Penn State University has seen their name in and out of headlines for the past decade.
The attention paid to them has been overwhelmingly negative, but they have been working to rehabilitate that image.
A last name once synonymous with the university is back in the news. Both Sue and Jay Paterno are running for spots on Penn State’s Board of Trustees, according to WTAJ:
Sue Paterno is accepting nominations to become a member of the Penn State Board of Trustees and her son, Jay Paterno is also running for a seat on the board.
There are three positions open for alumni elections. Nomination ballots are currently being accepted and Sue Paterno and her son Jay are both in the running.
The news about Sue Paterno was confirmed only to WTAJ from a source high up within the university. Also Thursday, support for Jay Paterno began circulating on social media.
Sue (Joe Paterno’s wife) and Jay (Joe’s son) have kept themselves at a distance in regard to the university. There are currently three open alumni spots on the board. They are running against an affiliate group that they once supported. Out of the three open seats available, the three incumbent members are hoping to get re-elected.
The news further complicates the relationship the school has with the Paternos. The Paterno name doesn’t carry the weight that it used to.
What is the family wanting to accomplish? Is this part of some sort of image rehabilitation? It will leave many observers scratching their heads. Seeing those names once again involved in the news cycle will irk many. As they once again try to affiliate themselves with the university, how are they going to be received?
There are many questions, but very few answers.