Similar to the sentiment hopefully shared by all of you, I am appalled by the horrific events that have taken place over the course of the last 15 years by one sick individual and a lot of potential individuals that didn't report it (and allowed it to continue) at Penn State. What most readers don't know is that I happen to be an alum of the university, thus in addition to the disgust I had a huge sense of disappointment in the (lack of) leadership from the organization. That disappointment led to initial feelings of shame as I called Penn State home for four years of my life.
Fortunately for me, a fellow alum (and good friend) Jerry Needel, didn't allow that shame to linger as he (along with his wife and a few friends) put the control back into our own hands. The thought was if the leadership of the university was going to hide when needed most and the (minority of) students were going to provide the media an easy way to showcase the worst reactions, then we all needed to show what the Penn State community was really about.
Hence, the Proud to Be a Penn Stater movement, which outlines that we are:
Fortunately for me, a fellow alum (and good friend) Jerry Needel, didn't allow that shame to linger as he (along with his wife and a few friends) put the control back into our own hands. The thought was if the leadership of the university was going to hide when needed most and the (minority of) students were going to provide the media an easy way to showcase the worst reactions, then we all needed to show what the Penn State community was really about.
Hence, the Proud to Be a Penn Stater movement, which outlines that we are:
- A grassroots network of proud Penn State alumni, students, parents, and fans, who are embarrassed and shocked by the recent events at Penn State
- Here to stand up for the victims of abuse and help Penn Staters get their pride back
- Tired of feeling helpless in this situation and are compelled to do our part by mobilizing the Penn State fan base - alumni, students and college sports fans - to ensure something like this never happens again - anywhere
- Partnered with RAINN.org, one of the largest anti-sexual violence organizations in the country, to launch a Penn State-specific donation campaign
- Looking to raise over $500,000 - one dollar for each of the 557,000 Penn State alumni
And how's that going? Parabolic. As of this writing, "we" have raised over $130,000 (about $10,000 an hour) showing that we will not be defined by the acts of a few individuals. Regardless of whether you have a connection with Penn State, I encourage everyone to think about donating to a great cause. If interested, go to Proud PSU for RAINN.
Make your own comparisons to the Occupy Wall Street movement and the potential of that energy if it is focused on making actual change.
Now, to links from the past few weeks:
Income / Spending
Jobs
Economic
Breaking Down Trade
Assets
On the Seasonality of Equities
No idea you went there. Just an unreal situation, glad you are going to fight back. Have a good weekend.
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