A Legacy of Shame

I received the following letter today from the interim Penn State president since I am an alumni from this university. Although Mr. Erickson has asked me to reserve judgment, I would like to point out a few facts:

  1. Joe Paterno was fired because the governor of Pennsylvania called the board of trustees. The board of trustees was not willing to take action against him prior to this action.
  2. The riot last night of 5000 Penn State students shows the “character” and the “morality” of your (no longer my) institution of higher learning.
  3. Joe Paterno’s statement that he will pray for the victims is an admission of the guilt of Mr. Sandusky and Joe’s knowledge of the events.
  4. The only legacy of Joe Paterno and the Penn State football program is shame.

The new allegations today concerning trafficking of children for large donations is the only charge where I will reserve judgment. I cannot fathom the depth of such an evil and the only consolation that I can give you is that I will pray for the victims of this predator.
There is no need to thank me for “being a part of Penn State”: I will not be or have any part of this institution from this point on.

David DeGerolamo

A message from Interim Penn State President Rodney Erickson

This is one of the saddest weeks in the history of Penn State. It has been difficult to comprehend the horrific nature of the allegations that were revealed in the Attorney General’s presentment last week. As a member of the Penn State community for 34 years, as a parent, and as a grandfather, I find the charges as they have been described to be devastating, and my heart goes out to those who have been victimized and their families. This is a terrible tragedy for everyone involved, and it will take some time to bring a measure of understanding and resolution to the community.

In addition to the legal process under way, Penn State’s Board of Trustees has authorized a full investigation “…to determine what failures occurred, who is responsible, and what measures are necessary to insure that this never happens at our University again and that those responsible are held fully accountable.”  As those involved pursue their cases, I also urge you, as Penn Staters, to be patient, to avoid speculation, and to refrain from passing judgment until the facts are known.

As you are now aware, the Board of Trustees has asked me to serve as the interim president of Penn State effective immediately. I undertake these duties with a firm sense of resolve, and I ask for your support as we move forward. And move forward, we must and we will.

Penn State has a long and storied tradition that has endured for more than 150 years. Our roots are deep, our constitution is resilient, and the importance of our work is as vital today as it was last week – perhaps even more so in the face of such adversity.  We are 96,000 students, 46,000 employees, and more than a half a million alumni. We are 24 campuses across the Commonwealth and a World Campus. We are a university that is committed
to its core values of honesty, integrity, and community.  We are a university that will rebuild the trust and confidence that so many people have had in us for so many years.

Through your conduct every day, you can play a role in restoring the integrity, honor, and pride that have always characterized Penn State. I share your anger and sadness in this time, but always remember that your actions reflect on the entire Penn State community. Please set an example that will make us all proud. Moving forward is the only responsible course to take in the coming months. I ask for the full support of our faculty, students, staff, and alumni, and in return I will do my best to lead this institution through the challenges ahead.

Thank you for being a part of Penn State.

Read the full story on Live: http://live.psu.edu/story/56307#nw44

    
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Larry Porter
13 years ago

As a born and raised Pennsylvanian, I am truly saddened by all the actions taking place right now. The current President’s letter has one, and only one, purpose, to insure alumni stay true as donors to their alma matter. The riots by the students only serve to confirm that we have become a true celebrity guides all nations. Of course we knew this with the election of Obama. It shows how deeply the deterioration of the entire university system has fallen when what always stood as an honorable institution with few and seldom black marks has come under such allegations. And it reinforces how far mankind itself has fallen when the like of a person held in such high esteem as Joe Paterno, thought more of his defensive coordinator than that of the children he abused. We have a long, long way to go to climb out of this chasm we have created. For shame, for shame.