Arts and Entertainment

The year in review, in news and images: A look back at 2018 at Penn State

Photos and stories recap some of the year's most notable moments at the University

A gallery of photographs reflecting on events, people and special moments at Penn State during 2018 can be viewed at https://news.psu.edu/gallery/551371/2018/12/11/2018-year-pictures Credit: Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons

As 2018 draws to a close, we review a small, representative selection of achievements and visual reflections on the year at Penn State, from among the many University-wide accomplishments in academics, research, athletics, student life and entrepreneurship.

Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Senior quarterback Trace McSorley met with the regional and national media on Aug.4 during Penn State’s annual Football Media Day. McSorley holds Penn State career records for passing yards, passing touchdowns, and rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

The Penn State Blue Band provided the soundtrack to football season throughout the fall of 2018. For the first time the Blue Band performed their annual ‘Blue Bandorama’ concert at the Bryce Jordan Center. The annual showcase highlights the music from the bands halftime shows and was previously held at Eisenhower Auditorium. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Penn State’s Chinese Student Scholars Association handed out candy and waved to the crowds lining the streets as they proudly marched in the 2018 Homecoming Parade on the evening of Oct. 12. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

The Nittany Lion took a turn mixing up some White Out ice cream, a new flavor provided by Penn State's Berkey Creamery in 2018. The ice cream is a blend of buttered popcorn flavor with white chocolate chips. Credit: Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons

Penn State students made over 300 ‘Hearts for Homeless Hygiene Kits’ on the morning of Jan. 15, one of many community service opportunities students participated in during MLK, Jr. Day of Service 2018. The hygiene kits consisted of toothbrushes, toothpaste, first-aid supplies and more, and were distributed to homeless people around the State College area. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

3AM Tokyo performed with the Nittany Lion on the THON Stage during the first night of THON Weekend 2018. THON 2018 was a huge success bringing in more than $10 million dollars for pediatric-cancer research and financial support for patients and their families. Credit: Madison Myers / Penn State. Creative Commons

The nationally televised ESPN College GameDay show broadcasted live from Penn State’s Old Main lawn on the morning of Sept. 29.  It marked the 18th time ‘College GameDay’ has been at the site of a Penn State football game. Credit: Curtis Chan / Penn State. Creative Commons

Amina Faye, a student in Penn State’s Musical Theatre program, along with the entire cast of "Results Will Vary" performed for an audience of new Penn State students on the evening of June 24 in Eisenhower Auditorium. The interactive theater production explored the reality of life as a Penn State student and was co-created by Student Affairs and Penn State’s School of Theatre. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

A bumble bee hovers over the flowers outside Penn State’s Old Main on a warm summer day. Credit: Christie Clancy / Penn State. Creative Commons

Cadets from Penn State Air Force ROTC saluted during the playing of The Star Spangled Banner at the start of a Veterans Day ceremony hosted by Penn State’s Office of Veterans Programs outside Old Main on the morning of Nov. 12. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Daryl Branford, data visualization specialist and lead designer, begins preliminary lighting on the "Zombie Ant Experience," an interactive sculpture that was displayed at the Huck Institute of Life Sciences through the summer. The display was the first in the SciArt@The Huck series. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Graduates in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences happily wave to family and friends at the conclusion of the spring 2018 commencement ceremonies.  Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Penn State receiver KJ Hamler avoids a tackle on his way to a 93-yard touchdown run versus Ohio State on the evening of Sept. 29. The Nittany Lions finished the regular season with nine wins and will face Kentucky in the Citrus Bowl on New Year's Day 2019. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Penn State senior Maggie Davis inspects an 18th-century portrait of John Carson prior to removing paint flakes for elemental analysis. Through a partnership with Penn State’s Materials Characterization Lab, Davis was able to determine the specific ingredients in the paint and ultimately come to conclusions regarding the location where the painting was created. Credit: Stephanie Swindle Thomas / Penn State. Creative Commons

A child holds a live tarantula during the Great Insect Fair at the Snider Ag Arena, Saturday, Sept. 22. The event, presented by the Department of Entomology, featured thousands of insect specimens, live demonstrations, crafts and unusual snacks. Credit: Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons

Cast and crew of "Polaroid Stories" conducted rehearsals for the show's Sept. 18 opening at the Penn State Downtown Theatre in State College, Pennsylvania. The production was just one of many dynamic shows produced by Penn State Centre Stage and the School of Theatre throughout 2018. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Midfielder Kristin Roberto attacks the Loyola zone during game action on March 3 at Penn State's Panzer Stadium. The squad earned 10 regular season wins in 2018 and an invitation to the NCAA Women's Lacrosse Tournament. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Penn State Police Officer Phil Peng and his partner Roni are the newest members of the University Police K-9 unit. Peng and Roni are certified in explosives detection and join a team that contributes to public safety efforts at University Park and throughout Pennsylvania. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Jim Hoehn, regional president of PNC Bank, with Penn State President Eric Barron, unveiled the new "Happy Valley Launchbox-Powered by PNC Bank" logo during an event held at the Happy Valley Launchbox headquarters in downtown State College, Pennsylvania, on Jan. 22. The event celebrated PNC Bank’s commitment of a $1 million dollar grant to support the Invent Penn State initiative. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Nittany Lions Nazeer Bostick left, and Tony Carr prepare for the opening tip in the NIT Championship game. Penn State defeated Utah 82-66 in the NIT Championship game at New York’s Madison Square Garden on March 20. It was the second NIT title in school history. Credit: Maddy Pryor / Penn State. Creative Commons

Penn State’s Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center underwent an extensive renovation through the spring and summer of 2018 including the construction of new enclosures for the popular ‘Birds of Prey’ area. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Briana Bennett, a senior at Penn State studying materials science and engineering, displays one of her many glass-blowing creations at a Steidle Building studio. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

A Candy Corn plant (Cuphea Micropetala) as seen through a macro-lens. The Candy Corn plant is just one of hundreds of seasonal displays found throughout the year at the Arboretum at Penn State. The Arboretum at Penn State is open from dusk to dawn and there is no admission charge. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Senior quarterback Trace McSorley met with the regional and national media on Aug.4 during Penn State’s annual Football Media Day. McSorley holds Penn State career records for passing yards, passing touchdowns, and rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

The Penn State Blue Band provided the soundtrack to football season throughout the fall of 2018. For the first time the Blue Band performed their annual ‘Blue Bandorama’ concert at the Bryce Jordan Center. The annual showcase highlights the music from the bands halftime shows and was previously held at Eisenhower Auditorium. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Penn State’s Chinese Student Scholars Association handed out candy and waved to the crowds lining the streets as they proudly marched in the 2018 Homecoming Parade on the evening of Oct. 12. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

The Nittany Lion took a turn mixing up some White Out ice cream, a new flavor provided by Penn State's Berkey Creamery in 2018. The ice cream is a blend of buttered popcorn flavor with white chocolate chips. Credit: Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons

Penn State students made over 300 ‘Hearts for Homeless Hygiene Kits’ on the morning of Jan. 15, one of many community service opportunities students participated in during MLK, Jr. Day of Service 2018. The hygiene kits consisted of toothbrushes, toothpaste, first-aid supplies and more, and were distributed to homeless people around the State College area. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

3AM Tokyo performed with the Nittany Lion on the THON Stage during the first night of THON Weekend 2018. THON 2018 was a huge success bringing in more than $10 million dollars for pediatric-cancer research and financial support for patients and their families. Credit: Madison Myers / Penn State. Creative Commons

The nationally televised ESPN College GameDay show broadcasted live from Penn State’s Old Main lawn on the morning of Sept. 29.  It marked the 18th time ‘College GameDay’ has been at the site of a Penn State football game. Credit: Curtis Chan / Penn State. Creative Commons

Amina Faye, a student in Penn State’s Musical Theatre program, along with the entire cast of "Results Will Vary" performed for an audience of new Penn State students on the evening of June 24 in Eisenhower Auditorium. The interactive theater production explored the reality of life as a Penn State student and was co-created by Student Affairs and Penn State’s School of Theatre. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

