In the spirit of Thanksgiving, our staffers couldn’t help but reflect on Penn State’s campus locations that mean the most to them. From classrooms to sports facilities to the best study spots, there’s no shortage of spots on campus to be thankful for.

Our staff is thankful for the places that bring us together and truly make Penn State feel like home. Whether we spend hours in these places or they hold special memories with friends, it’s important to reflect on what Dear Old State means to us.

Mikey DeAngelis: New Willard Building

I’m very thankful for the new Willard Building. As a communications student, the facilities that I have access to are top-tier and are centrally located right in the heart of campus. Instead of having to take a bus off campus to take my film classes like students used to, I can now just walk seven minutes from my apartment to one of the nicest buildings on campus. For that, I’m thankful.

Luke Pieczynski: Paterno Library

I’m thankful for the Paterno Library. It’s an amazing place as you can study, socialize, sleep, and cry all in the same building. There are so few buildings on campus that have the versatility of the Paterno Library. Complete with a Starbucks, decent WiFi, and enough places to hide so you can lock in, it’s no wonder why people have been able to live there for a day or two. Thank you, Paterno Library. I am thankful for you.

Nolan Wick: Pegula Ice Arena

I’m so thankful for this place. Covering hockey there is so much fun, and I’ve made countless memories doing so as I’m now in my third season on the hockey beat. The building is open year-round, meaning it’s always there when I need it for Subway, passing the time, or anything else. Thanks, Pegula, for letting me and the rest of the football beat hang out in your confines between practice and James Franklin’s media availability every week this season.

Ally Eaton: Beaver Stadium

When pondering my answer to this question, I began to think of some of the places that hold my best memories at Penn State. Without a doubt, some of my favorite (and most stressful) days have been spent in Beaver Stadium. Sure, it has its flaws — but what place doesn’t?

I’m thankful for every part of Beaver Stadium, because without it, my Saturdays would be pretty boring. Getting to spend the day with my best friends is truly an unrivaled experience. There’s no feeling like being surrounded by 110,00 people shouting “We Are!” and screaming at the top of their lungs. From all of the dance breaks to “Sweet Carolines” to Alma Maters, it’s safe to say Beaver Stadium really is the best atmosphere in college football. I’ll miss you Beaver. See you next year.

Jess Farhat: Sproul Basement Quiet Room

A location on campus I’m grateful for would have to be the quiet room in the Sproul basement. My roommate told me about it during the second week of the semester, and I thought I had to try it out. It has become one of my favorite places to study. It’s so calming, and you can adjust the lighting to whatever mood you are in. I don’t have to travel far to get some studying done. I can spend hours in there, and it has never failed me. Overall 10/10 for the quiet room!

Michael Siroty: Carnegie 113

Once a week, I get to head over to Carnegie 113 for our weekly Onward State staff meeting, and I love seeing all of the great people I work with at this publication. I’m very thankful for all of the people I get to catch up with at these meetings and the laughs we share, whether it’s about one of Joe Lister’s crazy comments, Aidan Conrad trying to speak after he lost his voice at a football game, or Matt Brown freaking out about an Eagles game. I can’t wait for more of these meetings!

Joe Lister: Holuba Hall

Some of my worst moments as a writer have come at the hands of James Franklin at Holuba Hall, but I wouldn’t trade that building for most at Penn State. It’s a great place to watch football practice, and it even has what might be the largest Nittany Lion logo in the world. Plus, there’s no better feeling than hitting a stupendous griddy on the turf after interviewing Abdul Carter. It’s part of the culture.