Today marks the one year anniversary of Jerry Sandusky’s arrest and the end of the toughest year Penn State has ever endured. But even after all that has happened here since last November, our unwavering love for Penn State remains. The things that made Penn State great in the first place are still intact. It’s impossible to describe why we fell in love with this place with only a few examples, because what defines Penn State is quite diverse — it’s a little bit of everything, big and small. Here are Onward State’s 100 things to love about Penn State — the reasons why “We Still Are.”

1. The 110 players who stayed and know what “pledge our love and loyalty” means.

2. The largest Homecoming celebration in the country…

3. …and the 600,000 living alumni, the biggest alumni association in the world. 

4. The nationally ranked College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.

5. Grilled stickies from the Diner at 4 in the morning.

6. The Palmer Museum of Art, including pieces from artists like Pablo Picasso and Roy Lichtenstein.

7. The Blue Out, which raised $75,000 for sexual abuse charities…

8. …and the White Out, which will always bring us together.

9. Our ten Fulbright scholars, making us proud every single day.

10. The friendly Penn State squirrels… 

11. …especially Sneezy and Mary Krupa.

12. The Lunar Lion, which is taking Penn State to the moon. 

13. Old Main at sunset.

14. Penn State’s social media dominance.

15. THON, which raised over $10 million for pediatric cancer research last year…

16. …the 15,000 students who work For The Kids year round… 

17. …and kids like Tucker Haas, who serve as a beacon of hope for everyone.

18. A coach with attitude, who has only been a Penn Stater for less than two years but still manages to inspire the entire community.

19. Our sacred Alma Mater, written by Fred Lewis Pattee, which still has so much meaning 111 years later.

20. Recent graduates…

21. …and proud alumni, all bonded together in Blue and White. 

22. Our wide selection of downtown restaurants…

23. …both classy…

24. …and not so classy.

25. The class of 2016 that believed in us when times were tough…

26. …and a brand new coach who did just the same…

27. …and future classes that know what loyalty means.

28. One of the biggest and best Greek life communities in the country. 

29. Relay for Life, and other campus philanthropic organizations. 

30. The new Millenium Science Complex, which will facilitate research to improve the world for generations to come. 

31. Mike the Mailman and his infectious smile.

32. The people at the Career Services Center, who will help anyone with a Penn State degree.

33. Because even in the toughest of circumstances, we can still sell out home games.

34. Backwards walking Lion Ambassadors…

35. …and shouting “We Are” at tour groups.

36. The world class Penn State Hershey Medical Center…

37. …and the Penn State Hershey Center for the Protection of Children.

38. The Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, which provides resources for over 40 religions…

39. …and the 114 clubs that celebrate diversity.

40. Two dollar McClanahan’s breakfast sandwiches…

41. …and eight dollar Irving’s sandwiches for lunch.

42. Being able to experience all four seasons on the most beautiful campus in the world.

43. Penn State researchers who are making progress on a cure for cancer.

44. Being ranked as one of the most LGBTA friendly schools.

45. Lift for Life, the largest student-athlete run philanthropy in the world.

46. West dining hall cookies, straight out of the oven.

47. The Willard Preacher Gary Cattell who has stood the test of time.

48. Arts Fest — yes, even the art.

49. Because we are a part of the 49th ranked university in the world.

50. The desire to help our own, like Paige Raque.

51. Alumni created businesses that help serve the greater world.

52. Our study abroad program, which spans six continents.

53. Tom Bradley, a lifelong Penn Stater who stepped up during our darkest hour…

54. …and the victory at Ohio State, that despite what the NCAA says, was very real.

55. Late Night at Redifer, which will never get old.

56. Michael Pilato, whose art has inspired an entire community.

57. The greatest college marching band in the world…

58. …and the Alumni Blue Band, that warms our hearts every Homecoming.

59. Our 31 varsity sports teams…

60. …especially the national champions.

61. The Arboretum fountain at dusk.

62. The generosity of Terry Pegula, who gave us the gift of Division One hockey.

63. World class professors, like Frank Clemente, who dedicate their lives to students.

64. Michael Mauti, who epitomizes what being a Penn Stater truly means.

65. The Hub Lawn new Biobehavioral Health Building.

66. The unprecedented Penn State music scene, thanks to the incredible acts brought in by the Bryce Jordan Center…

67. …and the Student Programming Association…

68. …and Movin’ On.

69. Training future American heroes…

70. …and honoring old ones.

71. The enduring generosity of Joe and Sue Paterno, who helped build our library that will stand forever in the middle of campus…

72. …and their son Jay, who continues to be a model Penn Stater even during the toughest times.

73. The beauty of Mount Nittany, which will watch over our Happy Valley forever…

74. …especially the view from the top.

75. The Mifflin Streak, a Penn State tradition for nearly 30 years.

76. The top ranked Schreyer Honors College.

77. Walking home from frat row as a freshman with the friends on your floor…

78. …and going to Café with the same friends as a senior.

79. The Nittany Lion – a true symbol of our best.

80. The candlelight vigil to support sexual abuse victims…

81. …and the candle wax that still remains on the Old Main steps one year later.

82. Over 100 years of senior class gifts…

83. …especially the Lion Shrine, the most photographed location in Pennsylvania.

84. Thursday nights at Indigo with your best friends…

85. …and Wing’s Over on Friday night with your roommates.

86. The 19 Penn State Olympians who made us proud in London.

87. A 91 percent graduation rate for football players, 23 percent higher than the national average…

88. …and our 88 percent graduation rate across the athletic department.

89. The highest ranked Supply Chain Management program in the country.

90. Adam Breneman, who raised over $100,000 for ALS research before even stepping foot on campus as a student.

 

91. The S-Zone…

92. …and the pink zone.

93. The story of Adam Taliaferro, who still serves his University in enormous ways.

94. The College of Engineering, ranked 11th in the world.