Joe Paterno

Joseph Vincent Paterno (born December 21, 1926 in Brooklyn, New York), nicknamed Joe Pa, has been the head coach of The Pennsylvania State University's college football team since 1966.

Philanthropist and educator

Paterno is highly regarded for his contributions to academics as well as his football coaching. In the 1970s, Paterno began a "Grand Experiment", requiring his players to excel in academics as well as football. Over the decades, Penn State's football players consistently had above-average graduation rates that were often among the top 10 in Division I-A. The former English major emphasizes proper grammar among his players during interviews with the media, and, consequently, rarely does one hear Penn State players saying things like "we played good," "he don't" or using double negatives. Additionally, he and wife Sue have donated over $4 million to expand the library and helped raise another $13.5 million in private donations for its construction. The expanded wing (formerly East Pattee Library) was named the Paterno Library in their honor.

Related Topics:
1970s - Division I - Double negative

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