This past weekend on the lawn of the Business Building, the first-ever Kick Off the Fall Tailgate was held to introduce freshmen students to a number of student organizations, and their unifying value: sportsmanship. According to the event organizers, the tailgate was just the first in a year of event programming and other initiatives based around that same theme.

The Interfraternity Council (@PennStateIFC), Panhellenic Council (@PennStatePHC), PRIDE (@PRIDEPSU), and Student-Athlete Advisory Board (@PennStateSAAB) teamed up to host the event, which featured games, free food, prizes, and (of course) the Nittany Lion. (Check out the Collegian’s article on the event for a sweet pic of the Lion playing ladderball at the event.)

“We wanted to promote Penn State pride through sportsmanship,” said SAAB Vice President Anna Muzio. “Our goal was to expose freshmen to Penn State’s strong athletic culture and teach them how to be exemplary fans.” Muzio said that the event was also meant to promote the new Code Blue athletics student-fan program, which we’ve written about before. You can find more info (including prize details) and register for the program here.

“We’re always looking to make ties across campus,” said PHC President Paige Rothaus. “We were very excited about our collaboration with SAAB and PRIDE, two organizations we truly feel make Penn State a better place.”

The IFC and PHC also made a $1,500 donation to Penn State PRIDE at the event. According to IFC President Dan Florencio (@dvflorencio), sportsmanship is a value he hopes to see incorporated into his own organization’s efforts over the remainder of his term. The funds will go towards supporting a variety of PRIDE initiatives, including a ‘Roll Out the Crimson Carpet’ week of activities leading up to the Alabama game.

What does Penn State Pride mean to you? Let us know in the comments!