projects and ac- And the client showed up 35 “Identity is a lifelong journey,” new perspective. As a close friend, Gabrielle tivities going on at once, Charles- “What I learned very quickly is Lenart noticed Charleston’s minutes late. Charleston said. “You’re never ton said people have questioned “Five minutes into me paint- playing the game of catch-up, that society is an illusion — and determination didn’t allow the how they do it. all of this is a game,” Charleston rejection to affect them. ing him, the manager comes in you’re just evolving. I don’t need “I have to do so many things to and says, ‘You have five more to know exactly who I am at said. “Once I came to Penn State, “I remember [Charleston] survive,” Charleston said. “I have I realized that I lived in a bubble would always work so hard at be- minutes,’” Charleston said. “So I this moment in time and that’s to make rent, so that’s why I do so asked, ‘Um, can I get seven?’ and beautiful.” that was so oppressive and so ing one of the only queer people many things.” in music there, being a conduc- she said, ‘Fine, seven more min- At the beginning of their make- terrifying for anyone that was Charleston said their financial tor, doing art on the side, doing utes.’ I had to fight for those extra up career, Charleston applied to different.” mindset came from a Penn State During their first year at drag on the side, while getting two minutes.” be on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” they saxophone professor who was Timing isn’t the only issue said. More recently, Charleston guest lecturing in their class. He Charleston said they face as a was nearly on the third season told the class once leaving col- makeup artist. of the Netflix series “Glow Up: lege, income won’t immediately “People try to get free work out Britain’s Next Make-Up Star” come “from [your] craft.” of me all the time,” Charleston but said they didn’t have a work- Charleston said they took his said. “It’s always in the guise of ing visa to travel for the show’s advice on finding a survival job collaboration.” filming. — or jobs in Charleston’s case While Charleston said they un- Later on, one of the judges on — and have witnessed their per- derstand the importance of col- “Glow Up” hosted an Instagram centage of income from their laboration, unpaid assignments competition called Val’s Glow craft slowly go up. won’t pay their bills. Up Challenge, which Charleston In that sense, Charleston said Charleston said there was played and won. she still takes things one day at a an incident where one of their Granitzski and Lenart said time. Most days, Charleston said idols — a “RuPaul’s Drag Race” they believe Charleston will nev- she wakes up, goes outside for contestant — asked to work with er stop seeking the next big thing. natural light and then tends to them. After all, Charleston said she one of her pandemic projects. During the four hours Charles- still sees her life as “a TV reality “During COVID, I transformed ton spent doing her makeup, competition series.” my backyard into a vegetable Charleston said she asked for “It’s so awesome to have garden,” Charleston said. “It’s Charleston’s pronouns, misgen- watched them come into their pretty fierce.” dered them, joked about misgen- own skin,” Lenart said. “Lau- After harvesting her dering them, did not pay and used rel Charleston is a force to be vegetables for the day, Charleston reckoned with. Courtesy of Laurel Charleston the makeup look in a “monetized said the rest of the day depends YouTube video.” Laurel Charleston said she initially drew inspiration for her drag from her on what she has scheduled. Most “You literally made money off of To email reporter: [email protected]. mother. days, she works on social media a young trans person and couldn’t Follow her on Twitter at @OliviaEstright. Alumna creates Black Alumni Oral History Project By Danny Gotwals on the project. “Maia was the interview subjects, co-founded ensured our efforts for social life,” Collins said. THE DAILY COLLEGIAN perfect person to allow people to the Frederick E. Douglass As- justice in the 1960s and 1970s For Yosette Jones Johnson feel comfortable and to share,” sociation, which presented a list are remembered, archived and from the class of 1971, the proj- When Maia Hill started writ- Drummond said. “You need to be of 13 demands to then univer- available for future research.” ect was an “important validation” ing a history paper about Black a really good and sensitive inter- sity President Eric A. Walker in Sharmain Matlock-Turner, of her experience, she said via students at Penn State during viewer to allow people to open up 1968. These demands included an from the class of 1971, said she email. her senior year, she looked for ac- to you.” enrollment quota for Black stu- “loved being a part of this proj- “Being interviewed for the counts of Black student life from The project consists of approxi- dents, increases in Black faculty, ect” and said Hill is a “rock star.” Black alumni oral history [proj- the late 1960s to the early 1970s. mately hourlong Zoom interviews staff and financial aid, and an Af- “[Hill] was persistent and en- ect] filled a decades old void that Finding few, she said she realized with 13 separate Black alumni, rican American Studies program. gaging,” Matlock-Turner said. has existed since I graduated she would need to gather them plus a group interview, accord- Hill said, however, Black stu- “She walked us back in time with from a [Penn State] that ignored herself. ing to its website. And, it has a dents at Penn State are still mak- wonder, affection and love.” or was indifferent to other ‘60s Hill, who graduated in 2020 with theme of “the struggle contin- ing some of the same demands And, William Collins said he Black students and me,” Johnson degrees in history, Spanish, politi- ues,” meaning the Black struggle today. enjoyed the project, saying he said. “Maia Hill’s interest, with cal science and African Studies, for progress has continued for Among the oral history sub- was “proud” to be an interviewee support of a few Penn State facul- wrote in the introduction to the generations, according to Hill. jects, there were mixed feelings from the class of 1969. ty, gave me the opportunity to tell, “Black Student Alumni at Penn “Oral history and document- about Penn State, according to “The oral history proj- share and preserve my story.” State Oral History Project” after ing history is stepping into the Hill. Some have returned to cam- ect allowed me to share my she graduated that she needed struggle,” Hill