Editorial Columns

Downtown Theatre/Penn State Impact: Bringing the Arts Downtown

In just a few days, Penn State will help breathe even more life into downtown State College with the opening of the Penn State Downtown Theatre Center on Allen Street. This new venue promises to lure more visitors to the heart of State College.

For the University, the creation of a new cultural space in downtown is an exciting opportunity to teach and to entertain. Also important is the potential the arts hold for stimulating economic development. In fact, the performing arts now garner more of the public's interest and dollars than sporting events and movie houses, according to a report by the National Governors Association. Encouraging the arts in State College to thrive along with retail activity, restaurants, and other businesses will also add immeasurably to the quality of life here.

I believe that the University is a part of the community -- not just located in the community. Penn State and its employees have a responsibility to engage in activities that benefit the community at large.

From the leadership and expertise that Penn State people provide in commerce and government to the many programs and facilities available on campus, the University is working hard, even during economic downturns, to spark investment in this region. Especially at times like these, universities are needed by their communities.

At Penn State, we are deeply committed to keeping this region, and particularly the downtown, vibrant. We have a high quality of life in Centre County, enhanced by recreation areas, a first-rate hospital, the intellectual environment, and excellent local schools. All of these are important factors in attracting some of the best minds in the country to learn, teach, and excel at the University. The more attractive we can make the community, the more attractive the University and other employers are to prospective residents.

It is my hope that everyone will visit the new theatre in downtown State College and contribute to the continued success of our downtown.