Press Release: Farewell Joe Pa

photo courtesy www.wikipedia.com

For Immediate Release

FAREWELLTO A PENN STATE LEGEND

Joe Paterno Passed Away Today at the Age of 85

"They ask me what I'd like written about me when I'm gone. I hope they write I made Penn State a better place, not just that I was a good football coach." – JoePa

Washington, DC,  January 22, 2012 – The man affectionately known as "JoePa" has died following days of speculation regarding his health and a premature report of his death that caused anxiety among fans, friends, and family. The death of Joseph Vincent Paterno, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2011, comes amid an ugly child sexual abuse scandal that has rocked Penn State and created division on the campus and sparked contentious debates throughout the country on whether his not coming forward protected Jerry Sandusky and allowed him to harm more children. Questions abound as to what all he knew, for how long did he know it, and why didn't he do more.

But with his death today also comes deep reflection on his contributions to the Penn State community and how he should be remembered. That is not an easy answer. How should  we commemorate a career that began in 1966 and produced some of the country's best professional athletes, while also showing solidarity with the victims of a man under Paterno's watch who had been accused of horrific crimes against innocent young people

Despite the ugly sexual abuse scandal that led to his firing this past November, today as many grieve the loss of the Penn State Legend, it is hard to find anyone who can deny the impact of Paterno's leadership on the field. And that before the scandal, Paterno was one of the most respected figures on campus

photo courtesy of www.wikipedia.com

What cannot be denied is that there are few American college football coaches with such an impressive career. Paterno ushered 350 of Penn State's players to the NFL, making the Penn State athletic program a respected powerhouse. When you played under Joe Paterno you knew you were being taught by one of the best. Paterno's Penn State dedication did not end on the field. Over the course of his career, he donated over 4 million to the school.

Did Paterno fulfill his wish to be remembered as having made Penn State a better place? It depends on who answers the question.

Contact:

Jennifer Singleton, MA in Communication Candidate
Southern New Hampshire University
www.thesuccessfulcommunicator.blogspot.com

Sources:

http://www.biography.com/people/joe-paterno-9434584#synopsis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Paterno