As the new general manager of The Nittany Lion Inn, Tom Neely has gone full circle--and he couldn't be happier about it. With a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management, 25 years of experience in the hotel industry, and a vivacious passion for the University, Neely says he's proud to be part of the Penn State community again.

Andrew Monk has worked in kitchens around the world. But as The Nittany Lion Inn's new executive chef, his focus is all local.

Monk worked in The Dining Room at The Nittany Lion Inn as sous chef for six years. He was hired as executive chef in May and cherishes the opportunities, challenges and possibilities the new position awards him.

The Nittany Lion Inn has been awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Rating for the year 2010. The AAA Four Diamond Rating is assigned to lodgings that feature upscale accommodations and offer an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail.

The Navy League of the United States (Central Pennsylvania council) will hold a benefit dinner for the Penn State Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Sept. 29, at the Nittany Lion Inn on Penn State's University Park campus. Money raised will directly support the attendance of local ROTC midshipmen, cadets and other military persons at the dinner and also will benefit Penn State's ROTC morale, welfare and recreation funds. At the dinner, the Navy League, in partnership with the Nittany Leathernecks Detachment of the Marine Corps League, will honor Dan and Maureen Murphy, gold-star parents of Medal of Honor recipient and Penn State distinguished alumnus Lt. Michael P. Murphy, who was killed while leading an intelligence mission behind enemy lines in Afghanistan in June 2005. Gary Williams, author of "SEAL of Honor: Operation Red Wings and the Life of Lt. Michael P. Murphy," will be the guest speaker at the event.