Can you recall your experience of running into Joe Paterno on or off campus and what you said?

[Jerademan74]

The only say "one-on-one" time I really ever had with Joe was about 20 years ago when my son and I were walking from the Lasch building into mid-campus. My son and I were walking in the evening and no-one was around, and as we turned the corner, here came Joe Paterno right at us. We said "Hi Joe". He turned, looked at us and said, " Hi, how are you fellows doing". Now I know this was not a major 1 on 1 dialogue, but it has stuck in both my son's and my mind for all these years. It also helped my son decide that he too would go to Penn State. It is amazing that such a chance, brief meeting was so impactful in our lives. Was this the God-like football culture that Freeh portrayed amongst Penn Staters? Call it what you want, but Joe was a great man, and I will always defend Joe as long as I have to!

 

[michnittlion]

The only say "one-on-one" time I really ever had with Joe was about 20 years ago when my son and I were walking from the Lasch building into mid-campus. My son and I were walking in the evening and no-one was around, and as we turned the corner, here came Joe Paterno right at us. We said "Hi Joe". He turned, looked at us and said, " Hi, how are you fellows doing". Now I know this was not a major 1 on 1 dialogue, but it has stuck in both my son's and my mind for all these years. It also helped my son decide that he too would go to Penn State. It is amazing that such a chance, brief meeting was so impactful in our lives. Was this the God-like football culture that Freeh portrayed amongst Penn Staters? Call it what you want, but Joe was a great man, and I will always defend Joe as long as I have to!

I had lunch with him (he did a lunch with the Interest House on-campus where I was living) in March 1994. Got to chat with him for about 5 minutes. Personable guy, told good stories, definitely liked him.

 

[psuro]

Saw him on campus before "the" Fiesta Bowl - I was finishing up finals, and walking across campus and there he was (near the library). We chatted for a few minutes, he asked me how finals went, and I said "OK". He said something along the lines of "your parents won't be happy with OK". And.....he was right. They weren't

 

[Art]

Ran into Joe in the Men's Department of Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC and we discussed buying shirts (Sue must have been otherwise occupied) and the prospects for that year's team. Years later when I met him at a social gathering, he tugged on the shirt he was wearing and said "Art, this is one of the shirts you helped me buy."

 

[NittanySlappy]

Freshman waiting in front of Ewing Hall for my folks to pick me up on a Sunday evening. Joe walks by and asks how my semester is going then asks if I should be studying...

 

[ForesterGump]

I saw him driving on campus back in June, 2011 during the state Special Olympics at UP. We were at the Natatorium, We basically yelled, it's Joe, and he returned a wave and his broad smile.

My cousin had probably the most humorous run in with Joe a good number of years ago. He was at Zimmie's off the PA turnpike in Denver. They were eating breakfast and he excused himself to go to the bathroom. He runs into Joe at the urinal. My cousin's response was "Normally I'd ask to shake your hand." A short, cordial conversation ensued.

 

[Toledo Lion 3]

The only say "one-on-one" time I really ever had with Joe was about 20 years ago when my son and I were walking from the Lasch building into mid-campus. My son and I were walking in the evening and no-one was around, and as we turned the corner, here came Joe Paterno right at us. We said "Hi Joe". He turned, looked at us and said, " Hi, how are you fellows doing". Now I know this was not a major 1 on 1 dialogue, but it has stuck in both my son's and my mind for all these years. It also helped my son decide that he too would go to Penn State. It is amazing that such a chance, brief meeting was so impactful in our lives. Was this the God-like football culture that Freeh portrayed amongst Penn Staters? Call it what you want, but Joe was a great man, and I will always defend Joe as long as I have to!

 

[fairgambit]

Ran into Joe in the Men's Department of Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC and we discussed buying shirts (Sue must have been otherwise occupied) and the prospects for that year's team. Years later when I met him at a social gathering, he tugged on the shirt he was wearing and said "Art, this is one of the shirts you helped me buy."

That is amazing. Great story Art.

