In past years, Penn State’s end-of-year messages have come in all shapes and sizes, including “Home Alone” parodies with the Nittany Lion or wacky Uber trips with everyone’s favorite university president. This time, Penn State’s holiday greeting sought to paint a picture of the Penn State community at large.

In the two-minute-long clip, outgoing President Eric Barron assumes the role of an art teacher who asks a handful of students to put the finishing touches on paintings of their “happy places.” As you’d expect, the results were about as diverse as Penn State’s community.

Up first, one student painted a portrait of Penn State Fayette to highlight the Commonwealth Campuses that will always hold “a special place” in her heart. Another artist completed a painting of a Creamery ice cream cone (Peanut Butter Swirl, to be exact).

Later on, Barron checks out a painting of Penn State dogs in Penn State sweaters to reflect on football gamedays. Fans’ return to Beaver Stadium this fall was likely the most significant development for thousands of Penn Staters across the country, so this one was a no-brainer.

Of course, no end-of-year video would be complete without the Symbol of Our Best. The Nittany Lion doodled a Blue Band drummer before revealing a masterful depiction of Penn State’s We Are statue, complete with some sizzle reel shots of campus.

Toward the end of the clip, Barron spoke with his wife, Molly, who pointed out that a Penn Stater’s happy place doesn’t need to be in one specific location.

“I think we could both agree that our happy place isn’t just one place. It’s anywhere we can be with this wonderful community of Penn Staters,” said Molly Barron.

Before signing off, Barron took a moment to thank the Penn State community for another year of happiness, success, and Dear Old State.

“To you, our students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and friends, thank you for making Penn State the inspiring and collaborative place that can really make a difference in the world,” Barron said. “There’s a special place in my heart for you.”

Barron ended the clip with a hearty “We Are!” cheer as every Penn Stater should. The video had almost a somber note when considering Barron’s plans to retire in just a few short months. But as a new president arrives, fans return, and life slowly creeps back to normal, it’s clear that Penn State’s future is bright.

From everyone at Onward State, happy holidays!