By Deborah Kevin ’91, Dear JoePa Project
In a time when college athletics are shifting rapidly—more professional than amateur, more transactional than transformational—it’s easy to forget the foundations that once made college sports a proving ground not just for talent, but for character.
It’s easy, that is, unless you’re Sue Paterno or Dana Dokmanovich Harris.
These two women, whose husbands helped define Penn State’s legacy of leadership and integrity, have quietly and powerfully stepped forward to ensure that “Success with Honor” and The Grand Experiment are not just phrases we remember fondly, but living commitments we carry forward.
Their leadership in the Adaptive Athletics movement is not ceremonial. It’s strategic. It’s courageous. And it’s deeply personal.
Sue Paterno has long been more than Joe Paterno’s wife—she’s been a moral compass, a tireless volunteer, and a champion of education and opportunity for all. And Dana Harris, the widow of the great Franco Harris, mirrors that same deep sense of purpose. Like Franco, Dana believes in the quiet power of inclusion, in the dignity of sport done right, and in the sacred responsibility of using one’s platform to lift others.
Together, they’re shining a light on a corner of Penn State athletics that too many had forgotten: the Adaptive Athletics program.
Once a beacon for adaptive sports and student inclusion, this program had dimmed in recent years. The pandemic, leadership transitions, and shifting priorities threatened its very existence. But these women—along with a team of alumni, Paralympians, and advocates—refused to let that story end in silence. Instead, they gave it a second act.
Adaptive Athletics is the embodiment of what Joe Paterno always believed: that athletics at Penn State must serve a higher purpose. That who you are matters more than how fast you run, how high you jump, or how many touchdowns you score. That integrity, courage, and grit deserve the spotlight as much as any stat line.
What makes this moment historic isn’t just the restoration of a program—it’s the passing of the torch.
For decades, men like Joe and Franco led the charge. They inspired generations. But as we look to the future, it’s Sue and Dana who are showing us how to lead now. With compassion. With conviction. Without waiting for permission.
They are not asking to be seen. They’re showing up. And in doing so, they’re rewriting what it means to lead in this new era of college athletics.
As name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals sweep across campuses and the line between college and pro continues to blur, Sue and Dana remind us why we fell in love with college sports in the first place. Not because of the headlines—but because of the heart.
They remind us that winning the right way still matters. That access and excellence are not mutually exclusive. That “Success with Honor” wasn’t a tagline—it was a promise.
And in their hands, that promise still burns bright.
The Grand Experiment isn’t over.
It’s evolving—with new voices, new champions, and a renewed commitment to inclusion, dignity, and honor.
Thanks to Sue and Dana, the torch is not just passed—it’s blazing forward.
Let us follow their lead.
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4 Responses
Wow, another grand slam article from this weekly newsletter. Every Wednesday I look forward to seeing what new, inspirational and inspiring thoughts will be shared. This article needs to be plastered all over the Nittany Nation.
Thanks, Bernie. Debbie is a wonderful writer, and we’re grateful to have her voice in the mix.
At the heart of our platform is a mission to amplify servant leadership—especially the kind rooted in love, not fear. In a world where so much leadership is driven by ego or scarcity, we seek out those who lead by guiding, supporting, and lifting others.
That’s our storytelling lens:
The leader is the Guide. The people they serve are the Heroes.
In this story, Sue Paterno and Dana Harris are the Guides, and the adaptive athletes are the Heroes—pushing boundaries, redefining what’s possible, and reminding us what college sports were always meant to be about.
And what’s most exciting?
Nittany Nation gets it.
This is exactly why we’re expanding the site beyond just business-to-business content. There’s a deeper heartbeat here—a hunger for meaning, purpose, and connection that goes beyond box scores.
In fact, with stories like this, you could argue:
It was never really about football. And it still isn’t.
We can’t wait to open up forums and bulletin boards this fall—so people can engage, share, and connect around the real spirit of Happy Valley.
Appreciate your voice and belief in what we’re building. See you at this great event.
“..It was never really about football. And it still isn’t.’.—EXACTLY.
This is why we as Penn Staters feel not only did we get a great academic education we learned to become part of something bigger than ourselves: servant leadership.
Maybe some think Penn Staters have an “air” about them as a result of this belief, True, we learned something special and we’re proud of it. I’ve travelled around the world and have never felt like a stranger when crossing paths with a fellow Nittany Lion. “WE ARE” is a great conversation starter when noticing someone with a PSU item on.
I feel honored to have the opportunity to assist PSU develop this new chapter in our university’s growth: Adaptive Sports.
“AMEN” to all of the above! The article and comments are spot on and I’m humbled and excited to have a team that is so passionate about Penn State Adaptive Athletics and it’s student-athletes! These student-athletes are full of pride, determination, and passion to compete as Nittany Lions and I can’t wait for you to see them in action! From donors to advocates, to our booster club (Rise Above) and their families, to those behind the scenes…everyone who has a part in supporting our program, you are our team! Without you, we couldn’t do what we do…with you, we have Success with Honor! Thank you, it means more than you know.
We Are…Adaptive Athletics!
We Are…Penn State!