An Evening with Adaptive Athletes and Terry Smith

An evening supporting Penn State Adaptive Athletics

Penn State is family. That’s the theme of this year’s Rise Above Gala, and it captures something true about this community and what it means to show up for our student-athletes.

Save the date: Saturday, July 25, 2026.

Rise Above, Friends of Adaptive Athletics Penn State, will host its 3rd Annual Fundraiser Gala at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center. The evening will be hosted by Sue Paterno and Dana Harris, with keynote speaker Terry Smith.

Meet Our Keynote: Terry Smith

A Penn State graduate, former standout wide receiver, and one of the most respected figures in the program's history, Smith recently served as interim head coach and led the Nittany Lions through one of the most challenging stretches in recent memory. He's not just a football coach. He's someone who has spent his entire adult life building people up, on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.

Why It Matters

Penn State Adaptive Athletics receives limited university funding, so private support is essential to sustaining the program.

Right now, 95% of every donation goes directly to student-athlete scholarships, equipment, training, and travel expenses. The Gala is the marquee event that makes that support possible.

Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities

Individual tickets are $100 and will go on sale in April. Rise Above also offers sponsorship opportunities for individuals, families, and companies who want to make a visible, meaningful impact on Penn State Adaptive Athletics.

For sponsorship information, contact Joe Clouse, Director of Fundraising, at [email protected].

Last year, tickets sold out quickly. Sign up for our newsletter below to receive the announcement and ticket link as soon as they become available.

Terry Smith Photo Credit: Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics