For anyone linked to Penn State, whether you are currently hitting the books, teaching classes, working on campus, or perhaps remembering your time there from years ago, there is a place online that brings you the happenings. This spot, Onward State, acts as a go-to source for what is going on, covering the lively pulse of campus life and the wider State College area. It is, in a way, a digital meeting place for the community.
This online news group has made its mark by giving a voice to students, and also to the people who work and live around the university. It offers a different perspective, a kind of independent take on things that happen, which is rather important for a place as big and as active as Penn State. The folks behind it are dedicated to sharing stories that are honest, sometimes a bit funny, and always aiming to be fair in what they present, so you get a real sense of what's unfolding.
From big sporting moments that get everyone talking to important campus announcements and even those smaller, yet significant, local events, Onward State works to keep everyone informed. It is a source that tries to capture the spirit of the Penn State experience, bringing news and commentary that speaks directly to the community it serves. You know, it’s a vital connection for many.
Table of Contents
- What Makes Onward State Stand Out?
- How Does Onward State Reflect Campus Life?
- Onward State and Big Moments in Sports
- What Role Does Onward State Play in Campus Issues?
- Onward State's Coverage of Important Campus Figures
- How Does Onward State Keep Up With Local Happenings?
- Onward State's Reach - Beyond the Written Word
- What's Next for Onward State's Reporting?
What Makes Onward State Stand Out?
Onward State, you see, is not just another news outlet; it has carved out a special place for itself as an independent, perhaps even alternative, news spot for Penn State. It is basically an online organization that serves a wide group of people: students, those who teach, the staff members, former students who still feel a connection, and the wider community in State College, Pennsylvania. Its approach is quite unique, focusing on giving a platform for student voices to be heard, which is rather a big deal.
The way Onward State presents its commentary is meant to be fair and genuine. It aims for honesty in its reporting, and sometimes, it adds a touch of humor, which can make the stories more relatable, more human. This blend of serious reporting with an approachable style helps it connect with its readers in a very real way. It’s almost like having a conversation with a friend who is also keeping you in the know, you know?
This commitment to being independent means it can offer perspectives that might not appear in more traditional news sources. It provides a space for different viewpoints to be shared, allowing for a richer, more complete picture of campus events and discussions. This is particularly important for a university setting, where many different opinions and experiences come together, so it's a good thing.
How Does Onward State Reflect Campus Life?
The stories Onward State shares really show what life is like at Penn State, from the big, celebrated events to the more quiet, yet significant, changes. For instance, the news that Penn State was getting ready to welcome the Special Olympics Pennsylvania's yearly summer games, starting on June 5, was something they brought to people's attention. This kind of reporting helps everyone feel a part of the wider university community and its important contributions, which is pretty cool.
They also keep a close watch on the athletic programs, which are a big part of the university's identity. Penn State intercollegiate athletics, as a matter of fact, currently supports 31 different varsity sports competing in the Big Ten. Onward State follows these teams and their happenings, letting fans and the wider community know what is going on with their favorite sports. It is, in some respects, the pulse of the athletic scene.
Beyond the wins and losses, they also cover the decisions that shape these programs. There was a time when some programs were given just one more season to show improvement, to change things around. Onward State would be there to report on such developments, giving people an idea of the challenges and changes that athletic departments face. This kind of detailed look really helps people feel connected to the bigger picture.
Onward State and Big Moments in Sports
When it comes to Penn State football, Onward State is right there, giving readers all the details. They reported on the 2024 season, letting everyone know when it had wrapped up, which is a big moment for many fans. Football, as you know, is a huge part of the Penn State experience, so keeping up with it is rather important for the campus community.
They also keep track of player movements, which can really affect the team. For example, when Beau Pribula decided to enter the transfer portal, Onward State was quick to share that news. They also let people know that Ethan Grunkemeyer would step into the number two quarterback spot, especially since Jaxon Smolik wasn't quite ready for game action yet. This kind of immediate update is what fans really appreciate, you know?
Player news, like Omari Evans, a starting wide receiver, planning to enter the transfer portal, was also something Onward State shared, noting his stats from the season: 21 catches for 415 yards and 5 touchdowns. And then there was the story about the Penn State Board of Trustees approving the naming of West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Interestingly, a group of trustees expressed their disagreement with that decision, sharing that they felt it wasn't the right move. Onward State was there to cover that disagreement, too, providing different sides of the story. They really try to give a full picture.
What Role Does Onward State Play in Campus Issues?
Onward State is not afraid to cover some of the more sensitive or challenging topics that affect the Penn State community. For instance, they reported on a message from John Gardner, who is the chief of police for the State College Police Department. He sent a message to all Penn State students, saying that the large gatherings on Beaver Avenue were considered an "unlawful assembly" after a certain point. This kind of news is important for students to know about, as it affects their safety and how they gather.
They also brought attention to a concerning trend: the Penn State commonwealth campuses have seen a steady drop in the number of students enrolling over several years. This is a big issue for the university system as a whole. It shows that Onward State looks at the broader picture of how the university is doing, not just the fun stuff. You know, it’s about giving a complete picture.
The outlet also reports on statements from university leaders. For example, President Bendapudi has, both publicly and in private conversations, mentioned that there are older internal documents and analyses, going back decades, that relate to various university matters. Onward State helps shed light on these behind-the-scenes discussions and historical contexts, which can be quite interesting for those who follow university governance.