A bumble bee hovers over the flowers outside Penn State’s Old Main on a warm summer day. Credit: Christie Clancy / Penn State. Creative Commons

Cadets from Penn State Air Force ROTC saluted during the playing of The Star Spangled Banner at the start of a Veterans Day ceremony hosted by Penn State’s Office of Veterans Programs outside Old Main on the morning of Nov. 12. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Daryl Branford, data visualization specialist and lead designer, begins preliminary lighting on the "Zombie Ant Experience," an interactive sculpture that was displayed at the Huck Institute of Life Sciences through the summer. The display was the first in the SciArt@The Huck series. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Graduates in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences happily wave to family and friends at the conclusion of the spring 2018 commencement ceremonies.  Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Penn State receiver KJ Hamler avoids a tackle on his way to a 93-yard touchdown run versus Ohio State on the evening of Sept. 29. The Nittany Lions finished the regular season with nine wins and will face Kentucky in the Citrus Bowl on New Year's Day 2019. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Penn State senior Maggie Davis inspects an 18th-century portrait of John Carson prior to removing paint flakes for elemental analysis. Through a partnership with Penn State’s Materials Characterization Lab, Davis was able to determine the specific ingredients in the paint and ultimately come to conclusions regarding the location where the painting was created. Credit: Stephanie Swindle Thomas / Penn State. Creative Commons

A child holds a live tarantula during the Great Insect Fair at the Snider Ag Arena, Saturday, Sept. 22. The event, presented by the Department of Entomology, featured thousands of insect specimens, live demonstrations, crafts and unusual snacks. Credit: Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons

Cast and crew of "Polaroid Stories" conducted rehearsals for the show's Sept. 18 opening at the Penn State Downtown Theatre in State College, Pennsylvania. The production was just one of many dynamic shows produced by Penn State Centre Stage and the School of Theatre throughout 2018. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Midfielder Kristin Roberto attacks the Loyola zone during game action on March 3 at Penn State's Panzer Stadium. The squad earned 10 regular season wins in 2018 and an invitation to the NCAA Women's Lacrosse Tournament. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Penn State Police Officer Phil Peng and his partner Roni are the newest members of the University Police K-9 unit. Peng and Roni are certified in explosives detection and join a team that contributes to public safety efforts at University Park and throughout Pennsylvania. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Jim Hoehn, regional president of PNC Bank, with Penn State President Eric Barron, unveiled the new "Happy Valley Launchbox-Powered by PNC Bank" logo during an event held at the Happy Valley Launchbox headquarters in downtown State College, Pennsylvania, on Jan. 22. The event celebrated PNC Bank’s commitment of a $1 million dollar grant to support the Invent Penn State initiative. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Nittany Lions Nazeer Bostick left, and Tony Carr prepare for the opening tip in the NIT Championship game. Penn State defeated Utah 82-66 in the NIT Championship game at New York’s Madison Square Garden on March 20. It was the second NIT title in school history. Credit: Maddy Pryor / Penn State. Creative Commons

Penn State’s Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center underwent an extensive renovation through the spring and summer of 2018 including the construction of new enclosures for the popular ‘Birds of Prey’ area. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Briana Bennett, a senior at Penn State studying materials science and engineering, displays one of her many glass-blowing creations at a Steidle Building studio. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

A Candy Corn plant (Cuphea Micropetala) as seen through a macro-lens. The Candy Corn plant is just one of hundreds of seasonal displays found throughout the year at the Arboretum at Penn State. The Arboretum at Penn State is open from dusk to dawn and there is no admission charge. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Mack Adams sits in lobby of New Kensington campus

Night to day: Penn State campus unites to shed light on student's dream

10/8/18

Mackinly Adams suffers from actinic prurigo and hasn't been in a conventional school setting since the fourth grade. Penn State New Kensington has helped make his dream of having a full college experience a reality.

Jose Duarte and Debora Verniz

Penn State research expenditures rise to record $927 million

9/14/18

Penn State’s research expenditures reached a record high for the second consecutive year in fiscal year 2017-2018, according to Vice President for Research Neil Sharkey. The $927 million total represents a $64 million increase over last year’s figure, and includes a record $562 million in federal funds and $365 million from a combination of private funders, the Commonwealth, and University sources.