said. pus with fond memories, while recollections of the events and To email reporter: [email protected]. to reach out to students from the A goal of the archives is for others do not have positive mem- the people that would change my Follow him on Twitter at @GotwalsDanny. period and encourage them to tell historically underrepresented ories and refuse to come back to their stories. groups like Black alumni, as well Penn State, she said. Her sorority, Delta Sigma as current students, to be able to Hill said the group interview Theta, connected her with Car- see themselves in the archives, was her favorite interview of the ol Merill-Bright. Then, Merill- according to Drummond. project because “it felt like a fam- Bright connected her with the Drummond said she believes ily reunion,” and some of the in- other participants in the project. Hill’s idea to bring interviewees terviewees have managed to stay Merrill-Bright would eventually together for a group interview friends up to the present day. Oth- donate her collection of materi- was innovative and contrasting to ers met for the first time at the als she kept during her time at the traditional, one-on-one idea of group interview since graduating Penn State to the University Ar- oral histories. college, according to Hill. chives, including pamphlets and Hill said she wanted to cover Drummond said she loved how clippings of her experiences. the period from 1969-71 because the group interview featured a “These alumni share how they of the number of protests around mix of serious topics with lots of felt, lived and survived with only the Vietnam War, Black repre- laughter and camaraderie. 250 Black students amongst sentation in the student body Cynthia Cotten Torres Bayette, 25,000 white students,” Hill wrote and curriculum related to Black one of the interview subjects from in the introduction. “The project heritage. the class of 1968, said via email to provides an essential narrative of Hill said she has had her own Hill she believes it was “a won- the Black student experience at experiences at Penn State relat- derful project.” Penn State. ed to being African American and “Oral history is a long-standing Clara Drummond, the curator she wanted to see if there were tradition in the African American and exhibitions coordinator for any similarities between her ex- community, and I was happy to Courtesy of Black Student Alumni at Penn State Oral History Project the Eberly Family Special Col- periences and ones from 50 years help Maia Hill use this method to lections Library at Penn State, ago. build and enrich the Penn State Several educational visual components comprise the Black Alumni Oral said she praised Hill for taking Clark Arrington, one of Hill’s story,” Torres said. “She has History Project and feature notable Black Penn State alumni. The Daily Collegian LOCAL Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021 | Page 3 What’s the best Berkey Puzzles Creamery flavor? By Logan Groeneveld-Mejier THE DAILY COLLEGIAN

Within the confines of State College, ice cream correlates to one place and one place only. Where? I’ll give you a hint. It rhymes with “shwerkey beamery.” You guessed it, it’s the Berkey Creamery. Currently nestled in the ground floor of the Rodney A. Erickson Food Science Building, the fro- zen dessert haven has been in operation since 1865, using lo- cally sourced ingredients and scientific methods. And it does not fly under the ra- dar. You’d be hard pressed to go there without a line extending 100 yards out the door composed of Lily LaRegina/Collegian students, alumni or their families Rows of monster mash ice cream and other seasonal fall flavors line looking for their own scoop of joy. the freezer shelves of Berkey Creamery on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019. Scooping only certain flavors at a time, with more available in half Arboretum Breeze is where the gallons, there’s no shortage of 7) Peachy Paterno rubber meets the road. It’s also options either. minty but has more of a vanilla As a Penn State student with The word “peachy” can mean base while featuring the same a brother and cousin who have good. It can also relate to peach- chocolate flakes and a rasp- done the rounds in Happy Valley, es. It does both with this flavor, berry swirl. It became an in- while paying homage to Penn I’ve had my fair share of cream- stant favorite of mine this past State coaching icon . ery variety based on what was in spring, when it’s normally avail- It’s another simple yet unique stock or brought home. While I able. It’s just darn good. The one, with a peach base speckled can’t say I disliked any, I have 10 raspberry adds a fruity, jammy with peach slices. I say “unique” flavors I think rise above the rest. sweetness, aiding an already because while it seems simple, So, let’s get scooping. great mint and chocolate combo. peach ice cream is not often The vanilla base is, of course, WORD SEARCH available from other brands. always welcome. © 2021 PuzzleJunction.com Hey, their loss. It simply is 10) Coconut Chip I also like this flavor for what another score for the peach in it embodies about the creamery. American dessert. Have you ever We’re starting simple here — It’s an unorthodox creation with had peaches and cream or put a and maybe controversially. For a a Penn State-inspired name. Can dollop of vanilla ice cream atop lot of folks, coconut is a love-hate you name another place with a a slice of peach cobbler? That’s thing, but I lean toward love. Sim- flavor like this? Time’s up. It’s one what this is like. A decadent, au- ply a mix of coconut ice cream of the flavors that, just by read- thentic peach flavor, with a sweet, and chocolate chips, CC was one ing its description, you just have creamy vanilla reinforcement: of my more recent discoveries. to try. If and when you do, you’ll One of the perfect pints to have in The coconut ice cream tastes ex- know then and there you came the freezer of your dorm. actly how it sounds and even has to the right university. A worthy coconut flakes mixed in, adding sitter of the top four. texture and trueness to form. This flavor — along with simi- 6) Strawberry lar ones — have a pattern. The 3) Death by Chocolate chocolate “chips” are more akin Personally, I am an abso- lute sucker for anything and to fine flakes, meaning they more One of the most well-known everything strawberry. When- easily melt in your mouth with players in the creamery’s line- ever there was Neapolitan in my the ice cream. The same can’t be up, Death by Chocolate delivers house