October 26, 2001
University Park, Pa. – The competitive spirit between Penn State and Ohio State students will give way to the spirit of giving this Saturday morning before the football game as nearly 200 students team-up to better the community.

The project, “Competing on the Field, Collaborating in the Community,” will bring Penn State students and Ohio State students together far from the parking lots and stands of Beaver Stadium. The volunteers will work at 15 different sites in the area, including Strawberry Fields, Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, Centre Peace, Whipple Dam and House of Caring.

According to Carol German, director of the AT&T Center for Service Leadership, the project’s goal is to show students when to set aside healthy competition - as seen on the playing field - and join together to benefit the host community. “We are encouraging first-and second-year students to participate,” German said. “These students will learn a valuable lesson about appropriate outlets for competition and about being good citizens through community service.”

The event is in its fourth year and continues to grow. More than 100 participating Ohio State students will enjoy a Lion Ambassador tour, complimentary University Creamery ice cream and Late-Night Penn State activities tonight (Oct. 26). Students will depart for their volunteer sites Saturday at 7:45 a.m. They also will enjoy a tailgate when they return before heading for the football game.

This year’s event is sponsored by the AT&T Center for Service Leadership, Housing and Food Services and the Ohio State University Office of Student Activities.

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Contact: Allison Kessler, Department of Public Information at (814) 865-7517 or akessler@psu.edu.