Weekly Wrap: 'Call to Action;' $13M research grant; Stripe Out

      A look back at the top stories for the week of Aug. 31

      Cecil Blutcher, left, a third-year graduate acting candidate at Penn State, will make his fourth appearance in a Penn State Centre Stage production when he plays the role of Black Michael in "I.D.," opening Sept. 8 at the Penn State Downtown Theatre. "I.D." is a Penn State Centre Stag original production that explores cultural identity through dance, music and emceeing. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

      This week's top stories from across Penn State:

      CALL TO ACTION: President Eric Barron and other University leaders will gather from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 8 to issue a “Call to Action,” a milestone event in Penn State’s ongoing efforts to combat sexual assault and harassment and create an environment that doesn’t tolerate sexual violence.

      CLIMATE SURVEY: Penn State is planning to launch a University-wide survey of students this semester to better understand their views, experiences and knowledge of resources related to sexual assault and sexual harassment. The results will provide valuable insight into students’ perceptions that will help guide the University’s ongoing initiative to combat sexual violence.

      NONDISCRIMINATION PLEDGE: President Eric Barron signed a pledge demonstrating Penn State's commitment to nondiscrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression and support for making the state more economically competitive by updating its nondiscrimination law.

      VP FOR RESEARCH: Penn State is launching a national search for the position of vice president for research. 

      RESEARCH GRANT: The Methodology Center at Penn State has received a $13 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to support both ongoing and new research for the next five years that could lead to health apps for smartphones and more accurate genetic research.

      FIVE IN A ROW: For the first time in the history of Penn State’s Beaver Stadium, the Nittany Lions will host five consecutive football games. 

      BLUE OR WHITE: The first Penn State Stripe Out in Beaver Stadium will take place when the Nittany Lions face Rutgers in a prime-time clash at 8 p.m. Sept. 19. The color for each section has been unveiled, so fans can find out if they should don blue or white. 

      RENOVATION: The Penn State Department of Intercollegiate Athletics unveiled plans to renovate the Louis and Mildred Lasch Football Building.

      BIRTHDAY BASH: Berkey Creamery’s 150th anniversary flavor has a name. Labeled birthday cake since its debut in July, the flavor is now called Birthday Bash. Management made the choice after more than 1,700 votes were submitted when the Creamery called for naming suggestions. 

      CHILD CARE: Acting on the recommendation of the Child Care Advisory Committee, University officials have elected to manage the two child care centers on the University Park campus in-house, bringing 47-staff positions at the Child Care Center at Hort Woods under the direction of Penn State when the center’s current management contract expires in June 2016.

      Last Updated September 3, 2015