Impact

Penn State Lehigh Valley to 'Light It Up Blue' for autism awareness

Campus participating in Autism Speaks event for third year

The Lehigh Valley Nittany Lion Shrine awash in blue light for autism awareness. Credit: Kate Morgan / Penn StateCreative Commons

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. (March 26, 2013) – Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. In fact, a study released by the Centers for Disease Control on March 20 estimates that one in 50 children in the United States have autism, which is significantly higher than previously estimated.

For the third year, Penn State Lehigh Valley will join thousands of people coming together across the country, including businesses and organizations, to help shine a light on autism through the Autism Speaks Light It Up Blue campaign. From April 1-8, the Nittany Lion Shrine at the north entrance of the campus will be illuminated in a special blue light.

This year, the Bryce Jordan Center at the University Park campus also will participate in the campaign. In past years, some buildings and sculptures that have participated in this lighting include the Empire State Building, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the Opera House in Sydney, Australia. Many smaller communities, businesses, and organizations also participate across the globe.

To find out more about the Light It Up Blue campaign, visit www.lightitupblue.org.

For more information, contact University Relations at 610-285-5067 or email aag18@psu.edu.

Last Updated March 27, 2013

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