PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Penn State alumni crowded a room in Downtown Pittsburgh to ask questions of University President Rodney Erickson concerning the child sex abuse scandal.

In the first of three town hall meetings, Erickson began by telling the crowd that openness and communication are his guiding principles.

He also said he will not allow the school or the football program to be defined by the tragedy.

Former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky is accused of sexually abusing 10 boys.

Many of the questions pertained to how the Board of Trustees handled the scandal.

Some were upset that legendary coach Joe Paterno was fired.

Erickson said it is his hope to honor Paterno in some way, but says he understands that the board had to take decisive action.

Erickson says the values of the school do not begin with what is lawful or unlawful but rather, what’s the right thing to do.

He also says alumni must continue to wear Penn State blue and white proudly.

One alum from Upper Saint Clair said he appreciated Erickson being as open as he can be, but he said he still has unanswered questions concerning the scandal.

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