On its surface, the question posed by this work -- "Is Penn State a Real University?" -- seems ridiculous. Yet its thoughtful exploration by Dr. Ben Novak, a four-term former Trustee, reveals that there is far more to the answer than one might first imagine. Nearly 25 years ago, State College Magazine published the essays that form the core of this book. Assembled for the first time and updated for contemporary readers, Dr. Novak's explication -- equal parts informational and inspirational – rings as true today ...
On its surface, the question posed by this work -- "Is Penn State a Real University?" -- seems ridiculous. Yet its thoughtful exploration by Dr. Ben Novak, a four-term former Trustee, reveals that there is far more to the answer than one might first imagine. Nearly 25 years ago, State College Magazine published the essays that form the core of this book. Assembled for the first time and updated for contemporary readers, Dr. Novak's explication -- equal parts informational and inspirational – rings as true today as at the time of its original publication. "Is Penn State a Real University?" is an insightful meditation that presents a grounded, evergreen vision for students, alumni, townspeople, and professors everywhere.
Ben Novak, born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on February 15, 1943, graduated from the Pennsylvania State University in 1965. As a student he served as president of the Undergraduate Student Government in his senior year and as a brother at Tau Kappa Epsilon.
In 1968 he graduated from Georgetown University Law School. From 1968 to 1970 he served as a Captain in the U.S. Army, Infantry, including a year in Viet Nam where he won the Bronze Star.
In 1968 Novak was admitted to the Bar of Pennsylvania. He practiced law in Pennsylvania for more than 30 years, with his own firm in State College and Bellefonte.
While living in Centre County for more than three decades, Novak was widely involved in the community. He was, at various times: founder of the Mount Nittany Conservancy; president of Lion’s Paw Alumni Association; a Ph.D recipient in philosophy, history, and political science from Penn State; and an adjunct professor and assistant dean of students at Penn State. From 1988 to 2000 Novak served on Penn State’s Board of Trustees.
In 2000 he retired, moving to Bratislava in Slovakia, his family’s ancestral home. In 2008 he returned to the United States to advise students at Penn State, and has earnestly sought a renewal in University life according to the vision of Evan Pugh and the Founders of Penn State for many years.
Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked,
or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to
Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original
and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you
and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not
violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help
ensure that your review can be posted.
Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13
We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer.
However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or
to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.
What to exclude from your review:
Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the
information on the product page, please send us an email.
Reviews should not contain any of the following:
- HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
- Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
- Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
- Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
- Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
- Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
- Advertisements or commercial solicitation
Reminder:
- By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its
sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the
review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
- Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly
those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com
also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
- See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend
Create a Pen Name
Welcome, penname
You have successfully created your Pen Name. Start enjoying the benefits of the BN.com Community today.
If you find inappropriate content, please report it to Barnes & Noble
Overview