 

[BBrown]

The only say "one-on-one" time I really ever had with Joe was about 20 years ago when my son and I were walking from the Lasch building into mid-campus. My son and I were walking in the evening and no-one was around, and as we turned the corner, here came Joe Paterno right at us. We said "Hi Joe". He turned, looked at us and said, " Hi, how are you fellows doing". Now I know this was not a major 1 on 1 dialogue, but it has stuck in both my son's and my mind for all these years. It also helped my son decide that he too would go to Penn State. It is amazing that such a chance, brief meeting was so impactful in our lives. Was this the God-like football culture that Freeh portrayed amongst Penn Staters? Call it what you want, but Joe was a great man, and I will always defend Joe as long as I have to!

Used to pass him every Tues. and Thurs. coming back from the classes (theatre arts building) going to North Halls.
He always said Hello and asked how I was doing. Funny thing was if I passed him on Thurs. but not on Tues. He knew it and
asked where I was.

Also saw he and Jay walking back through North Halls parking lot after games in the early 90's.
Was always very accommodating and approachable.

 

[sluggo72]

The only say "one-on-one" time I really ever had with Joe was about 20 years ago when my son and I were walking from the Lasch building into mid-campus. My son and I were walking in the evening and no-one was around, and as we turned the corner, here came Joe Paterno right at us. We said "Hi Joe". He turned, looked at us and said, " Hi, how are you fellows doing". Now I know this was not a major 1 on 1 dialogue, but it has stuck in both my son's and my mind for all these years. It also helped my son decide that he too would go to Penn State. It is amazing that such a chance, brief meeting was so impactful in our lives. Was this the God-like football culture that Freeh portrayed amongst Penn Staters? Call it what you want, but Joe was a great man, and I will always defend Joe as long as I have to!

Joe spoke at my sister's graduation from Gettysburg. I remember he spoke about that prep school up the street, ' Bucknell', it got a big reaction. He was standing in the SUB at Gettysburg afterward by himself, I just walked up, shook his hand, thanked him for coming and walked off. I was 25 at the time.

 

[Toledo Lion 3]

Early Sept. 1971 at Rec. Hall. I had just spent several hours out on "the floor" picking up my courses for my first term. It had been a disaster, couldn't get courses I wanted/needed, had to take two courses on SATURDAY MORNING!!! I must have looked like hell. Headed for some water out of one of those old white linoleum fountains that usually pumped out warm water There he was headed for the same fountain. Just as I was ready to tell him to go first, he looked at me and said " you first, you look like you really need it" . Who else remembers Sat A.M. classes?

 

[Jerademan74]

Funny story It left a lasting impression on you, didn't it?

 

[ApexLion]

Ran into Joe in the Men's Department of Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC and we discussed buying shirts (Sue must have been otherwise occupied) and the prospects for that year's team. Years later when I met him at a social gathering, he tugged on the shirt he was wearing and said "Art, this is one of the shirts you helped me buy."

Not a surprise. His memory was unbelievable at times. I sat with him for one half of a bball game - I was with a donor and he was being polite. He seemed to know every restaurant owner, teacher, principal and high school coach in the Harrisburg/Hershey area by name and could discuss their families without missing a beat. Unreal mind when it came to stories. I mentioned my CYO sports banquet 20 years earlier and he remembered the guy who put it together. Simply unreal.

 

[sluggo72]

Early Sept. 1971 at Rec. Hall. I had just spent several hours out on "the floor" picking up my courses for my first term. It had been a disaster, couldn't get courses I wanted/needed, had to take two courses on SATURDAY MORNING!!! I must have looked like hell. Headed for some water out of one of those old white linoleum fountains that usually pumped out warm water There he was headed for the same fountain. Just as I was ready to tell him to go first, he looked at me and said " you first, you look like you really need it" . Who else remembers Sat A.M. classes?

I didn't go to PSU, but there was 1 Saturday am class, Chem 111, and I had it!! You cant teach Chem 2 days a week according to DR Parker, and he didn't want it mwf, as that's when all the other science classes were!

 

[BBrown]

Early Sept. 1971 at Rec. Hall. I had just spent several hours out on "the floor" picking up my courses for my first term. It had been a disaster, couldn't get courses I wanted/needed, had to take two courses on SATURDAY MORNING!!! I must have looked like hell. Headed for some water out of one of those old white linoleum fountains that usually pumped out warm water There he was headed for the same fountain. Just as I was ready to tell him to go first, he looked at me and said " you first, you look like you really need it" . Who else remembers Sat A.M. classes?

