![]() ![]() "What a man, who sets high standards, he loves his family, he loves this university, he loves his country, and my mother and dad love him."Īlthough he was the most well-known person on Penn State's campus in State College, Paterno was also seen as a picture of humility. "I tell you one thing about Joe Paterno, there's no more decent fellow on the face of the Earth," Bush said. Bush, visited Penn State's campus in 2005, noting his respect for Paterno. ![]() Paterno spoke at the 1988 Republican convention in support of Bush.īush's son, President George W. Ford, who tried but failed to convince the coach to run for office. Paterno was also involved in politics, supporting conservative candidates in Pennsylvania and befriending presidents George H.W. He and his wife, Sue, donated more than $4 million to the university, which named a library and a campus spirituality center for them. His base pay in 2011 was a little less than $600,000. The achievements helped illustrate Paterno's philosophy on collegiate sports and on life, as he said in a 1973 commencement speech to Penn State graduates, that "Success without honor is an unseasoned dish it will satisfy your hunger but it won't taste good."Īnd despite offers from other universities and NFL football teams, including an ownership stake in the New England Patriots, Paterno remained at Penn State, where his base pay was only a fraction of that of other top football coaches in the country. Paterno's football program consistently ranked among the top in the NCAA for graduation rates, as well as the top grade point averages for student athletes in Division 1 sports. The football program ballooned in prestige, with the school's Beaver Stadium expanding six times during his tenure. "Just winning is a silly reason to be serious about a game," Paterno wrote in his 1997 book, "Paterno: By the Book." "The purpose of college football is to serve education."ĭuring his tenure, the reputation of Penn State grew from that of a small land-grant university to a nationally ranked research university. Paterno was known for his "Grand Experiment" at the university, stressing academic success as well as athletic achievement for his players. The nomination was revoked, however, after the scandal broke. While at Penn State's helm, Paterno, who was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., led the Nittany Lions to seven undefeated seasons and two NCAA championships, had only five losing seasons, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007, and was nominated for a Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players and his community," Paterno's family said in a statement. His ambitions were far reaching, but he never believed he had to leave this Happy Valley to achieve them. He fought hard until the end, stayed positive, thought only of others and constantly reminded everyone of how blessed his life had been. Paterno's personal life included service in the Army, an English degree from Brown University, a marriage that lasted more than half a century, and a football team's worth of children and grandchildren. Hundreds of students gathered around the bronze statue of Paterno on the Penn State campus Saturday night, praying for Paterno's recovery, lighting candles and placing blue and white baseball hats at the foot of the statue. ![]() Paterno wanted to see them and say a final goodbye, the coach's wife told one of the staff members, the source said. Saturday night, Paterno's wife, Suzanne Paterno, summoned close friends and longtime staff members Saturday afternoon to the State College hospital where Paterno has been undergoing treatments since last weekend, a source told the Citizen's Voice newspaper of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. He canceled public appearances after the interview because of his failing health, according to family members.įor Paterno's legion of fans, who referred to the coach affectionately as "JoePa," the turbulent final months of Paterno's life were a tragic end to an outstanding coaching career that was built around his motto of "success with honor." In a recent interview with the Washington Post, he appeared frail, wearing a wig and speaking in a whisper. ![]()
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