growing up, I targeted the said for a cone of Edy’s. The re- across the board. Let’s start with pink stuff specifically and left a sulting flavor combo of chocolate the base — chocolate. Perfect. perfect gap between chocolate and coconut is beautifully simple, Alone, it has a delightfully dark and vanilla. not too sweet and most impor- chocolate flavor with a perfect Penn State’s version does its tantly, darn tasty, giving Coconut amount of creaminess. But add job perfectly. Unlike Peachy Pa- Chip a crack at the top 10. to that, the chocolate flakes I’ve terno, the base is simply vanilla been raving about, some fudge with the strawberries blended in. pieces and a chocolate swirl, and That’s not at all a problem, as the 9) Monster Mash you indeed have a lethally good strawberries yield much of their combination. natural flavor, while leaving trac- This might be a seasonal flavor You get chocolate in four dif- es of vanilla to go with it. While for Halloween, but rest assured ferent form factors. There’s the I’ve always been a fan of straw- the only thing spooky about it is creaminess and sweetness of the berry ice cream, some brands how good it is. With an orange- ice cream, the syrupiness of the have an off-putting, syrupy sweet colored base composed of a swirl, the chew of the fudge and flavor to them. This doesn’t, caramel swirl and cookie pieces, the bittersweetness of the flakes granting it a clear spot on the list. it’s a sweet combo that’ll get the to form a chocolate overload com- It’s not only great by itself. I song stuck in your head. It has bined with a quartet of textures. If mentioned vanilla ice cream on the classic creamy, chewy tex- you look into a mirror while hav- peach cobbler. You know that ture of cookies and cream, and ing a spoonful, you will see your farmer’s market that comes to the caramel swirl simply adds pupils widen. town every Tuesday and Friday? a wild side to it. A twist. There’s Go grab yourself a nice, fruit- not much that caramel doesn’t based pie from the baked goods enhance, and its sweetness plays table, and dollop some of this 2) Grilled Stickies well with the vanilla base and the super strawberry right on top. chocolatey cookies. Bingo. It puts up goals AND This masterpiece, based on You may have qualms about it assists. the pastry of the same name of- being too sweet, but rest assured fered by Ye Olde College Diner, it’s not deal-breaking. After all, cranks the ice cream dial up to you’d have it around Halloween 5) Bittersweet Mint 11. I could talk for hours about its — the time of sugary indulgence. base. Labeled as “cinnamon bun You need some energy to bust flavored,” it has a cream cheese What’s that? You think mint those ghosts anyway. frosting flavor to it, which, when ice cream tastes like toothpaste? made into an ice cream (by those Well, that’s a funny way to say you’ve never had it, let alone the at the Creamery) is just unbeliev- 8) Lion S’mores creamery’s take on it. This mean, ably good. green, creamy machine has a Speckle that with cinnamon, Another sweet and colorful perfect balance of minty bite and add some doughy pieces of sticky one. Blue and white vanilla ice sweetness, which is altogether bun and swirl it with a cinnamon cream packed with the s’more tri- amplified by the aforementioned streusel, and freak out a little bit fecta of graham cracker, marsh- flaky style of the chocolate. over how good it all is. mallow and milk chocolate, it’s It’s just another example of the Cinnamon, as Jerry Seinfeld larger than the sum of its parts. creamery perfecting an already once said on his fictional show, There’s a reason why the s’more great flavor. Mint chip is one of “should be on tables in restau- exists, and it's because the three the United State’ most popular, rants along with salt and pep- aforementioned ingredients go and Berkey’s will outdo any brand per.” It’s the perfect partner to well together. Add to that, cream- at its own game. It’s sweeter than any sweetness, and the streusel Lion slist ery-grade vanilla ice cream, and allows you to target pockets of it BUY IT SELL' IT RENT IT most, and the minty twang and you’re off and running faster than shredded chocolate combine for amid a sea of the delicious base. Saquon Barkley on the first play an altogether melt-in-your mouth The bun pieces are also a per- FOR SALE of the 2017 White Out. sensation that will make you apol- fect addition, once again adding a You have options with this one: ogize for thinking it could possibly texture and flavor boon. All told, 57+ ACRE PROPERTY off of Rt 322 just 8 minutes from State College, Pa. with each spoonful you could be comparable to Crest. you’ve never had ice cream like Beautiful site, rolling terrain and farmed fields. Forested land with meadow plus a go with any one, two or three of this before. lovely little creek, old barn, corn crib and outbuilding. $895,000. Charles E. Taylor, the main ingredients. Want just Realtor 610-566-6366 chocolate and crackers? Sure. Va- 4) Arboretum Breeze nilla and marshmallow? Done. All 1) Monkey Business three? Absolutely. The half gallon HELP WANTED While Bittersweet Mint is great, tub is your oyster, my friend. Here we are. The top. Or, ARE YOU A student looking to gain experience working with kids while you are should I say, top banana. Monkey completing your degree, or have you just graduated and are looking for a job that Business is just that. A flavorful, would give you experience? The Central Counties Youth Center might be the place authentic tasting banana base, for you. We are a secure juvenile detention center located in Bellefonte, PA and we chocolate flakes, swirled around- are seeking applicants for full time and part time Youth Counselor positions. These positions are direct care staff working with kids between the ages of 10-17. with peanut butter. The banana Responsibilities include the supervision of daily activities, safety of the residents, and chocolate are perfect part- security of the facility and teaching of life skills to the population. This position is ners, and the peanut butter adds regulated by the Department of Human Services and requires staff to complete a little saltiness while also com- background checks, be at least 21 years of age and have an associate degree or plementing both. It’s a trifecta of 60 credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree in a field related to working with flavors that go perfectly together. kids or criminal justice. Hours vary each week, and we will work with you around class schedules for students looking for experience or those working other jobs. Add to that the fact that it’s made Most part-time employees work between 20-24 hours a week depending on your with Creamery quality, and this is availability. In addition, full time employment comes with excellent benefits including the flavor that stands above the health care, holiday pay, sick and vacation time, and paid training. Competitive sal- rest. ary. This is a great resume builder as we have former staff who are working with It also has that uniqueness of the Pennsylvania State Police, many Municipal Police Departments, County Probation Departments, County Sheriff Departments and many other human ser- others listed here. Yeah sure, vice and criminal justice related fields. Starting hourly wage is $14.75 with a raise in I’m aware Ben & Jerry’s Chunky six months. