Ground Broken On Sue Paterno Student Faith Center

Penn State officials and members of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese broke ground on the Suzanne Pohland Paterno Catholic Student Faith Center for Penn State on Tuesday.

Sue Paterno told WJAC-TV that the she wasn’t sure the project would happen, following 14 years of fundraising and praying.

"I had doubts at times we would make it but if you pray a lot, it'll work. God takes care of those who pray to him,” said Paterno. "This is so great for our students. They'll have a place. They get homesick, and they’ll have a place to go."

Organizers said Sue Paterno played a key role in raising more than $4.5 million for the $6.4 million faith center.

“She’s a very humble person and very generous with her time as well as with her financial resources,” said Bishop Joseph Adamec. “Here she is, the wife of a coach, a person that can have a life of her own, and she's there for them, in terms of their faith, in terms of their relationship with God."

Penn State head coach Joe Paterno spoke at Tuesday’s groundbreaking ceremony, before leaving early for his weekly season news conference.

"She's been a real asset,” said Joe Paterno. “I’m very proud of her.”

Plans for the 22,000-square-foot center includes a chapel, library and living quarters for several Benedictine Monks.

Officials anticipate the facility to be open for daily Mass by next December.