Penn State is a paradox

[Marylovesthelions]

I spent 2 Saturdays in September, walking around campus after 17 years away. I strengthened the love that I have for Penn State. I still have zero respect for most of the leaders on campus or the BOT.
I am 77, graduated in 1967, and live 1100 miles away, but I am buying season tickets next year. Nothing other than salvation changed my life more than our university.

 

[Tweedbear]

Feel the same way about Penn State.
It changed my life. Season ticket holder since 1954. Now share a friend's ticket package. More accessible seats for my tired old knees.
What I don't understand is the irrational hate that so many people post.
Nothing is ever good enough etc.
Proud to say win or lose
We are Penn State

 

[DrJC]

I was at PSU 1962-1966, then military service, returning in 1970 to finish my senior year and graduate. I maintained season tickets through 2019, then just could not risk the seating. Also, $500/night for a room was just ridiculous. PSU has always been my personal Oz. When things were overwhelming or my practice was burning me out, I would get on route 80 and take the yellow brick road back to a place that was restorative and dispelled all the daily crap that crowded my life. But I have become somewhat disenchanted, starting foremost with the handling of the Paterno issue. I lost any respect for the BOT and was not particularly fond of Spanier. So I would instead of a football game, go the Toftrees in the summer when rates were reasonable and play some golf, visit with old friends and professors. Still don't understand why there is no quality restaurant in SC????Maybe I am accustomed to NYC restaurants. My daughter went to PSU as well and seems to not have the need to return on any regular basis. Somehow or other I feel that PSU has gotten too large and lost some of the charm that it had in the 60's and 70's. Sorry about the rant.l

 

[JayWye]

I was at PSU 1962-1966, then military service, returning in 1970 to finish my senior year and graduate. I maintained season tickets through 2019, then just could not risk the seating. Also, $500/night for a room was just ridiculous. PSU has always been my personal Oz. When things were overwhelming or my practice was burning me out, I would get on route 80 and take the yellow brick road back to a place that was restorative and dispelled all the daily crap that crowded my life. But I have become somewhat disenchanted, starting foremost with the handling of the Paterno issue. I lost any respect for the BOT and was not particularly fond of Spanier. So I would instead of a football game, go the Toftrees in the summer when rates were reasonable and play some golf, visit with old friends and professors. Still don't understand why there is no quality restaurant in SC????Maybe I am accustomed to NYC restaurants. My daughter went to PSU as well and seems to not have the need to return on any regular basis. Somehow or other I feel that PSU has gotten too large and lost some of the charm that it had in the 60's and 70's. Sorry about the rant.l

There are plenty of "quality restaurants" in SC.

 

[ForesterGump]

My daughter was in the State Special Olympic competition that is held each year in June. I remember walking around campus early on a Sunday morning in June. I graduated in 1970 and had been back several times. But, this had been the first time in 35 yrs. That particular Sunday morning was memorable because there was absolutely nobody on campus. I saw about 5 people while I walked all over the campus. Absolutely the best time to see the campus. My daughter has dropped out of competition, so I haven't been back in 10 yrs.

 

[Texas Lion]

I would be willing to guess that most of the posters that promote the hate are fans and not alumni. I would imagine as a fan some of the things that you see on Saturdays would anger you like it would watching an NFL Game. And, although there are probably some, alumni will give more of a break for a loss because they know the experience the player is getting.

In the end, if people were honest I bet you would see most of the bad posters are just fans and have no connection to the school.

 

[ouirpsu]

My daughter was in the State Special Olympic competition that is held each year in June. I remember walking around campus early on a Sunday morning in June. I graduated in 1970 and had been back several times. But, this had been the first time in 35 yrs. That particular Sunday morning was memorable because there was absolutely nobody on campus. I saw about 5 people while I walked all over the campus. Absolutely the best time to see the campus. My daughter has dropped out of competition, so I haven't been back in 10 yrs.

What sport(s) did she compete in? My son earned a certificate in bowling at the state (NC) level, and has won two golds and silver medal in golf at the county level.

 

[KCLion]

I would be willing to guess that most of the posters that promote the hate are fans and not alumni. I would imagine as a fan some of the things that you see on Saturdays would anger you like it would watching an NFL Game. And, although there are probably some, alumni will give more of a break for a loss because they know the experience the player is getting.

In the end, if people were honest I bet you would see most of the bad posters are just fans and have no connection to the school.

Curious as to your definition of a bad poster? If I’m critical of the coaching does that make me a bad poster??

 

[DrJC]

There are plenty of "quality restaurants" in SC.