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Employment will Monkey exists, but, um… wal- not be based on race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, nuts. This is a perfected version or sex. of a not oft-made flavor variety. Go bananas, my friends. PART-TIME WORK AVAILABLE for flower garden maintenance at nearby home in Rebecca Marcinko/Collegian Pine Grove Mills. Weekends or evenings, hours negotiable. Must be available fall, Gina Capece (junior-biochemistry) and Sofia Capece (senior-chemical spring and summer. Some knowledge of plants preferred. Must have own transpor- To email reporter: [email protected]. tation. $20/hr. Call 814-237-7344. engineer) eat ice cream outside of the Berkey Creamery on April 8. Follow him on Twitter at @loganmeijer. OPINIONJade Campos Joe Eckstein Mikayla Brennan Page 4 Editor in Chief Opinion Page Editor Business Manager Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021 Faculty shouldn’t be punished for ‘Zoom-In’ ollowing a summer of let- keep the university out of the ters and rallies demand- spotlight — a strategy that so Fing a vaccine mandate at OUR VIEW far has not been as successful Penn State, the fall semester as desired. was ushered in with a “Zoom- But on the other hand, these In” protest held by faculty mem- If vaccines are not mandated, hybrid options are tumultuous times without a bers. The protests occurred on general consensus on the virus, the first two days of classes, so there will be differing cours- with approximately 270 people should be offered es of action depending on the taking part in the event. leader. Penn State’s faculty is one of to confidently say we have miti- students healthy and safe. leads to it becoming an econom- If trying to appease the the main reasons why the uni- gated past the virus for some As professors attempt to do ic issue for the university. In a majority is Barron’s plan, why versity has garnered such pres- time. what they can to make learning letter penned by Penn State not offer multiple options to the tigious recognition and, as a With that being said, does it accessible to all, it only seems President Eric Barron, he made Penn State community at the result, they have every right to seem logical to not offer hybrid fair for the administration to note of “bipartisan support” in very least? The idea of just protest how the administration learning? In-person classes return the favor and show the regards to funding if the vaccine knowing there is more than one is handling the coronavirus. shouldn’t be mandated if noth- same amount of effort in were to be mandated. choice may alleviate the already The sheer number of faculty ing changed in the past year. helping out the faculty. Cutting funds from Penn stressed out faculty and that took part in this event While the virtual setting might Rather than receive help, pro- State as a result of mandating students. speaks volumes in the solidarity not be ideal, professors and stu- fessors were faced with a possi- the vaccine doesn’t make any This is beyond a political and stance professors are dents were able to adapt to the ble reprimanding for taking part sense. The university is a staple issue. The well-being of mem- taking. And after numerous new format, proving that both in the Zoom-In protest. of Pennsylvania and a noted bers of the community are at attempts to plead with the high- parties shouldn’t feel obligated After two semesters worth of institution worldwide, making it stake, and at the very least, a er-ups, the university continues to come in person if they don’t virtual learning, two more days too valuable to punish. sense of commitment from the to neglect what the educators feel comfortable. can’t hurt anybody. The merit With this being Barron’s final administration will do wonders have to say. For some students, they have for punishment seems unneces- year with the university, he ends for all. As a result of faculty protests, been anticipating the return to sary, considering professors his tenure just as he entered — Penn State possesses the Penn State spokesperson Wyatt in-person learning, leading to have the right to protest and amid a troubling time. Following power to make a decision that Dubois said those involved disappointment in having to go express themselves. They aren’t his time at Florida State, he was benefits the masses and pave “may of course be subject to virtual again. If students feel just educators — they are peo- brought in on the heels of the the way to a return to normality. disciplinary sanctions.” comfortable enough to come ple — just like the students and sex abuse case, Vaccine documents have been With the majority of classes into classes, they should have administration. They have fami- a time period that has cement- required to attend schools long taking place in person, one every right to do so. lies and livelihoods outside of ed his reputation as a university before the coronavirus pandem- would think there would be a But those who don’t feel confi- the classroom. president. ic. Barron and the administra- return to normalcy — but dent with in-person learning The vaccine has become a His said reputation could pos- tion need to make a commit- nothing is normal yet. The should not have to be forced to political issue between the left sibly be at stake here as a ment sooner rather than later, coronavirus has not been eradi- switch to World Campus. It and right when in reality there result of his response to the as the aforementioned prestige cated and with new strains should be Penn State’s should be no debate. In a pandemic. On one hand it of Happy Valley is tarnishing by mutating, there will be no way obligation to keep faculty and domino effect fashion, this then seems he’s trying to lay low and the day.

Comics by Courtney Benedetto

MY VIEW | Kyle Hutchinson Afghanistan’s collapse is ultimate failure of 4 U.S. presidents Twenty years ago, the United with outdated infrastructure, a promising to decrease the U.S. If Obama had withdrawn fully States invaded Afghanistan, top- crippled economy and lack of presence in the nation but ended at this time, the Taliban would Scan the QR code to download Spotlight, pling the Taliban government leadership was always going to up expanding troop totals and have taken the country but who was protect- be doomed. increasing the use of drone the official Daily Collegian app would have saved the United for smartphones. ing Osama bin With former warlords and mili- strikes. States another eight years of Laden and tant leaders taking These war. al-Qaeda. roles in government “Ultimately, the drone Twenty years after ousting the Tali- strikes Donald Trump entered office later, the United ban, it was foolish to biggest share of indiscrimi- saying he would not expand U.S. Collegian Inc., 115 Carnegie Building, States and the expect these people to blame belongs to nately killed involvement and stated the war University Park, PA. 16802 ©2021 Collegian Inc. world watched as become champions of the four American hundreds needed to end. the Talbian democracy. upon While he kept to his word on Hutchinson stormed into Ultimately, the big- administrations that hundreds of involvement, the Trump adminis- Board of Editors Kabul, retaking gest share of blame have overseen the civilians, tration signed a disastrous peace Editor in Chief the country. belongs to the four giving the deal, releasing 5,000 Taliban Jade Campos While many in the west American administra- war.” Afghan Managing Editor fighters, as well as one of the questioned how such a tions that have people no Becky Marcinko leaders of the August offensive turnaround could occur with the overseen the war. Kyle Hutchinson reason to Digital Managing Editor that retook the country. Taliban over two decades being While George W. trust Andrew Porterfield These moves emboldened the pushed into the countryside and Bush had no choice America. News Editors going through power struggles, it but to invade Afghanistan after During the Obama administra- Taliban, launching an increase in Phoebe Cykosky should not be a surprise. 9/11 — if he had done nothing, he tion, the primary goal of invading attacks, kidnappings and civilian Megan Swift The Taliban played the long would have absolutely been Afghanistan was realized, with killings. game — and won. removed from office — his bin Laden killed in a raid in Lifestyle Editors Joe Biden entered office with Courtney Benedetto There are many people to administration did not plan for Pakistan. the withdrawal already under- blame for the collapse of the the future. Although it is easier to look Kit Schroder way, extending the deadline a Afghan government, including Nation building has seldom back in retrospect, this is when Sports Editors the Afghan government itself. worked for the — the United States should have few months. Zech Lambert The Afghan government failed and Afghanistan. With many left. His fatal flaw however, was Luke Vargas to hold elections deemed credi- rejecting U.S. intervention, After fighting for 12 years, the removing troops before removing Opinion Editor ble, continued to perpetrate Afghanistan was never primary target of al-Qaeda deci- the thousands of Afghan citizens Joe Eckstein human rights abuses, was going to accept a democratic mated and the Taliban control- and foreign nationals that Football Editor defeated by a smaller and much government. ling a large portion of territory, needed to be evacuated. Max Ralph worse equipped force and ended Bush invaded haphazardly, there was nothing more the The Biden administration Photo Editor with its president fleeing the convinced that force and over- United States could or should moved too fast withdrawing, and Lily LaRegina nation stealing millions from the whelming firepower could have done. by the time the United States treasury. destroy the Taliban, seemingly Obama appeared to under- Multimedia Editor However, Afghanistan has forgetting the Taliban and stand this, and began withdraw- had moved all its forces back to Ben McClary been in a state of perpetual war Afghanistan had fought their ing troops from the country Kabul in preparation for leaving, Sophia Montanye since 1978. whole lives against foreign and slowly in 2011, and transferred it was already too late. To contact News Division: Visit collegian.psu.edu to read News, Opinions, Arts, Sports, Photo, Graphics, The A nation that has known domestic forces. full security to Afghan forces in Daily Collegian Online and The Weekly Collegian nothing but conflict for 43 years Barack Obama entered office 2013. the full column. Phone: 814-865-1828

We want to hear from you verification. Letters should be opinion is determined by its als. Penn State students write Board of Managers signed by no more than two peo- Board of Opinion, which is made Send us your comments on and edit both papers and solicit Business Manager ple. Members of organizations up of members of its Board of our coverage, editorial decisions advertising for them. Mikayla Brennan must include their titles if the Editors, with the editor in chief and the Penn State community. During the fall and spring Advertising Manager topic they write about is connect- holding final responsibility for semesters as well as the second Scott Witham Email: editorinchief@ ed with the aim of their groups. content. The opinions expressed six-week summer session, The Creative Director psucollegian.com The Collegian reserves the right on the editorial page are not Daily Collegian publishes Mon- Kaylyn McGrory Online: collegian.psu.edu to edit letters. The Collegian