But students - many of them media-weary and reluctant to talk - continue to mourn the loss of Paterno and the impact on their school.
Robertina Castano, 21, a junior from Kennett Square, said she was waiting for the day when she tells people where she goes to school and the first thing they ask her about is not the scandal. "They talk about the scandal instead of the good reputation that the university has," she said. "I feel sad."
Allison Montgomery, 20, a sophomore from Blue Bell, was working on fund-raising for Thon, which will be held in less than three weeks. A big Paterno fan and second-generation Penn Stater, she wore a T-shirt in honor of the man: "Not Just a Coach: Philanthropist. Mentor. Leader. Icon and Legend," with a drawing of Paterno-style eyeglasses.
She pointed out that the Paternos were continuing to raise money for Thon despite the fractured relationship with university leadership.
"This whole week has felt like watching a movie," said Montgomery, who attended the Paterno memorial. "It's heartbreaking, tragic."
Asked what it would take to heal the wounds, Montgomery said: "Time. It's going to take time."
To honor Paterno, the university turned on the bright lights at Beaver Stadium every night last week from Sunday, when he died, to Thursday, the day of the memorial service. On Friday night, the stadium was dark.
For videos, photo galleries, and complete coverage of the life and death of Joe Paterno, go to www.philly.com/paterno
Contact staff writer Susan Snyder at 215-854-4693 or ssnyder@phillynews.com.