Not since Zola's closed

 

[valleyforgebob]

I was at PSU 1962-1966, then military service, returning in 1970 to finish my senior year and graduate. I maintained season tickets through 2019, then just could not risk the seating. Also, $500/night for a room was just ridiculous. PSU has always been my personal Oz. When things were overwhelming or my practice was burning me out, I would get on route 80 and take the yellow brick road back to a place that was restorative and dispelled all the daily crap that crowded my life. But I have become somewhat disenchanted, starting foremost with the handling of the Paterno issue. I lost any respect for the BOT and was not particularly fond of Spanier. So I would instead of a football game, go the Toftrees in the summer when rates were reasonable and play some golf, visit with old friends and professors. Still don't understand why there is no quality restaurant in SC????Maybe I am accustomed to NYC restaurants. My daughter went to PSU as well and seems to not have the need to return on any regular basis. Somehow or other I feel that PSU has gotten too large and lost some of the charm that it had in the 60's and 70's. Sorry about the rant.l

You expressed many of the same feelings that I have, Graduated a year later ,

 

[valleyforgebob]

Not since Zola's closed

I also agree about Zola's. That was the place we had dinner every Friday prior to a game. Not much available now.

 

[PSUALREADYKNOW]

I spent 2 Saturdays in September, walking around campus after 17 years away. I strengthened the love that I have for Penn State. I still have zero respect for most of the leaders on campus or the BOT.
I am 77, graduated in 1967, and live 1100 miles away, but I am buying season tickets next year. Nothing other than salvation changed my life more than our university.

I'm not debating your sentiment, but what makes you define this as a paradox? Why use THAT word?

 

[Texas Lion]

Curious as to your definition of a bad poster? If I’m critical of the coaching does that make me a bad poster??

Feeling guilty or what? I never mentioned any names. I just made a point.

 

[Roar Lions Roar]

I was at PSU 1962-1966, then military service, returning in 1970 to finish my senior year and graduate. I maintained season tickets through 2019, then just could not risk the seating. Also, $500/night for a room was just ridiculous. PSU has always been my personal Oz. When things were overwhelming or my practice was burning me out, I would get on route 80 and take the yellow brick road back to a place that was restorative and dispelled all the daily crap that crowded my life. But I have become somewhat disenchanted, starting foremost with the handling of the Paterno issue. I lost any respect for the BOT and was not particularly fond of Spanier. So I would instead of a football game, go the Toftrees in the summer when rates were reasonable and play some golf, visit with old friends and professors. Still don't understand why there is no quality restaurant in SC????Maybe I am accustomed to NYC restaurants. My daughter went to PSU as well and seems to not have the need to return on any regular basis. Somehow or other I feel that PSU has gotten too large and lost some of the charm that it had in the 60's and 70's. Sorry about the rant.l

You should try Federal Taphouse. It’s above Target on Beaver Avenue. Good stuff.

 

[KCLion]

Feeling guilty or what? I never mentioned any names. I just made a point.

No, just testing your hypothesis? Can you define a bad poster or not?

 

[Conemaugh]

I would be willing to guess that most of the posters that promote the hate are fans and not alumni. I would imagine as a fan some of the things that you see on Saturdays would anger you like it would watching an NFL Game. And, although there are probably some, alumni will give more of a break for a loss because they know the experience the player is getting.

In the end, if people were honest I bet you would see most of the bad posters are just fans and have no connection to the school.

I am not sure that bad posters have no connection to the school. Bad posters are bad posters. Great posters may have no connection to the school either. I do think that more recent graduates are less likely to hold Penn State in high regard. Some of that is Penn State's fault with the extreme cost of tuition, some of that is the graduate's fault if they took on too many loans for a degree that doesn't lead to a productive career, and some of that is just youth and perspective (hard to reminisce when busy trying to buy a home and start a family). One thing is for sure though.... Penn State and any other University operates much more as a business and less as a institution of learning each and every year. The graduates will tend to respond accordingly.

 

[psupride1997]

With reports of Clifford coming back, no way am I on board next year. It’s simply not entertaining football, or any way to spend your Saturday.

 

[DrJC]

I am ot in favor of Clifford returning. If there are no loses to the portal, we have two fine recruits coming onto the team who will want playing time. If he returns, I think we lose at least one. With Dotson gone, it is time to rebuild and get the issue of the OL straightened out or we cannot contend in the BigTen.

 

[KCLion]

I am not sure that bad posters have no connection to the school. Bad posters are bad posters. Great posters may have no connection to the school either. I do think that more recent graduates are less likely to hold Penn State in high regard. Some of that is Penn State's fault with the extreme cost of tuition, some of that is the graduate's fault if they took on too many loans for a degree that doesn't lead to a productive career, and some of that is just youth and perspective (hard to reminisce when busy trying to buy a home and start a family). One thing is for sure though.... Penn State and any other University operates much more as a business and less as a institution of learning each and every year. The graduates will tend to respond accordingly.

Your second to last sentence is so true. I would add that decisions made by the old guard BOT have soured the feelings of many of the older alumni (this one included).

I still haven’t got a response as to TexasLion criteria for bad poster vs good poster.

 

[86PSUPaul]

Your second to last sentence is so true. I would add that decisions made by the old guard BOT have soured the feelings of many of the older alumni (this one included).

This one too!

 

[PSUinMICH]

This one too!

This one three!