The Nittany Valley Society will host its second annual “Willow Gathering” — although it’s the first year with that name — on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the University Club. The event looks to foster an atmosphere of fellowship and cultivate conversation between students, alumni, professors, and townspeople in the community.

The event features live music, a beer tasting session from Gamble Mill, and a welcoming presentation from Alumni Association Executive Director Roger Williams. Williams will present “Evan Pugh and George Atherton–Penn State’s George Washington and Abraham Lincoln,” which discusses the impact Penn State’s two “founding” presidents had on Penn State and their legacy that can still be felt on campus today.

The Nittany Valley Society was formed in 2012 to act as a “cultural conservancy” for Penn State and the surrounding area. The group publishes books, hosts Nittany Valley legends recitations, and works on various projects to help share and preserve Penn State spirit with an emphasis on history and tradition.

The first Willow Gathering last December featured former trustee and author Ben Novak, who discussed his two books published by the Nittany Valley Society: “Is Penn State a Real University?” and “The Birth of the Craft Brew Revolution.”

Here’s how Nittany Valley Society board member Tom Shakely described the event in his blog:

“The Nittany Valley Society intentionally created The Willow Gathering as a means to defeat the “information silo” effect that can plague university communities especially, where specific constituencies self-segregate with the effect of cultural corrosion that can seriously weaken communities. At last year’s reception, I met students and business professionals, trustees and alumni, and others. I’ve stayed in touch with a few of them since last year, and strengthened some relationships.”

Tickets for this year’s event are available online and cost $35 for the general public and $12 for students.