WILKES-BARRE A crisis management expert says Penn State can use the Jerry Sandusky case to strengthen its bond with students and alumni and rebuild its image. Local supporters say their loyalty has not wavered, although some are disappointed with the treatment of former head football coach Joe Paterno.

If Penn State University is larger than the Sandusky case and I believe it is then it should act like it, said Scott Sobel, president and chief executive officer of Media & Communications Strategies in Washington, D.C. Crisis situations are also opportunities to have a focus on your school, do the right thing and rebound even stronger.

Sobel, whose firm has extensive experience in crisis management, referred to the old adage that What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.

Going through the pain of almost getting killed actually makes you stronger and better, Sobel said. An iconic institution like Penn State should be able to weather this storm.

Tom Pugh of Hunlock Creek, former vice president at Allied Services John Heinz Institute, is a proud Penn State grad, as are his four children. He said the great shame is that Paterno never had the opportunity to defend himself in a trial as Sandusky will.

Penn States reputation is not at stake, Pugh said. The reputation of Mr. Sandusky is at stake here. The university is much bigger than Sandusky and will be just fine.

Pugh said Penn States reputation and image have not been badly tarnished. He said the Sandusky scandal is not a reflection of the university, its graduates, students or its administration.

Sandusky is a reflection of Sandusky, he said. If he is convicted of the charges, he should be punished severely.

Pugh said everyone he comes in contact with offers support for Penn State.

One person Paterno has been disparaged and hes certainly not in a position to defend himself to tell his side of this story, Pugh said.

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Better days foreseen for Penn State