LOL, I wonder how many others remember the cattle call that was "the floor". Only when I was there it was the I.M. Building.
Hell I had a hard enough time trying to figure where my name fell in their bizarre alphabet soup line.

 

[demlion]

The only say "one-on-one" time I really ever had with Joe was about 20 years ago when my son and I were walking from the Lasch building into mid-campus. My son and I were walking in the evening and no-one was around, and as we turned the corner, here came Joe Paterno right at us. We said "Hi Joe". He turned, looked at us and said, " Hi, how are you fellows doing". Now I know this was not a major 1 on 1 dialogue, but it has stuck in both my son's and my mind for all these years. It also helped my son decide that he too would go to Penn State. It is amazing that such a chance, brief meeting was so impactful in our lives. Was this the God-like football culture that Freeh portrayed amongst Penn Staters? Call it what you want, but Joe was a great man, and I will always defend Joe as long as I have to!

Spring of 79 or 80, walking toward the Creamery from East Halls, and here comes Joe right at me on the sidewalk, eating a big double scoop cone. I said, "Hi, Coach!" and through a mouthful of ice cream he says.....wait for it...."Hi."

 

[LundyPSU]

Walking out of the library at about 5 or 6pm on a Friday night. I passed Joe as I was walking out and he told me I was going the wrong direction.

 

[dwiz]

The only say "one-on-one" time I really ever had with Joe was about 20 years ago when my son and I were walking from the Lasch building into mid-campus. My son and I were walking in the evening and no-one was around, and as we turned the corner, here came Joe Paterno right at us. We said "Hi Joe". He turned, looked at us and said, " Hi, how are you fellows doing". Now I know this was not a major 1 on 1 dialogue, but it has stuck in both my son's and my mind for all these years. It also helped my son decide that he too would go to Penn State. It is amazing that such a chance, brief meeting was so impactful in our lives. Was this the God-like football culture that Freeh portrayed amongst Penn Staters? Call it what you want, but Joe was a great man, and I will always defend Joe as long as I have to!

I took a selfie with Joepa in maybe 2001/2002 when cell phones just started having cameras on them. He had no idea what was going on.

 

[GregPSU]

The only say "one-on-one" time I really ever had with Joe was about 20 years ago when my son and I were walking from the Lasch building into mid-campus. My son and I were walking in the evening and no-one was around, and as we turned the corner, here came Joe Paterno right at us. We said "Hi Joe". He turned, looked at us and said, " Hi, how are you fellows doing". Now I know this was not a major 1 on 1 dialogue, but it has stuck in both my son's and my mind for all these years. It also helped my son decide that he too would go to Penn State. It is amazing that such a chance, brief meeting was so impactful in our lives. Was this the God-like football culture that Freeh portrayed amongst Penn Staters? Call it what you want, but Joe was a great man, and I will always defend Joe as long as I have to!

About 25 or so years ago ran into him every morning one week at the beach in Avalon, NJ. No one in the house would believe me every day when I returned from my walk. So, finally they all went with me one a.m. (with cameras) and they got the surprise of their lives. We all got great pictures with Joe. Joe told my sister-in-law that she reminded him of Sue. I have an 8x10 of Joe and me on the wall that I will treasure forever.

 

[Jerademan74]

About 25 or so years ago ran into him every morning one week at the beach in Avalon, NJ. No one in the house would believe me every day when I returned from my walk. So, finally they all went with me one a.m. (with cameras) and they got the surprise of their lives. We all got great pictures with Joe. Joe told my sister-in-law that she reminded him of Sue. I have an 8x10 of Joe and me on the wall that I will treasure forever.

Great story Greg!

 

[rudedude]

First year at main campus, walking to Pollock Dining Hall to get my dining pass and who comes down the steps but Joepa. He cordially greeted my parents & myself and told me to have a good semester.

I used to live in Nittany 28 on campus (old Army barracks) and Joe would walk by our building often to get to the practice fields. He would always stop and talk with us for a brief time prior to going to practice or a home game. He even tossed a frisbee with us once for a brief time but quit because he said it something for us young guys to do! This was 77-79.

