Why Happy Valley transplants have stayed through the decades

By Sarah Taylor  Penn State alum Steve Koval moved back to the Happy Valley region in 1986. Almost 40 years later, he’s the founder of Nittany Strategic Solutions LLC and plans to stay in the area for the long haul.  His reasoning? Simple — the combination of “community, outdoor adventures, PSU events and family,” made […]

Bedford Springs Resort: A world-renowned resort just 80 miles from Penn State

by Sarah Taylor Located in the picturesque Pennsylvanian Alleghenies, Omni’s Bedford Springs Resort offers a serene escape into nature coupled with rich historical charm. While the luxury resort dates back to the early 19th century, its modern amenities and extensive outdoor activities make it a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts, luxury travelers and history buffs […]

Happy Valley expects record-setting number of tourists this summer

by Holly Riddle When is Happy Valley at its busiest and most bustling? Some might say fall football weekends, when Nittany Lion fans flock from near and far to fill up the 100,000-plus seats in Beaver Stadium. However, those people would be wrong.  “Hotel performance is probably the best barometer of the health of the […]

Shifting tides in Happy Valley: What the changes mean for you

by Sarah Taylor  For decades, the real estate market has been shaped by a standard 6% commission fee on home transactions (in discussions with local real estate agents all have stated emphatically that commission rates were always negotiable.) But now, with a groundbreaking antitrust settlement poised to disrupt this, let’s look at the implications for […]

Happy Valley- We are part of the Alleghenies!

by Jodie Dello Stritto Pennsylvania State of Independence Vintage 2010 Cycling Brochure Pennsylvania’s new tourism brand, “The Great American Getaway,” launched by Governor Shapiro in May, shines a spotlight on the Alleghenies region, positioning it as a prime destination for travelers seeking the perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and rich history. The campaign […]

Trustees approve Beaver Stadium renovation plans

Source: Penn State UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Board of Trustees today (May 21) approved (by a 26-2 vote, with three abstaining) in investing in the renovation of Beaver Stadium, which will grow revenue-generating opportunities, transform the fan and community experience, and fuel the future funding for all 31 athletics programs at Penn […]

The meaning behind the numbers of Penn State’s economic impact

by Jodie Dello Stritto In a March 12th article, Shalin Jyotishi says when universities, especially large flagship research schools like Penn State, tout their massive economic impact, it can harm rather than boost public perception. But, why? “Universities, particularly large flagship research institutions, generate these figures by tallying up almost every financial exchange driven by […]

“People want to be in Happy Valley”

by Holly Riddle If you attended the recent Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest at Beaver Stadium, which attracted more than 3,000 attendees and 70 breweries, or perhaps the 2024 Olympic Wrestling Trials at the Bryce Jordan Center, then you’ve witnessed the work of the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance. Officially launched last year and helmed […]

Out of academia and into the world

by Holly Riddle Penn State excels at connecting research and industry, allowing brilliant minds to commercialize their findings, sometimes benefiting the entire world in the process. Ali Kazemi is a doctoral candidate at Penn State researching plasma medicine and his career thus far is an example of this. Though entrenched in academia, Kazemi is also […]