Yesterday afternoon, a few “lucky” students and community members living in off-campus apartments had the opportunity to get a brief introduction to a few noteworthy individuals in the Penn State and State College communities as part of the 2011 LION Walk. The goal of the event is to promote a smoother relationship between students and town residents by having community leaders and university administrators knock on residents’ doors to start conversations.

Among key individuals involved were State College Mayor Elizabeth Goreham, President Graham Spanier, the Nittany Lion himself, and other prominent Penn State staff. Each group was also accompanied by a State College Police officer in an attempt to promote a cordial relationship between law enforcement and residents.

LION Walk shows groups in the University administration and local State College community, often seen by students as enemies, offering the olive branch, and is an annual reminder that we all can get along.