can- necessarily those of Collegian day through Friday. Issues are Marketing Director 202 not guarantee publication of all Inc., a separate institution from Postal Mail/In Person: distributed by mail to other Penn Abigail Schucker Willard Building, University letters. Letters chosen also run Penn State. State campuses and subscribers. Business Insights Director Park, PA 16802 on The Daily Collegian Online Adam Rhoad Letters should be about 200 and may be selected for publica- About the Collegian Sales Directors words. Student letters should tion in The Weekly Collegian. All The Daily Collegian and The Complaints include class year, major and letters become property of Colle- Weekly Collegian are published News and editorial complaints Alex Baker campus. Letters from alumni gian Inc. by Collegian Inc., an indepen- should be presented to the edi- Jill Shuster should include graduation year. dent, nonprofit corporation with tor. Business and advertising To contact Business Division: Advertising, circulation, accounting and classifieds All writers should provide their Who we are a board of directors composed of complaints should be presented Phone: 814-865-2531 address and phone number for The Daily Collegian’s editorial students, faculty and profession- to the business manager. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021 SPORTS Page 5 THE ALLIANCE Big Ten, ACC, Pac-12 alliance signifies new era in college athletics

By Justin Morganstein is best for his conference” — but THE DAILY COLLEGIAN there wasn't any indication that the Big 12 could find itself in the Tuesday marked what will go alliance. down as a significant day in the “These are issues that have history of collegiate athletics. been on the table here for really With three com- weeks and not months, so a lot of FOOTBALL missioners tak- this stuff is fresh and new,” War- ing the stage, ren said. “ I am sure Bob will fig- weeks of rumors ure things out, and he’ll do what and speculation were finally con- is right for the Big 12. firmed as a three-conference alli- One factor supposedly making ance between the Big Ten, ACC alliance discussions go smoothly and Pac-12 officially came to be. It may seem like a simple con- is a common agreement on the cept, but there hasn’t been an values each conference and pro- idea quite like this one, which gram possesses when it comes to will affect the entire landscape of both academics and athletics. college sports for years to come. It’s something the commission- Commissioners Kevin War- ers, Penn State Vice President of ren, Jim Phillips and George Intercollegiate Athletics Sandy Kliavkoff said in Tuesday’s press Barbour and James Franklin conference that there is currently touched on, as Happy Valley ath- a “gentleman’s agreement” in letics could soon feel the effects of place to form an alliance — but the alliance. no official contract. While the eighth-year Nittany The move seems to be in direct Lion head coach said he couldn’t response to actions of the SEC, speak on the details of the agree- which is adding powerhouse pro- ment, it was something he said grams Oklahoma and Texas to he’d been anticipating from his Doug McSchooler/AP the conference in 2025. conversations with Barbour. The move signifies that the al- Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren addresses the media at Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis. The Big Ten It may have been a move liance will regain voting power announced Tuesday it would form an alliance with the ACC and Pac-12. Franklin saw coming, but all he over the 16-team SEC when it could do Wednesday evening was comes to topics such as College collaboration, and [they] help we're aligned in how we want described today.” create a degree of certainty in to approach this, but there's The uncertainty surrounding give a vague “Yeah...” followed by Football Playoff expansion, NCAA his knowledge — or lack thereof governing issues and TV rights. an environment that has become no contract. There's no signed the deal is something to keep — on the situation. It also gives the 41 teams a increasingly unstable.” document [at this time].” an eye on as further details de- “I don't like to speak before I brand new opportunity to poten- While the plan is underway, Despite there being no official velop, but the confidence each know the specifics and the de- tially schedule more intriguing there’s nothing in writing — just contract in place, each of the commissioner displayed makes matchups against programs that an agreement from three com- commissioners appear to be on it seem like there won't be any tails, and I don't have a whole lot don’t typically meet, boosting the missioners and the 41 school the same wavelength and feel this unexpected outcomes. of information,” Franklin said. “I fan experience as well. presidents. should have no issues being final- Of course there’s still one Pow- knew it was coming from my con- “We are bullish on the schedul- “There's no signed contract, ized, as it only benefits all three of er Five conference that has yet to versations with Sandy [Barbour]. ing alliance, as it will elevate the there's an agreement among the parties currently involved. make a move, as the Big 12 has I don't want to sit here and make national profile of all of our teams three gentlemen,'' Pac-12 com- “It's about trust. We've looked now lost two of its biggest money a statement when we haven't by playing from coast to coast missioner Kliavkoff said. “There each other in the eye. We've made makers and doesn’t seem to have talked about it as Big Ten coach- with college fans across the coun- is a commitment from 41 presi- an agreement,” Phillips said. “We a clear response. es, and we haven’t had conversa- try as the beneficiaries,” ACC dents and chancellors and 41 have great confidence and faith... Big Ten commissioner War- tions with the Big Ten ADs and commissioner Phillips said. “The athletic directors to do what we I know what we’ve discussed, we ren made sure to say how many commissioner as well.” combination of national games say we're going to do... We wanted all know what we’ve discussed, “fine institutions” there are in the and having a national impact and to make sure we could deliver and we're very confident about Big 12 and said he feels commis- To email reporter: [email protected]. influence are key elements of this 100% on what we promised. So executing on all that's been sioner Bob Bowlsby will do “what Follow him on Twitter at @JMoTweets_. 