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An Enduring Legacy
Perhaps no words better embody the Paterno legacy than those of Robert Browning, recited by Joe himself in his 1973 commencement address, and 39 years later, memorialized on the coach’s tombstone.
Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp,
Or what’s a heaven for?
The Paterno story is defined by accomplishments seemingly out of reach—charged with building a football program, he lifted a university; and in training young athletes, he became a molder of men. In reaching beyond his own grasp, Joe inspired his players, his students, and the Penn State community to reach beyond theirs.
In 2008, Joe and Sue Paterno partnered with the College of the Liberal Arts to forever ingrain this aspirational spirit in the Penn State culture. From that partnership grew The Paterno Fellows Program, an honors education experience that gives every liberal arts student the opportunity to stretch to the limit of their abilities, and the support to reach even higher.
The Paterno Fellows name has grown into a mark of highest academic distinction, a credential our students carry with them at Penn State and in their lives beyond. More important than the distinctions they earn though, are the virtues they practice: a commitment to excellence in service of something larger than themselves, and an awareness of their own ability to reach beyond their grasp.
More than 500 students have completed the Paterno Fellows program; they are the living embodiment of the Paterno legacy, a reminder from our coach that we can all reach, and then reach again.
Challenges and Rewards
Each year, hundreds of students aspire to become Paterno Fellows; they are challenged to reach the highest levels of academic achievement and distinguish themselves in areas traditionally associated with the liberal arts: ethics, service, and leadership; excellence in communication; and international and intercultural awareness.
The program’s rigorous challenges are coupled with significant rewards. Fellows receive financial support to participate in enriching out-of-class experiences like internships, study abroad, and research with faculty.
The program is one of the only pathways at the university for students not initially admitted as honors students to demonstrate their potential and earn their way into the Schreyer Honors College.
Read more about the program and requirements.
Since the program's inception in 2008, more than 500 students have completed the challenge. Along the way, they have registered more than 40,000 hours of community service, and completed over 1,500 credits of education in ethics.
Financial support from the program has allowed hundreds of Paterno Fellows to pursue internships and study abroad experiences in more than thirty countries on every corner of the globe.
Honor the Legacy
Today's fellows are the face of the Paterno legacy at Penn State. Support them as they pursue an education of exceptional ambition, depth, and distinction.
Program Support
Your support for the Paterno Fellows Program helps our current students achieve the internship and global experiences required in the program.
Legacy Gifts
Legacy gifts support our current students and ensure that the Paterno legacy endures for generations of students to come.
Follow the Fellows
Paterno Fellows represent the Paterno legacy across campus and around the world. Follow their activities and accomplishments on Facebook.