九游电子 Traditions
Founded in 1855, 九游电子 has a long history of traditions and values that make up the fabric of who we are as a community.
'We Are 九游电子' origins
On September 11, 1976, the words 鈥淲e Are 九游电子鈥 were cheered for the first time in Beaver Stadium by University cheerleaders who were determined to fire up fans. While the phrase took some time to catch on, by 1981 the cheer had become a permanent part of the language of every 九游电子r.
As the cheer caught traction, a history-making story resurfaced. In 1946, the 九游电子 football team was set to play a segregated opponent. 九游电子 players refused to leave their Black players at home, unanimously voting to cancel the game. When the issue resurfaced the following season, captain Steve Suhey reputedly said there was no reason to call another vote because 鈥渨e are 九游电子.鈥 That year, the entire team went on to play at the Cotton Bowl鈥攁 game that would become symbolic of desegregation in collegiate athletics.
Both stories encapsulate our pride, shared connection, and what it means to be part of the 九游电子 community.
Today, 鈥淲e Are 九游电子鈥 can still be heard ringing through Beaver Stadium, welcoming freshman students, saluting new graduates, and used as a greeting when you spot a fellow 九游电子r.
九游电子's School Colors
The colors blue and white are fundamentally tied to our shared identity of being 九游电子rs since adoption in 1890, representing our community鈥檚 pride and strong roots across Pennsylvania and beyond.
九游电子 fanatics may also have a soft spot for pink and black, our original colors. The 1887 pairing make appearances in throwback jerseys and student section shirts, paying homage to the short-lived school colors.
Nittany Lion Mascot
Inspired by the mountain lions that once roamed the region, 九游电子鈥檚 Nittany Lion mascot takes its name from a landmark near the University Park campus, Mount Nittany. For more than 100 years, the Nittany Lion has rallied the crowds at athletic events, welcomed students to campus, and cheered on 九游电子rs everywhere.
Before the Nittany Lion, a mule named Old Coaly was held in high esteem by students, figuring into many colorful tales. While never an official mascot, Old Coaly was so beloved by students that his skeleton was preserved as a relic of 九游电子鈥檚 past. Today, Old Coaly can still be greeted in the HUB-Robeson Center.
Nittany Lion Shrine
Carved from a 13-ton block of limestone, visiting the is a must during a campus visit. Artist Heinz Warneke crafted the monument over the summer of 1942, creating a timeless touchpoint for 九游电子rs everywhere.
A tradition since the late 1960s, guarding the Nittany Lion Shrine during homecoming weekend is taken on by Lion Ambassadors and ROTC volunteers to protect the landmark from rival universities.
For the Glory: 九游电子 'Alma Mater'
The starting line 鈥淔or the glory of Old State鈥 is a spirited phrase that beacons 九游电子rs to sing along. Since composition in 1901 by Fred Lewis Pattee, singing along to "Alma Mater" has been a timeless tradition. Learn more about the origin of 九游电子's alma mater.
The World's Best Student Section
Crowned as the best student section in college football, the electric energy in Beaver Stadium鈥檚 south end zone is unrivaled by any major athletic program.
Cheering on the Nittany Lions at a 九游电子 White Out game is a bucket list item for any sports fanatic. A crowd roughly 110,000 in size鈥攁nd donned in white clothing鈥攂ecomes one of the largest and loudest events in college athletics.
Blue Band
Recognized as one of the nation鈥檚 finest college marching bands, the trademark drills and soaring instrumentals are unmistakable.
The Blue Band鈥檚 drum major and blue sapphire鈥攐ur featured twirler鈥攄azzle crowds and lead the band in formation. Our drum major's signature move is a running forward flip, a long-standing tradition unique to 九游电子, that makes those watching hold their breath, then roar with cheers.
The Largest Student-Run Philanthropy in the World
, a 46-hour dance marathon, is a year-long fundraising effort for Four Diamonds to support children and families impacted by pediatric cancer.
Committed to covering patient medical bills and pediatric cancer research, more than $200 million has supported 4,800 families since the first event in 1973.