Editorial Columns

A Strong Community Makes the University a Better Place

The new Penn State Downtown Theatre Center, located near the intersection of South Allen Street and Beaver Avenue, may be one of the more visible local community initiatives the University has undertaken in recent months.

With the lighted marquee drawing people to sell-out shows, Penn State has given another boost to the local economy and to the culture of the region. People are telling us they come in early and dine in downtown restaurants before they go to a show. After the show, some are staying downtown for late night entertainment.

This was a classic win-win situation for both town and gown. Our very successful theatre program needed an additional venue for shows, and we solved that problem by drawing more adults into the downtown area in the evenings -- a strong plus for the borough and local businesses.

Why is that important to Penn State?

Because in addition to being one of the largest research universities in the nation and in addition to educating 42,000 students locally, we are an integral part of the community.

If we want to attract the top minds here, the University must do its part to make sure people will be surrounded by a community in which they and their families can thrive.

To bring in top name acts to The Bryce Jordan Center, to host tens of thousands of families and friends on commencement weekends, and to fill one of the largest football stadiums in the nation, we need hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments.

The National Governors' Association meeting, and many other such conferences, never would occur without adequate local hotel space, restaurants, shops and tourist destinations.

Academic conferences and youth camps at Penn State bring more than 40,000 people to the State College area each year, and part of the University's attraction to these visitors is our local vibrant community.

We will continue to commit Penn State resources to assist in efforts to make the Centre Region a better place, as we have historically. Examples? Centre Community Hospital. Penn State donated the land it sits on. The 63-acre Millbrook Marsh nature preserve located just a few steps from campus and downtown State College. Penn State donated the land. The new Alpha Ambulance facility soon to be under construction along College Avenue. Penn State donated the land. The fastest growing airport in Pennsylvania. Penn State operates the University Park Airport and has provided the land to make the airport possible.

All of these important services and facilities for the local community are in the University's best interests just as much as they are in the community's best interests.

We plan to continue our support to enhance the community and to help make this a great location to study, work, or raise a family.