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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.