NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
The National College Athletic Association, the governing body for college sports announced unprecedented fines and penalties against Penn State University following a child sex abuse scandal.
"Football will never again be placed ahead of educating, nurturing and protecting young people," NCAA President Mark Emmert declared in announcing the penalties.
The NCAA fined Penn State $60 million dollars, voided football victories from the past 14 seasons, banned Penn State from bowl game appearances for four years and reduced the number of football scholarships available from 25 to 15.
The punishment was announced Monday morning at a news conference in Indianapolis.
The Nashville Penn Staters, Penn States Alumni Association in Middle Tennessee are trying to focus on the positive.
"Our prayers and thoughts are definitely with the victims," said Lisa Fults, president of the Nashville Penn State Alumni association.
Fults told Nashville's News 2 they are focusing on making a difference in the community following the outcome of Monday's announcement.
"We want to do something really positive, we don't just want to sit back and say, ‘Oh poor us.' We want to take action so the best thing to do is do something positive," said Fults.
The local alumni association has teamed up with the Sexual Assault Center of Tennessee.
"We want to promote awareness about sexual assault particularly with children but for any victims," Fults said.
The Penn Staters are helping the Sexual Assault Center raise money and awareness. It is an effort in Middle Tennessee to not let the actions of a few tarnish the reputation and spirit of Penn State.
"When people see me in a Penn State shirt or they see my car which is loaded with Penn States stickers and alumni things, I am getting thumbs up. I am having people stop and talk to me and ask questions. It is very positive," Fults said. "That makes me feel good as alumni because that is what I want people to know about Penn State. It is a great place."
The Penn Staters are matching donations made by their members to the Sexual Assault Center for up to $1,000.
Penn State University President Rodney Erickson said in a statement on Monday the university "will move forward with a renewed sense of commitment to excellence and integrity in all aspects of our University."
Sixty million dollars is the equivalent of one year's gross revenue generated by Penn State's Football team. The university will pay $12 million a year for the next five years into a special endowment created to fund programs for the detection, prevention and treatment of child abuse.
*The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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