Penn State Child Abuse Scandal Rocks Local Alumni

Charges filed Saturday after a grand jury investigation have caused two top Penn State officials to step down from their positions and sent a whirlwind of discussion throughout the alumni community and the nation at large.

"I was shocked and saddened by the revelations that came to light this past weekend," said Jennifer O'Meara, a 2007 graduate who lives in Holland. "We pride ourselves on our tradition and honor, and I can tell you Penn State faithful are reeling from these allegations and feel betrayed by the very people that spoke so highly of 'Success with Honor' and 'May No Act of Ours Bring Shame.'"

Gerald (Jerry) Sandusky, 67, was arrested Saturday after being arraigned on 40 criminal counts of sexual abuse. He was released on $100,000. Athletic Director Tim Curley, 57, and Vice President for Finance and Business Gary Schultz, 62, were both charged with perjury for covering up the scandal and not reporting the incidents to police officials, the Huffington Post reported.

Curley and Schultz are expected to turn themselves in today in Harrisburg. The entire grand jury report can be read online. (Editor's note: Content is graphic and may be disturbing). 

Sandusky, who retired from his post in 1999, was once considered a successor for Penn State's legendary football coach, Joe Paterno. Sandusky is also the founder of The Second Mile, a nonprofit organization "committed to helping young people achieve their potential as individuals and as community members and providing education and support for their parents and youth service professionals."

A statement released on their website said, "To our knowledge, all the alleged incidents occurred outside of our programs and events." After initial investigations about Sandusky's conduct with youth arised in 2008, the organization separated him from all activities and he has had no official connection since.

As the story continues to play out, many members of the Penn State community are shaken and disturbed, calling for the university's president, Graham Spanier, to step down in petitions on Facebook and change.org.

O'Meara said it's important to distinguish between the actions of a few people and the entire university.

"I'll always be proud to be a Penn Stater, and I hope that justice is harshly served if those charged are found guilty and that the victims and their families get the help and justice they so rightly deserve," she said.

She said she served as an intern for the Athletic Communications office.

"I am also disgusted by those condemning the entire athletic department ... I am deeply offended by those remarks. The individuals charged do not represent the pride and dedication of all those hard-working individuals, nor the rest of the Athletic Department staff."