 

[CF LION]

First year at main campus, walking to Pollock Dining Hall to get my dining pass and who comes down the steps but Joepa. He cordially greeted my parents & myself and told me to have a good semester.

I used to live in Nittany 28 on campus (old Army barracks) and Joe would walk by our building often to get to the practice fields. He would always stop and talk with us for a brief time prior to going to practice or a home game. He even tossed a frisbee with us once for a brief time but quit because he said it something for us young guys to do! This was 77-79.

I lived in Nittany 36 for a brief time. One day another guy and I were tossing a baseball. The other guy threw it over my head and it rolled down to the sidewalk. Joe happened to be walking by, picked up the ball and tossed it to me. We had a brief exchange, and then I proceeded to deliver a strike to my buddy. Joe told me I had a good arm.

 

[RentechCEO]

In a previous life I used to travel around with the President (of the US). One trip where I was the lead, we went to good ole State College. I had never been there. This was in July 2000. There was a Governor's convention/meeting there at a center (can't remember the name of it) kind of off campus then. My dad-in-law was a huge fan and I was too (not as much as him) but I had asked about whether Joe was there and was told that he was away somewhere. Well, on game day (as we used to call it) there was Joe. Now, all of us were active duty military but in civilian clothes. When he found out about that he came up to us and was very nice and told us he was once in etc. Nice guy. Very charismatic. The other thing I remember was AF-1 landing at SC Airport having to really squeal it's brakes cause the strip was so short. Also, I had my first Yuengling Premium beer (after the Pres left) and it is still my favorite. Only regret was that I didn't get my Dad-in-law up from Berks county. He would have loved that! Also, went to a very neat military museum in Boalsburg (sp)? Nice place up there in the summer.

 

[Elwood Blues]

I was talking to Sue at a fundraiser and mentioned that my then nine year old daughter would love to have Joe's autograph. He was in the midst of a long conversation with someone else. Sue spun him around to face my daughter. Star struck, she stammered "I really like football." Joe replied warmly "I really like you."

 

[MontereyLion]

Early Sept. 1971 at Rec. Hall. I had just spent several hours out on "the floor" picking up my courses for my first term. It had been a disaster, couldn't get courses I wanted/needed, had to take two courses on SATURDAY MORNING!!! I must have looked like hell. Headed for some water out of one of those old white linoleum fountains that usually pumped out warm water There he was headed for the same fountain. Just as I was ready to tell him to go first, he looked at me and said " you first, you look like you really need it" . Who else remembers Sat A.M. classes?

I always ended up having to take Saturday morning classes. I made sure that it never was a first period classes. Way too hard to get up for.

 

[kgilbert78]

Saw him in front of the library before the ground breaking for the Paterno library. I was too shy (as was my brother) to say a word--though we were donors.

 

[Pocono Lion]

A Sunday morning in the Fall of '81. I was a freshman Blue Band member, and we had just lost to Alabama 31-16 the day before (if I remember correctly, we were stuffed on the goal line a couple of times similar to the '79 Sugar Bowl). My parents and my mom's aunt were up for the weekend and we went down to see the all-sports museum (at that time it was in the football offices next to the ice pavilion). My parents had just asked me "Do you ever see Joe Paterno?" and my answer was "Nah, never see him", in a typical 18 year old know-it-all way when guess who walks around the corner? Joe. He was going into the office to look at film. He stopped and couldn't have been more gracious. Pictures were taken and he quipped, "I didn't think anyone would want my picture today", referring to yesterday's loss. My mom's aunt was from Lehighton, and Joe made reference to a player from there, don't remember if he was on the team or not, but knew everything about the kid, made his interaction with her very personal. My dad passed away from cancer the following March, and it's one of my great memories that he got to see his son march in Beaver Stadium and met Joe Paterno, whom he adored, in the same weekend.

 

[PSU65]

It was sometime in the late '80's--don't know what building it was (Greenberg?)--but I was looking down at some of the players lifting weights on the level below--and in walks Joe. He walks right up to me and asks how I'm doing and asks about my son who I had just dropped off. And then he jokes with me about whether I'd be trying out for the team (I told him I still had some eligibility left). Ha ha. A very friendly guy.

