Weekly Wrap: Concussion research, top home attendance, diversity award

A look back at the top stories for the week of Oct. 18

The Arboretum at Penn State recently hosted the 2015 Pumpkin Festival. Visitors to the event could take part in storytelling, music, crafts and the always popular jack-o'-lantern displays. Credit: Laura Stocker Waldhier / Penn StateCreative Commons

This week's top stories from across Penn State:

CONCUSSION RESEARCH: The Head Health Network (HHN) announced a partnership with the Penn State football team. A major component of the partnership includes utilizing the HHN's advanced sensor system in Penn State's innovative concussion research. This research is built around testing the effectiveness of various concussion-diagnostic tools such as physical and cognitive testing, virtual reality and bio-markers.

BEST FANS: Penn State fans flocking to events this fall have boosted the Nittany Lions into the nation's premier program in top 10 home attendance figures.

DIVERSITY AWARD: Penn State received the 2015 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. The award recognizes colleges and universities for their commitment to diversity and inclusion and is the third straight year Penn State has earned the distinction.

ALUM IN WWE: Recent College of Communications graduate Tom Hannifan, better known as Tom Phillips to WWE Network viewers, has parlayed hard work and persistence into a high-profile broadcasting job.

HEROIN EPIDEMIC: The Probing Question looks into the roots of America's heroin epidemic, when scientists had hoped heroin would be a safer and less addictive alternative to morphine, which had left tens of thousands of soldiers dependent on it after the Civil War.

STORM CHASERS: Every spring, a student club heads to Tornado Alley to observe severe weather. Thanks to advances in technology, it's easier than ever for the Penn State Storm Chase Team to stay safe while chasing storms.

AUCTIONED OFF: A 17th century Brussels tapestry owned by Penn State New Kensington was successfully auctioned off by Sotheby's. The proceeds from the $10,000 selling price will be used to enhance New Kensington's art program.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR BENEFITS: The Highmark Blue Shield website serves as a "one-stop shop" for Penn State employees to view all medical provider costs, health care claims and spending account balances related to their health care plans.

RETIREMENT CHECKUP: With National Retirement Security Week running from Oct. 18 to 24, the Penn State Office of Human Resources is encouraging employees to assess their savings progress.

Last Updated October 22, 2015