Letters To JoePa project

[Zenophile]

Here’s what I’ve seen

Debby Kevin

While deep in the archives at the Paterno Library, I stumbled upon something extraordinary—a cache of personal letters to and from Joe Paterno. For years, I’ve believed that Joe’s influence extended...

www.facebook.com

 

[Bob78]

dearjoepa.org

For those interested in this new way to honor Joe Paterno:

This project was created to honor Joe by having people submit their personal stories and "letters to Joe" via this project's site. There are memories from former players and team members, former coaches, and just plain ol' fans. The site was presented to SuePa on Friday Feb. 14th her 85th birthday.

The inventory of stories and letters will continue to grow, and people can subscribe to receive updates. (Note: I'm subscribed but have not received an update as of yet, but it's basically Day One of the public release).

Lots of sentimental remembrances, and lots of smiles to found by reading the stories - some touching, some funny. Hope you enjoy it.

(And if not interested, and/or not a JoePa fan, please strongly consider moving on without comment to a thread that interests you. Thank you.)

 

[MacNit]

dearjoepa.org

For those interested in this new way to honor Joe Paterno:

This project was created to honor Joe by having people submit their personal stories and "letters to Joe" via this project's site. There are memories from former players and team members, former coaches, and just plain ol' fans. The site was presented to SuePa on Friday Feb. 14th her 85th birthday.

The inventory of stories and letters will continue to grow, and people can subscribe to receive updates. (Note: I'm subscribed but have not received an update as of yet, but it's basically Day One of the public release).

Lots of sentimental remembrances, and lots of smiles to found by reading the stories - some touching, some funny. Hope you enjoy it.

(And if not interested, and/or not a JoePa fan, please strongly consider moving on without comment to a thread that interests you. Thank you.)

For those who think it’s a cult, it might open your eyes a bit.

 

[IBeBlockin]

Thanks Bob78 for posting! I’m a just thankful that I had a chance to be a fan when Paterno was coaching in his prime and helped put PSU on the map as a university. Coach Paterno was the greatest!

 

[Sharkies]

Just visited the site and watched the video of Joe Paterno visiting a fraternity in the wake of a brother’s tragic passing. That was the real Joe—compassionate, unwavering, and deeply committed to the people around him. The University and Board, so quick to cast him aside, erased decades of unparalleled dedication in an instant. He didn’t just serve Penn State; he embodied it, exceeding every conceivable expectation of loyalty, generosity, and service to the community.

I cannot fathom how his family bears it. Knowing the man he was, I couldn’t be the bigger person. I would be bitter, vindictive. And yet, Sue still gives—his possessions, her support, her grace. We do not deserve her. And maybe, in the end, we never deserved Joe either.

 

[bdgan]

Joe wasn't perfect as a person or as a coach but he made us take pride in our university. Success with honor was a real thing.

I remember his speech to the BOT after winning the NC. It wasn't about footbsll. It was about making the university #1 in academics.

PSU would have an 8-4 season but we took pride in the fact that we were doing it the right way. Then every 4-5 seasons the team would make a run at a title. Those days are sadly done.

 

[Marshall2323]

Just visited the site and watched the video of Joe Paterno visiting a fraternity in the wake of a brother’s tragic passing. That was the real Joe—compassionate, unwavering, and deeply committed to the people around him. The University and Board, so quick to cast him aside, erased decades of unparalleled dedication in an instant. He didn’t just serve Penn State; he embodied it, exceeding every conceivable expectation of loyalty, generosity, and service to the community.

I cannot fathom how his family bears it. Knowing the man he was, I couldn’t be the bigger person. I would be bitter, vindictive. And yet, Sue still gives—his possessions, her support, her grace. We do not deserve her. And maybe, in the end, we never deserved Joe either.

Well said. But PSU didn't deserve John Surma either.

 

[psuro]

Someone is in my office cutting onions.

Damn.