2020 captain takes new role By Seth Engle comfortable and effective in what THE DAILY COLLEGIAN we're going to ask them to do at defensive end.” After three seasons at the line- While Luketa’s situation is backer position and one year as unique at this point in his college a Penn State captain, a position career, Penn State and longtime change may have defensive coordinator Brent Pry been the last have seen their fair share of de- FOOTBALL thing on Jesse fensive dual-threats over the Luketa’s mind. years. The term “dual-threat” in foot- “Guys like Nick Tarburton and ball is most recognized for a quar- Cam Brown — those guys that terback who can use his legs as are hybrid guys coming in. Bran- well as he can throw, but Luketa’s don Smith to a degree,” Pry said. role as a dual-threat is coming “[Luketa] will have the ability to at two of the most important de- have trades to both positions, and fensive positions for the Nittany so we're able to maximize what Lions. Jesse can do well [and] maximize While young, Penn State’s line- his assets by playing him some on backer room is deep enough to al- the edge.” low Luketa to polish up his pass For a guy like Brown, splitting rushing abilities as a defensive time at both linebacker and de- end. fensive end seemed to do won- According to James Franklin, ders for his ability to rush the the coaching staff believes Luke- quarterback. ta can fill “depth” in the defense, By his senior year, Brown was Lily LaRegina/Collegian especially after the season-end- viewed as a versatile threat in Penn State linebacker Jesse Luketa is practicing at defensive end in 2021 to fill holes on the defense. “Jesse’s ing injury of projected starting Penn State’s defense who could up for any challenge you give him,” wide receiver Jahan Dotson said. defensive end Adisa Isaac. effectively rush the quarterback “I would say probably more of with but still hold down the fort in with him and Ellis Brooks. success, Luketa’s experience On top of playing ability, a veter- his time will be spent at defensive the middle of the field. In football or an everyday work- and Swiss army knife versatility an like Luketa with a solid knowl- end in training camp, just because Luketa’s situation could be place, each individual has to buy will pay dividends for the Nittany edge of Pry’s scheme stream- he has such a foundation and his- similar to Brown’s. into the culture and understand Lions this fall. lines the communication and tory at the linebacker position al- While Luketa has worked Luketa’s focus this offseason their role on the unit. chemistry across the defense. ready within the same scheme,” out as a defensive lineman this may have mostly been on improv- “There's a lot of things that, And just as a chef who has skills Franklin said. “So we want to get offseason, Pry said it is still a ing his skills as a pass rusher, but personally, I don't have to worry him to the point where he's really “one-two punch” at linebacker in more than one area of culinary he’s still right at the top of Penn about whenever communicat- State’s best tacklers.His 59 tack- ing back and forth,” junior line- les in 2020 landed him at second backer Brandon Smith said. “I most on the team. usually have to tell the defensive The biggest concern is cer- end ‘This is what you have to do,’ tainly Luketa’s rushing ability. but since he's knowledgeable In three seasons, he’s only com- about both things, I don't have to bined for 3 sacks — 1.5 less than particularly worry about that. his counterpart Brooks has put “It's a win-win situation as far up in the same three seasons. as that comes to play.” While Luketa’s numbers have Whether Luketa finds himself not suggested him as the great- at linebacker or defensive end for est pass rusher, Pry seems con- fident in his captain’s abilities to the majority of 2021 and beyond, rush the quarterback from the his teammates and coaches don’t trenches. seem to be worried about how he “Jesse has always had very will perform. good rush ability. You go back to “Jesse’s up for any challenge his film, and you look at the snaps you give him,” wide receiver Ja- where he's blitzing for us, and he's han Dotson said. “He's been lit- pretty hard to block,” Pry said. erally in the lab every single day “He's got a good low-shoulder — whether it's his pass rush, no- rush. We consider his rush ability ticing different things with receiv- a real positive for him.” ers, whether they're in the slot or Luketa will likely still get a good outside. number of snaps at linebacker “Every little game he's trying in 2021, but due to his offseason to build on so that he can be the workouts as a pass rusher, he best version of himself.” Caitlin Lee/Collegian file photo could in fact become an even Penn State linebacker Jesse Luketa had 59 tackles as a captain in 2020 and is taking on a dual-threat role better one than what he’s put on To email reporter: [email protected]. in 2021. film. Follow him on Twitter at @bigsengtweets. Page 6 | Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021 LOCAL The Daily Collegian Involvement Fair revives campus By Kate Irwin science) said. “I