Onward State's Coverage of Important Campus Figures
Onward State often shares the university's official stance on various developments. There was a time when Penn State showed some unease about the new State College Interfraternity Council, and they released a statement to Onward State about it, saying, "we just learned of this development." This shows that the university sees Onward State as a place to communicate important messages to the student body and the wider community. It’s a key channel, basically.
They also reported on statements from student leaders, which is very important for fostering the student voice. Rasha Elwakil, after being voted out as the president of the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA), provided Onward State with a statement one Thursday morning. In it, she expressed that she "deeply care about UPUA." This kind of direct quote helps readers feel closer to the people involved in campus leadership and their feelings, you know, it’s very human.
And when it comes to university administration, Onward State is there, too. President Bendapudi and her team recently got some attention during a faculty senate meeting when Margo Dellicarpini, who is Bendapudi's vice president for commonwealth campuses, spoke on certain matters. Onward State covers these moments, bringing the details of university leadership discussions to a wider audience, which is quite useful for transparency.
How Does Onward State Keep Up With Local Happenings?
Onward State doesn't just focus on the university itself; it also keeps a close eye on what's happening in the surrounding State College area. For instance, they reported on power outages that affected the county. In most of these cases, the times for power to come back on, as of 11 p.m., were thought to be between 12:30 and 1:30 a.m. the next day, though by 12:45 a.m., things were already looking up. This kind of practical information is really helpful for local residents, you know, when the lights go out.
They also capture the lively spirit of the town, especially during big celebrations. Downtown State College, for example, turned into a sea of green one late Sunday night as Penn State students and Philadelphia Eagles fans poured into the streets to celebrate Philadelphia's victory. Onward State was there to report on this joyful, spontaneous gathering, showing the connection between the university community and the wider sports world. It’s a moment of shared happiness, really.
Even when things are tough, Onward State tries to help. Penn State's vice president for student affairs, Andrea Dowhower, offered resources and support to students who were without power because of severe weather. Onward State would share this information, making sure students knew where to get help during difficult times. This shows a commitment to the well-being of the community, which is a good thing.
Onward State's Reach - Beyond the Written Word
Onward State uses various ways to get its stories out to people, making sure that information reaches its audience wherever they are. They make it clear that they will have you covered throughout the day for big events, meaning they provide ongoing updates. This dedication to continuous coverage is a big part of how they operate, so you can always check in for the latest.
They also make it easy for people to find their content. You can find big plays, analysis, photos, and more on their main @onwardstate Twitter account and on Facebook. This use of social media platforms helps them connect with a younger, more digitally-savvy audience, ensuring their news is accessible and shareable. It's almost like they are right there with you, updating as things happen.
The variety of content they offer, from quick updates on social media to more detailed articles, shows their effort to meet the different needs of their readers. They understand that some people want quick facts, while others prefer to read a deeper analysis. This flexibility in how they present information makes them a very useful resource for the Penn State community, you know, it’s quite thoughtful.
What's Next for Onward State's Reporting?
Onward State continues to bring a wide array of news and stories to its readers, always keeping an eye on what is happening in the Penn State world and beyond. They cover everything from the outcomes of major sporting events, like Penn State football's return to Beaver Stadium for the second-to-last home game of the 2024 season against Washington, which was a "White Out" week, a big tradition. These reports help build excitement and community spirit, too.
They also share news about individual athletes and their professional moves. For example, they reported on Izzard's deal, which was worth $2,655,000, with $225,000 of that amount guaranteed. This kind of detail gives fans a look into the financial side of sports, which is often very interesting to people. And they also reported on Campbell, a junior who played in 13 games for North Carolina last season, noting his impressive stats: 76 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and one forced fumble, highlighting him as a highly respected pass rusher. This shows their wide-ranging interest in sports figures.
Beyond sports, Onward State also covers visits from well-known public figures. Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, for instance, made an appearance at the Sparks Building on a Thursday, October 17. And Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also visited. Onward State is there to report on these events, giving students and community members a chance to hear about important political discussions happening right on campus. It's a way of bringing the wider world closer to home, basically.
They even follow up on comments made about their own stories. Kieger, for example, commented on an Onward State story one Tuesday morning, saying, "I read the story, and I was disappointed and sad that a few..." This shows that their reporting gets noticed and that people react to what they publish, which is a sign of their influence within the community. It means they are doing something right, you know?
And for those who work in the field of journalism, Onward State is a place where people gain experience. There was a mention of someone being "off employed doing journalism things, hopefully." This suggests that the organization is a stepping stone for future reporters, helping them develop their skills and move into professional roles. It’s a place where talent can grow, basically.
Onward State serves as an online news organization for the Penn State community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and local residents. It functions as an independent, alternative news website and blog, aiming to foster student voices through fair, authentic, and sometimes humorous commentary. The outlet covers a wide range of topics, from university athletics like Penn State football seasons, player transfers, and the naming of Beaver Stadium, to significant campus events such as the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games. It also reports on administrative matters, including statements from university leaders like President Bendapudi and Vice President Andrea Dowhower, and issues concerning commonwealth campus enrollment. Onward State keeps its audience informed about local happenings, such as police announcements regarding public gatherings, power outages, and community celebrations. The platform also covers appearances by political figures and provides updates on its social media channels, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the Penn State and State College environment.