 

[butchnitt]

The only say "one-on-one" time I really ever had with Joe was about 20 years ago when my son and I were walking from the Lasch building into mid-campus. My son and I were walking in the evening and no-one was around, and as we turned the corner, here came Joe Paterno right at us. We said "Hi Joe". He turned, looked at us and said, " Hi, how are you fellows doing". Now I know this was not a major 1 on 1 dialogue, but it has stuck in both my son's and my mind for all these years. It also helped my son decide that he too would go to Penn State. It is amazing that such a chance, brief meeting was so impactful in our lives. Was this the God-like football culture that Freeh portrayed amongst Penn Staters? Call it what you want, but Joe was a great man, and I will always defend Joe as long as I have to!

This dates back to 1977. Our usual game day custom was to have breakfast at the Dutch Pantry in Danville on our way to games. As we were being directed to our table we noticed Joe sitting alone and making game notes (left handed of course). Assuming he was at the hospital we only asked how his son David was doing and Joe said there was progress. On his way out of the restaurant Joe stopped at our table, patted my son on the head and asked who was going to win today. My son who was 11 at the time didn't want to go to the game but wanted to go home and tell everyone he met Joe. Ironically my son who has an ME degree from PSU graduated at the same commencement as David and Joe was in attendance.

 

[Blueblood4eva]

Spring of '06 I was meandering on College Ave. while my wife and student daughter were in stores shopping. Joe appears from a random store front. I said hi and told him it was great to be back winning major bowl games. He said I looked familiar and I introduced myself. His eyes widened and he said, "we had a pretty good QB with that name, are you related?" I was not but he seemed happy to hear that name again.

 

[tallahasseelion]

The only say "one-on-one" time I really ever had with Joe was about 20 years ago when my son and I were walking from the Lasch building into mid-campus. My son and I were walking in the evening and no-one was around, and as we turned the corner, here came Joe Paterno right at us. We said "Hi Joe". He turned, looked at us and said, " Hi, how are you fellows doing". Now I know this was not a major 1 on 1 dialogue, but it has stuck in both my son's and my mind for all these years. It also helped my son decide that he too would go to Penn State. It is amazing that such a chance, brief meeting was so impactful in our lives. Was this the God-like football culture that Freeh portrayed amongst Penn Staters? Call it what you want, but Joe was a great man, and I will always defend Joe as long as I have to!

I wasn't there for this but a friend, a chemistry grad student at the time, was. A group of chemists were flying (this is back when the airport was a runway and a couple of trailers) to a conference, including an elderly chemist, let's call him Doctor J. The plane was abuzz when Joe boarded (hey, hey...it's Joe) and proceeded to take his seat next to Doctor J. Everyone was listening in on a conversation that went something like this:
Joe: "Hello"
Doctor J: "Hello"
Joe notices all the research papers Doctor J has with him and says
Joe: "I see you are on the faculty here at Penn State"
Doctor J: "Yes. Yes, I am. I'm Doctor......blah, blah (long boring discourse on his research)"
After a bit of a pause, Doctor J turns to Joe and says
Doctor J: "And what do you do?"
The whole plane lost it.

 

[lubrano]

The one I recount here is the one that sustains me and reminds me why I do this.

January 10, 2012. I visit with Joe and Sue at their home. During the conversation, I tell Joe that he's brought the Penn State community together like no one else could. In Joe Paterno fashion, he says, "Hey. This isn't about me. This is about our school and leaving it a better place than we found it."

Remarkable words from a truly remarkable human being. While the University leaders have used him as their scapegoat, he reminds us all why he will forever be endeared to us.

He tried always to do what was right. And he always thought of Penn State first!

We were very blessed to have his leadership for so long.

 

[MAJoePa]

Like it was yesterday.

Walking to the library early one spring weekend (a rarity for me )and who is walking towards me but Coach Paterno. Hi said 'Good morning Coach' and he stopped me and asked me what I was studying what my plans after college were, etc. It lasted about 3 minutes, but it appeared he had an interest in what I had to say, and wished me luck. It was just another conversation to him, but it has stayed with me.