 

[Zenophile]

Additional info:

I am thrilled to announce the launch of DearJoePa.org, a unique platform designed to gather and showcase heartfelt stories of Joe Paterno's profound influence over the decades. As alumni leaders deeply connected to the spirit of Penn State, you are uniquely positioned to help us celebrate and preserve Joe’s enduring legacy.​

The idea for this "living biography" emerged after discovering a treasure trove of Joe’s personal correspondence in the Paterno Library archives. These letters revealed deep connections Joe fostered with friends, students, and colleagues, underscoring the impact of his mentorship and kindness. Please check out the site to see the incredible stories that have already been received!​

​

As we approach what would have been Joe Paterno’s 100th birthday on December 21, 2026, we invite all who have been touched by Joe's life and values to contribute to this collective tribute. DearJoePa.org offers everyone a chance to share their personal stories, letters, and photos, continuing Joe’s legacy of leadership and integrity.​

​

This project does not simply recount history; it actively engages our community in celebrating a man who shaped Penn State with his "Black Shoes, Basic Blues, No Names, All Game" philosophy. We believe that Joe's lessons and spirit resonate beyond his time with us, and your stories are a vital part of this narrative.​

Please encourage your chapter members to contribute their memories and reflections to DearJoePa.org. Submissions can be made digitally through the website or mailed to Dear JoePa, c/o Deborah Kevin, 501 W. University Pkwy, B2, Baltimore, MD 21210.​

​

Thank you for helping us ensure that Joe Paterno's legacy continues to inspire and guide the Penn State community and beyond. Should you have any inquiries, feel free to email us at [email protected].​

​

WE ARE!​

Debby '91​

Deborah Kevin Author, Editor, and Speaker www.deborahkevin.com | [email protected] | Shelf Life, Heart-Centered Marketing, Your First Year

 

[Bob78]

Additional info:

I am thrilled to announce the launch of DearJoePa.org, a unique platform designed to gather and showcase heartfelt stories of Joe Paterno's profound influence over the decades. As alumni leaders deeply connected to the spirit of Penn State, you are uniquely positioned to help us celebrate and preserve Joe’s enduring legacy.​

The idea for this "living biography" emerged after discovering a treasure trove of Joe’s personal correspondence in the Paterno Library archives. These letters revealed deep connections Joe fostered with friends, students, and colleagues, underscoring the impact of his mentorship and kindness. Please check out the site to see the incredible stories that have already been received!​

​

As we approach what would have been Joe Paterno’s 100th birthday on December 21, 2026, we invite all who have been touched by Joe's life and values to contribute to this collective tribute. DearJoePa.org offers everyone a chance to share their personal stories, letters, and photos, continuing Joe’s legacy of leadership and integrity.​

​

This project does not simply recount history; it actively engages our community in celebrating a man who shaped Penn State with his "Black Shoes, Basic Blues, No Names, All Game" philosophy. We believe that Joe's lessons and spirit resonate beyond his time with us, and your stories are a vital part of this narrative.​

Please encourage your chapter members to contribute their memories and reflections to DearJoePa.org. Submissions can be made digitally through the website or mailed to Dear JoePa, c/o Deborah Kevin, 501 W. University Pkwy, B2, Baltimore, MD 21210.​

​

Thank you for helping us ensure that Joe Paterno's legacy continues to inspire and guide the Penn State community and beyond. Should you have any inquiries, feel free to email us at [email protected].​

​

WE ARE!​

Debby '91​

​

Deborah Kevin Author, Editor, and Speaker www.deborahkevin.com | [email protected] | Shelf Life, Heart-Centered Marketing, Your First Year

The inventory of stories and remembrances has grown by a couple every day. A number of former players have submitted their stories. Fond memories and many smiles along the way.

 

[Zenophile]

The inventory of stories and remembrances has grown by a couple every day. A number of former players have submitted their stories. Fond memories and many smiles along the way.

Grassroots projects like this are key to preserving the legacy Joe and the Paterno family deserve (as opposed to the one attributed to him by Surma, Peetz, et al.).

 

[Moogy]

For those who think it’s a cult, it might open your eyes a bit.

It's DEFINITELY eye opening. But not in the way you meant it. Yikes.