"… Paterno has not been a member of this university’s staff since 2011. He is no longer a community hero. Paterno was a remarkable part of this university for numerous years, and for that we have the right to be thankful. For those who attended Penn State while he was here, he has every right to remain a legend. He was a hero, and no one wants to see their hero fall.
But in light of these past years — even these past few weeks — this is in no way the right time or manner to “commemorate” him, if he even deserves to be so." …
I am in the minority on this - but I agree with the student editorial on this. My husband and I are both alumni and my daughter is there now and my son just applied. We bleed blue and white…for the UNIVERSITY. The problem is conflating the football team with the University. The students there were never at a Penn State where Joe Paterno was the coach. They have never seen him walking down Park Avenue. Their most recent and obvious connection between Joe Paterno and the University is a negative one. I say let the kids be proud of their University without needing to defend it.
I’ve gotten skewered on other boards for voicing this opinion (not very Penn State behavior in my opinion). But, there are a lot of alumni who feel as I do. They are just too afraid to say it publicly (but they say it to me!).
Plenty of support for The Collegian editorial hereabouts, you are not alone! And the pregame ceremony will not be ienough to appease the strident alum. I think The Collegian was very right, and brave to stand up for the current students.
I also agree with the student editorial, and you guys are absolutely right. The pregame celebration will not be enough for Paterno fans, and the current student body only knows the negative feelings associated with the scandal. They want to move on, and focus on the many things that make Penn State great now and in the future. Paterno was a great coach, and loved by many, but he is gone now and I would think that continuing to honor him only makes the pain of the Sandusky scandal resurface and does not bring honor to the university or it’s football program.