Q&A: Catch up with the ‘Penn State Pop Pop’ and grandson from viral video

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — John Robinson — also known as “the Penn State Pop-Pop,” after a video of him learning his grandson Wes had been accepted into Penn State went viral earlier this year — is in many ways the model of a lifelong Penn Stater.

A 1957 graduate in physical education, Robinson said he credits his Penn State degree with setting him up for further education and, ultimately, a career in physical therapy that allowed him to provide for his family and build a successful life.

Although his son and first two grandchildren chose other paths that didn’t lead them to Penn State, Robinson’s “We Are” spirit stayed unchanged. Throughout the years, he remained well-known among family and friends for his love of Penn State and for representing the "Blue and White."

So when his grandson Wes set his laptop down in front of him in January and Robinson read his grandson’s Penn State acceptance letter as his daughter-in-law Stephanie recorded the moment, he let out a joyful noise that ultimately attracted millions of views and thousands of comments — including many from fellow Penn Staters who shared his joy and his “We Are” spirit.

As he celebrated his grandson’s accomplishment, Robinson repeated one phrase: “I’m going home.”

Now that Wes has officially moved into his residence hall at University Park to begin his first year of college, Penn State News caught up with “the Penn State Pop-Pop” John Robinson and Wes, as well as Wes’ parents Jeff and Stephanie from the viral video, to learn more about what Penn State has meant for their family. The conversation has been lightly edited for style, length and clarity.

Q: John, what made you first want to be a Penn Stater?

John Robinson, “the Penn State Pop-Pop:” I was aware that it was a fine university, and one of the pastor’s sons from my church who played football at Penn State gave me some insight on the school. From there, I was interested in attending the University.

Q: Wes, what about you? What made you want to be a Penn Stater?

Wes Robinson: Penn State was always one of my top options when I was deciding which college I wanted to attend. They have an amazing engineering program and easily the best alumni community in the country.  I know I’ll be welcomed with open arms and feel a strong sense of belonging from day one, which many freshman at other colleges struggle to find.

Q: John, what impact did your Penn State education have on your life and career?

John: Penn State provided an excellent educational foundation that lead me into the health field. Because of the foundation I received at Penn State, after graduation I applied to the University of Pennsylvania, where I continued my education.

Q: Wes, when you learned you had been accepted, what was your first thought?

Wes: I was sitting in my basement with my friends when I saw the notification pop up on my phone, so I acted like I needed to go use the restroom upstairs. Once I got to my room, I opened my computer and saw the notification, and my first thought was to call my girlfriend who also attends Penn State and celebrate with her. My second thought was I had to tell my Pop Pop, who is a die-hard Penn State fan in all aspects.

Q: Stephanie, you filmed the moment of John learning that Wes had been accepted to Penn State. How has the family felt with the outpouring of “We Are” spirit from fellow Penn Staters in response to this video?

Stephanie Robinson, John Robinson’s daughter-in-law: We were overwhelmed; the video has almost 3 million views and the outpouring and comments from the Penn State community has been something we couldn’t have imagined. It clearly solidified why we chose Penn State. We know we wouldn't have received such a positive response from any other university Wes applied to.

Q: Jeff, how did all this feel for you, watching this connection and this joy unfold in such a powerful way? 

Jeff Robinson, John’s son and Wes’ father: It was amazing. To watch the two men I love the most share such a great moment brought tears to my eyes. I could not be happier for Wes, and to see my father live for 91 years and see his grandson go to Penn State is a dream come true.

Q: John, one thing you said in the video was “I’m coming home.” Can you share a little more about what that means for you?  

John: It means that my Penn State roots are going to continue through my grandson and I could not be happier. It also means that I have another reason to visit the campus!

Q: John, what are your hopes for Wes as he embarks on his Penn State journey?

John: For Wes, I want him to be very successful in his educational endeavors, to enjoy his time at Penn State, and to connect with the great alumni association that Penn State provides.  

Q: Wes, what are your aspirations for your Penn State journey? 

Wes: My aspirations are to succeed in life to be able to provide for my future family as amazingly as my father and grandfather have for theirs. I hope to have an amazing four years as a Penn State student, and I’m hoping to make amazing lifelong friends, connections, and create memories I’ll be able to tell my grandkids — just like my Pop Pop.

Editor's note: One million Penn State degrees means there are one million unique Penn State stories. This is a sample of one of the many ways Penn Staters are using their degrees to change lives, elevate impact and make a difference.