think people are THE DAILY COLLEGIAN more likely to get involved when they’re talking to real people in Shoulder-to-shoulder students person. There was a virtual fair slowly shuffling under the August last year, but it was really hard to sun through the rows and rows of find what you’re looking for.” bright signs — some encourag- Wolfe particularly is looking to ing students to join a church and become involved with club sports others to learn belly dancing — is this year, as she said she has her a familiar image for some Penn eye on the Ski Club. State students, but it’s one that “I also signed up for the Blue has been absent for well over a and White Society,” she said. “I year. guess I’m drawn to some of the Classes may have started on signs of some clubs — the more Monday, but Penn State’s Involve- colorful a sign, the more likely I ment Fair, running from 11 a.m. am to stop.” to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thurs- Wolfe’s sentiment on the im- day on the HUB-Robeson Center portance of such an interactive lawn, is even more indicative of a fair being in person was echoed semi-return to normal, students by several of her peers. Calvi Tes- said. te said he felt the setup this year This was many students’ first was a major improvement from time experiencing the opening last year’s virtual fair. day hustle and bustle of Penn “This is so great to actually see State’s more than 1,000 clubs the clubs in person,” Teste (soph- Regan Gross/Collegian and organizations — not just omore-finance) said. “Last year, freshmen. The entire class of it was a virtual thing, and I don’t Penn Staters walk up and down the rows of tables filled with posters and interest forms for various clubs and 2024, who are now sophomores, want to be mean, but it was pretty organizations. has never attended an in-person bad. But at least they tried.” Involvement Fair either. Teste approached the In- student council or something like “I think [Penn State Student Af- said. “Phi Alpha Delta, which For Kelly Wolfe, this year’s volvement Fair with a par- that. Another one to keep you fit, fairs] should use up more of the is a pre-law professional frat, is in-person fair allowed her to be ticular theory to maximize his like rock climbing, running [or] lawn,” he said, and he gestured to supposed to be here tomorrow, so much more successful in finding extracurricular experiences. tennis. And the third should be the flanks of empty grass next to I’ll be coming back.” clubs. “I have this rule, and I think for fun — I think it’s good to do the rows. Sophia Tirella said she also at- “I think [it] is really cool that others may have adopted it,” something interesting.” Nick Demopolis agreed there tended the Involvement Fair with everyone comes out here at Teste said. “I want to join three For his third “fun” club, Teste were tons of people milling both an open mind and a couple of once,” Wolfe (sophomore-data clubs. One, a resume builder, like said he is open to many different around but didn’t think the rows specific clubs in mind. options, from cliff diving to some- were too tight, describing the “I’m trying to get involved with thing that may get him out on the setup as “very organized and [Promote Animal Welfare and dance floor. diverse.” Safety], which is an animal shel- “My siblings suggested break- “It has everything,” Demopo- ter,” Tirella (sophomore-animal dancing and ballroom dancing,” lis (freshman-division of under- science) said. he said. “Maybe I’ll do something graduate studies) said. “There’s “I also was looking into Young like that.” a lot of THON organizations, Life. But everyone’s been super Other Penn State students, like there’s a lot of sports organiza- nice, speaking up and reaching Henry Farrell, are seniors, but tions and there’s a lot of academ- out, which makes it easier to go are still experiencing the chaos ic and professional stuff as well. up and talk to people, since I’m on the HUB Lawn for the first It’s random but in a good way. very shy. It’s been fun walking time this year since they were All of the sections of clubs are through the crowd.” transfer students. well-distinguished from each Although the large cluster of Farrell (senior-electrical engi- other.” color and noise after a quieter neering), who transferred from Despite noting an overall wide year may create initial trepida- Penn State Behrend, summed up variety, Demopolis said he was on tion in some students, Tirella said his first impressions in one word the hunt for intramural sports. Al- she believes it was important to — “massive.” though his interest was piqued by finally experience a true taste of “It’s just bigger than anything the Penn State University Dodge- Penn State. they ever had at Behrend,” he ball Club, he said he hoped to find “Walking up, I was over- said. “It’s a ton of people, more more intramural sports, instead whelmed,” Tirella said. “But I than I was expecting, and it’s re- of club sports. realized this is actually really ally hot out, and I thought this Jenna Brandt was also on the cool. Last year, since nothing was was going to be inside. I’m not lookout for a club she said she in person, I barely saw anyone really used to the ginormous couldn’t find at the Involvement on campus. It actually feels like campus thing yet.” Fair. college, and it makes me really Farrell noted the rows full of “I’ve been interested in Lion happy.” Regan Gross/Collegian clubs and students, especially in Ambassadors, but I heard that Students browse clubs offered on Penn State’s campus. “It’s a ton of the heat of the day, were a bit too [it’s] not here for some reason,” To email reporter: [email protected]. people, more than I was expecting,” student Henry Farrell said. narrow to be comfortable. Brandt (sophomore-business) Follow her on Twitter at @kateirwin03.