The Nittany Lion has solidified its place in mascot lore since the school’s feline rabble-rouser first crept onto the field in 1921. Now, the Symbol Of Our Best has a chance to be immortalized forever on a national scale. The National Mascot Hall of Fame is opening the doors of a new multi-use facility in Whiting, Indiana in 2017 and the Nittany Lion is on the ticket.

The Hall of Fame has been honoring school mascots for a while now, but the new center in Indiana will be the organization’s home base and will include the inducted mascots’ heads (well, a replica) on permanent display.The Nittany Lion’s first costume represented an African lion in 1921 when Richard Hoffman became the first person to don the suit. In 1932, the university switched to a mountain lion and the Nittany Lion has been inspiring Penn State to come together ever since.

“The efforts of our mascot have made our big University seem small and connected,” said Cheerleading Coach Curtis White. “The Nittany Lion is also seen as powerful and strong on a national stage as well as a hardworking and unique mascot. Penn State will look at entry into the hall of fame as a humble honor and something well deserved for Penn State’s greatest symbol.”