396:
#1 Party School
Originally aired 12.18.2009
This year, The Princeton Review named Penn State the #1 Party School in America. It's a rotating crown—last year it was University of Florida, before that it was West Virginia University. So we wondered: what's it like to be at the country's top party school?
Note, Act Three was not in the broadcast version of the show. That's a web bonus.
Prologue.
Host Ira Glass visits This American Life producer Sarah Koenig at her house in State College PA, a few blocks from Penn State's campus, on a weekend night near one in the morning. They witness all kinds of alcohol-induced mayhem. (8 1/2 minutes) Song: "Party in the U.S.A," Miley CyrusAct One. I'm Not As Think As You Drunk I Am.
Most of the This American Life production staff spent the weekend at Penn State, and found that drinking is the great unifier at the school. Ira Glass, Sarah Koenig, Lisa Pollak and Jane Feltes report on tailgating parties, frat parties, an article of clothing known as a "fracket," and a surprising and common drunken crime. (15 minutes) Song: "Penn State Medley," Penn State Blue BandAct Two. If God Isn't A Penn State Fan, Then Why Is The Sky Blue And White?
Because of the University, State College is in the only county in Pennsylvania where GDP grew in 2008. Producer Nancy Updike visited with local businesses and learned several tips for thriving at the nation's top party school. (13 1/2 minutes)Act Three. Talk to the Paw.
The same year Penn State was named #1 party school, State College was named the safest metropolitan area in the country. Producer Aaron Scott goes out with a State College police officer to see what it takes to keep it safe. (8 minutes) Song: "Drunk and Disorderly," Black Market BabyAct Four. A Drinking School With A Football Problem.
Administrators have tried everything to curb drinking at Penn State, and nothing has worked. Producer Sarah Koenig reports on why this issue is so hard to tackle, and on how students react when the party turns tragic. Plus: Ira Glass learns that students don't like Penn State—they LOVE Penn State. (19 minutes)
