Wanner to step down after six years as Paterno Fellows Program director

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Catherine Wanner, professor of history, anthropology, and religious studies in the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts, is stepping down after six years as the Rick and Sue Barry Director of the Paterno Fellows Program, effective July 1.

Established in honor of Penn State’s late football coach, Joe Paterno, and his wife, Sue, both of whom earned degrees in the liberal arts, the Paterno Fellows Program is the college’s honors and leadership program. Over 600 students have graduated as Paterno Fellows and Schreyer Honors Scholars since the program began in 2008. Thirteen of this year’s graduates represented the College of the Liberal Arts as student marshals during commencement ceremonies on May 4, 2019.

“I decided to become the director of the Paterno Fellows Program because it gathers together the most ambitious, most talented undergrad students,” said Wanner. “Its greatest success is in encouraging students to be their best, to take honors classes, to learn a foreign language when they didn’t originally think they could, or to study abroad when they didn’t think they could afford it.”

During her tenure as director, Wanner introduced some of the program’s signature events, including the Collegiate Laws of Life Essay Contest, the Paterno Fellows Contemporary Issues Forum, the Paterno Fellows Program Visiting Scholars Series, and the Lunch with Honors seminar series. In addition, she created opportunities for students to engage in internships and paid research opportunities throughout the college. 

Wanner’s work as Paterno Fellows director also took her to New York, San Francisco, Pittsburgh and other cities to represent both the Paterno Fellows Program and the college during alumni events and one-on-one meetings with alumni.

“Professor Wanner has been an exceptional leader of the program,” said B. Richard Page, associate dean for undergraduate studies. “On behalf of the college, I would like to thank Cathy for her excellent work and dedication to the Paterno Fellows and the Paterno Fellows Program.”

Wanner joined the Penn State faculty in 1996, distinguishing herself as a prolific scholar and beloved teacher. After July 1, Wanner plans to continue her scholarship and teaching as a liberal arts faculty member.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed working with these amazing students, and I plan to remain an active ambassador for the Paterno Fellows Program,” Wanner concluded. “I look forward to seeing the program continue to grow and thrive. As I change gears, for me the first stop will be to travel to Ukraine as a Fulbright Scholar to complete a book on the politics of religion in Russia and Ukraine."