Penn State men’s basketball team was shown some support when they traveled to World Campus students’ area of the country. Two World Campus students had the opportunity to see a Penn State game at Michigan State University (MSU) on February 8. Students Shea Marks, Kent Grantham, and their guests joined World Campus staff Karen Pollack, Donna Anderson, and Shubha Kashyap for dinner, the game, and good conversation. Students from the area were picked from a lottery to receive the invitation.
The group attended dinner at the State Room Restaurant at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center located on the MSU campus. The restaurant offered a specialized menu that was even personalized for the Penn Staters’ three-course meal. Karen, Donna, and Shubha gained feedback from the students about their online learning experiences. Student Shea Marks said, “The food was great, and it was even better to have our opinions heard to help make Penn State a better place.” One highlight of dinner came from a couple MSU fans that approached the table to thank the Penn Staters for coming out to the game!
Everyone then headed to see the Nittany Lions take on MSU at the Breslin Student Events Center all geared up wearing their new World Campus T-shirts. The students and staff had a great view of head coach Pat Chambers in their seats three rows behind the Penn State bench. A group of Penn State alumni were also seated in their section and informed the World Campus students about the alumni group in the area. “I learned there is a Penn State alumni group in my region of Michigan which I am proudly going to join. Having alumni lead my favorite cheer ‘WE ARE… PENN STATE’ was an amazing experience,” one student said.
This opportunity gave World Campus students a chance to connect with the University and express their valued opinions. It also opened up new communities of Penn Staters in the area that they did not know existed. Student Kent Grantham said, “I would definitely attend another night like it – I would never pass up a night of great company, amazing food, and awesome seats at a Penn State athletic event.” Shea Marks added, “It was great being able to meet and interact with Penn State staff close to home. I had some very envious coworkers the next day!”
World Campus plans on hosting more events like this in the coming years, so keep an eye out for when we come to your town!
