(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Reporting Lynne Hayes-Freeland
STATE COLLEGE (KDKA) – Hundreds of students gathered on Penn State’s campus for a candlelight vigil in memory of Joe Paterno Sunday night.
Paterno passed away Sunday at age 85 from lung cancer complications. Students packed Penn State’s Old Main Lawn for the vigil at 8 p.m.
Players spoke, fans and supporters lit candles as they gathered to remember Paterno.
“Joe Paterno has done a lot for this school, more than just football. He’s been a huge part of academics and a huge part of the philanthropies here at school. I think we all are very proud of Joe and it’s tough to see him go,” PSU senior Patrick Bower said.
According to KDKA-TV’s Lynne Hayes-Freeland, the campus was eerily quiet all day, especially around the statue dedicated to Paterno.
Candles, posters, flowers, t-shirts and pom-poms are being left around the statue.
“He was a great man and he did everything for our school. Donated money and his time to us and he was very modest. He had money, but he still lived in his house on McKee Street,” one student said.
“But, you know, I think at the end of the day, people will remember what a great man he was, and how much he did for this university, not just the football program, but the entire university,” Steve Lampert said.
Students are being asked to participate in one final “white out” in memory of Paterno on Monday.
Police have also blocked the street where Paterno lived.
They said the family does not want any public gathering outside the home so they can grieve in privacy.
RELATED LINKS
Looking Back At Paterno’s Legacy
Former PSU Coach Paterno Dies At 85
Family Releases Statement About Paterno’s Death
Condolences Pouring In Following Paterno’s Death
Former Pitt Coach Reflects On Paterno’s Passing
Local Coach Reflects On Friendship With Paterno
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