Spotted lanternfly

Penn State asks visitors to help 'stop the spread' of spotted lanternfly

8/29/18

Penn State is asking visitors to University Park, especially those coming from southeastern Pennsylvania, to take precautions before traveling to help reduce the spread of the spotted lanternfly.

shavers creek exterior

Shaver’s Creek to re-open Labor Day weekend after two-year expansion project

8/22/18

Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center will re-open Labor Day weekend following a two-year expansion project that included major renovations to Penn State’s outdoor education field lab and nature center for the first time.

Penn State’s Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center underwent an extensive renovation through the spring and summer of 2018 including the construction of new enclosures for the popular ‘Birds of Prey’ area. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

This colorized image is the millionth captured by the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory’s Ultraviolet/Optical Telescope

Births, deaths and collisions: Swift's telescope snaps 1 millionth UV image

8/21/18

The Ultraviolet Optical Telescope aboard NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory captured its 1 millionth image on May 13. Swift's science and flight operations are controlled by Penn State from the Mission Operations Center at the University Park campus.

A closeup of the face of Penn State's Nittany Lion statue.

Penn State raises a record-setting $362.9 million during 2017-18 fiscal year

7/17/18

Through "A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence," a campaign focused on Penn State’s impact on the lives of students and in the larger world, the University has achieved the strongest fundraising results in its history during the just-concluded fiscal year.

burnt toast frowny face

Expecting a stressful day may lower cognitive abilities throughout the day

7/3/18

There may be some truth to the saying “getting up on the wrong side of the bed,” according to Penn State researchers who say starting your morning by focusing on how stressful your day will be may be harmful to your mindset throughout the day.

American Flag

Penn State Military Appreciation Game to celebrate women in the Armed Forces

4/23/18

Penn State will celebrate the 100-year anniversary of women in the U.S. Armed Forces at the University's seventh annual Military Appreciation Game on Oct. 27. As the largest military appreciation event of its kind in the Big Ten, the game will feature special presentations to active and veteran service members, halftime performances by the Penn State Blue Band, color guard and more.

Cadets from Penn State Air Force ROTC saluted during the playing of The Star Spangled Banner at the start of a Veterans Day ceremony hosted by Penn State’s Office of Veterans Programs outside Old Main on the morning of Nov. 12. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

line of school buses

Investing in public education earns high marks for greater upward mobility

3/28/18

Investing in public education may boost upward economic mobility — and ease income inequality, something that is becoming a big concern for economists and policymakers in the United States.

Wrestling team poses for group photo

Nittany Lion wrestlers repeat as NCAA champions

3/18/18

The Penn State Nittany Lions rode a superb performance in the 2018 NCAA Wrestling Championships national finals to claim yet another NCAA title. Head coach Cael Sanderson's team was nearly perfect in the finals and clinched its seventh NCAA title in the last eight years on a pin from junior Bo Nickal.

Nittany Lions Nazeer Bostick left, and Tony Carr prepare for the opening tip in the NIT Championship game. Penn State defeated Utah 82-66 in the NIT Championship game at New York’s Madison Square Garden on March 20. It was the second NIT title in school history. Credit: Maddy Pryor / Penn State. Creative Commons

Invent Penn State

University awards $200,000 in Invent Penn State seed grants to four campuses

2/5/18

Penn State announced $200,000 in new seed grant funding as part of the University's Invent Penn State Initiative. The four campuses receiving grants — Beaver, DuBois, Greater Allegheny and Hazleton — bring to 21 the number of Innovation Hubs across the Commonwealth.

Jim Hoehn, regional president of PNC Bank, with Penn State President Eric Barron, unveiled the new "Happy Valley Launchbox-Powered by PNC Bank" logo during an event held at the Happy Valley Launchbox headquarters in downtown State College, Pennsylvania, on Jan. 22. The event celebrated PNC Bank’s commitment of a $1 million dollar grant to support the Invent Penn State initiative. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

 

Last Updated January 9, 2019

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