On Topic

Corey Phelps knows that in college communities with major universities, there can sometimes be a divide between town and gown. But Phelps wants to shatter any perception of a divide […]

Gary Brandeis, founder and chief executive officer of the Scholar Hotel Group, is a seasoned veteran of the hospitality business. But as a Penn State alumnus, renovating and reopening the […]

Pat Leary is a forthright champion of the rural lifestyle, encouraging people to “leave a gentle footprint as they walk the earth.” Leary practices what he preaches. At home in […]

Lee Anne Jeffries says she loves downtown State College because it’s a walkable small town with the vibrancy of a big city. “I personally love it in the summer when […]

Dr. Erica Smithwick is a leading climate scientist, but she acknowledges that changing how society views global warming is more about conversations with friends and neighbors than warnings from experts. […]

Chiluvya Zulu loves her job, but she dreams of the day it’s obsolete. “I’m hopeful that one day you won’t need my job,” says Zulu, director of diversity, equity, inclusion, […]

It’s no secret that Penn State football is a key driver of the region’s economy, generating a $12 million boost on big weekends. But there are many weeks each year […]

Beth Lechman knows there will be lots of eyeballs scrutinizing her work in this high-stakes presidential election year, and that’s OK with her. Lechman, Centre County’s elections director since September […]

Hector Cruz developed his appreciation for great food through his success as sales manager for an Audi dealership in Miami. “The owner of the dealership, every time that we got […]

Paula Williams, executive director of the Centre County United Way, embraces the approach that challenges present opportunities. With a year of challenging firsts behind her—including rappelling 110 feet down the […]