 

[slwlion]

The only say "one-on-one" time I really ever had with Joe was about 20 years ago when my son and I were walking from the Lasch building into mid-campus. My son and I were walking in the evening and no-one was around, and as we turned the corner, here came Joe Paterno right at us. We said "Hi Joe". He turned, looked at us and said, " Hi, how are you fellows doing". Now I know this was not a major 1 on 1 dialogue, but it has stuck in both my son's and my mind for all these years. It also helped my son decide that he too would go to Penn State. It is amazing that such a chance, brief meeting was so impactful in our lives. Was this the God-like football culture that Freeh portrayed amongst Penn Staters? Call it what you want, but Joe was a great man, and I will always defend Joe as long as I have to!

• 1999 at the Orange Bowl Miami.. A bus load of us came in from Key largo.. As we were crossing the street the PSU bus stopped for pedestrian traffic.. JoePa stood in the open door amidst screaming Um fans with their usual offensive, language.. Myself and a friend said to JoePa, I don't think they like you..His reply "hopefully they will like me even less after the game"..And of course they did !! One of the best moments ever..

 

[fairgambit]

I wasn't there for this but a friend, a chemistry grad student at the time, was. A group of chemists were flying (this is back when the airport was a runway and a couple of trailers) to a conference, including an elderly chemist, let's call him Doctor J. The plane was abuzz when Joe boarded (hey, hey...it's Joe) and proceeded to take his seat next to Doctor J. Everyone was listening in on a conversation that went something like this:
Joe: "Hello"
Doctor J: "Hello"
Joe notices all the research papers Doctor J has with him and says
Joe: "I see you are on the faculty here at Penn State"
Doctor J: "Yes. Yes, I am. I'm Doctor......blah, blah (long boring discourse on his research)"
After a bit of a pause, Doctor J turns to Joe and says
Doctor J: "And what do you do?"
The whole plane lost it.

Great story!

 

[fairgambit]

Spring of '06 I was meandering on College Ave. while my wife and student daughter were in stores shopping. Joe appears from a random store front. I said hi and told him it was great to be back winning major bowl games. He said I looked familiar and I introduced myself. His eyes widened and he said, "we had a pretty good QB with that name, are you related?" I was not but he seemed happy to hear that name again.

We had a QB named Blueblood4eva? Must have been in the 50's.

 

[m.knox]

I said nothing. Walked right by him near Brothers Pizza.

On the other hand, I worked at a shoe shop on Allen. Mrs. Paterno would bring in Joe's shoe's to be cleaned up and weatherized. "Pops", all 5'4" of him (hunched over to about 5'1"), would stand over me and watch while I sanded the edge of the sole, inked it, and buffed them up. Of course he made "recommendations" - wrong color, more ink, missed a spot, give it an extra coat.......

That's the real claim to fame. I shined Joe's shoes.

 

[Mister Magoo]

I almost flattened him. By accident. I lived in an apt. On Park Ave. I came back between semesters to work at my p/t job. After loss to OU. I took the Cata bus back from the Weis downtown because I was out of groceries. I had two big paper bags, one in each arm and struggling. I got off the bus and walked toward rear and stepped off curb without looking. He was coming from the other side of the street and I nearly ran into him. Gathered myself after I realized it was him. He asked if I was ok. Yup. Thanks coach.

 

[Blueblood4eva]

We had a QB named Blueblood4eva? Must have been in the 50's.

OK.....Two undefeated seasons at the helm. That should narrow it down if not give it away! Typical of Joe though, to just say 'pretty good'.

 

[NICNEM_PSU80]

I wasn't there for this but a friend, a chemistry grad student at the time, was. A group of chemists were flying (this is back when the airport was a runway and a couple of trailers) to a conference, including an elderly chemist, let's call him Doctor J. The plane was abuzz when Joe boarded (hey, hey...it's Joe) and proceeded to take his seat next to Doctor J. Everyone was listening in on a conversation that went something like this:
Joe: "Hello"
Doctor J: "Hello"
Joe notices all the research papers Doctor J has with him and says
Joe: "I see you are on the faculty here at Penn State"
Doctor J: "Yes. Yes, I am. I'm Doctor......blah, blah (long boring discourse on his research)"
After a bit of a pause, Doctor J turns to Joe and says
Doctor J: "And what do you do?"
The whole plane lost it.

That was great- Best quote yet!