Penn State news by
Penn State's student blog

Topics

More

On This Day In History: Nittany Lion Shrine Celebrates 75th Anniversary

The Nittany Lion Shrine was officially dedicated as part of Penn State’s Homecoming festivities on October 24, 1942. The shrine was the class gift from the Class of 1940.

Sculptor Heinz Warneke built the now-iconic shrine from a 13-ton block of Indiana Limestone. To this day, it is the most photographed landmark on campus.

Sculptor Heinze Warneke works on the Nittany Lion shrine before its dedication on October 24, 1942 (Photo: Penn State University Image Archive)

Over the years, the Nittany Lion Shrine has been vandalized by rival fans on numerous occasions, including three incidents when it lost its right ear. The first of these incidents came when vandals broke the ear off, but Warneke quickly repaired it and had a new ear ready in 1979.

In 1966, six Syracuse fans made the trip from upstate New York to Happy Valley and covered the lion in orange paint, which was difficult to remove. Ever since this incident, ROTC students guard the shrine every year as part of the university’s Homecoming traditions.

The shrine remained virtually untouched until its only major renovation in 2013. After the landmark closed to the public in May of that year, a new staircase, paths, and lighting were added surrounding the original shrine as part of the Class of 2012’s gift.

Through it all, the Nittany Lion Shrine has survived and lasted as one of Penn State’s most iconic landmarks.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Mikey Mandarino

In the most upsetting turn of events, Mikey graduated from Penn State with a digital & print journalism degree in the spring of 2020. He covered Penn State football and served as an editor for Onward State from 2018 until his graduation. Mikey is from Bedminster, New Jersey, so naturally, he spends lots of time yelling about all the best things his home state has to offer. Mikey also loves to play golf, but he sucks at it because golf is really hard. If you, for some reason, feel compelled to see what Mikey has to say on the internet, follow him on Twitter @Mikey_Mandarino. You can also get in touch with Mikey via his big-boy email address: [email protected]

State College Goodwill Sells Rare Lego Piece For Over $18,000

While it took some time for Goodwill experts to know what they had on their hands, initial offers for the peice came in at $30,000.

New Defensive Coordinator Tom Allen Brings Key Wrinkles To Penn State Football’s Defense

“We try to keep things simple so we can play fast.”

Women’s History Month: Five Influential Penn State Alumnae

To celebrate Women’s History Month, learn more about five influential Penn State Alumnae.

Follow on Another Platform
113kFollowers
164kFollowers
59.4kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Other posts by Mikey

What About The Class Of 2020?

On the heels of concrete plans for the Class of 2021, last year’s seniors still feel hung out to dry.

Dive In: Mikey Mandarino’s Senior Column

Penn State Hockey’s Peyton Jones Signs Two-Year Contract With AHL’s Colorado Eagles