That’s a wrap on Homecoming week, folks.

The Guard the Lion Shrine event has become a longstanding Penn State Homecoming week tradition, rooted in an infamous prank involving the Nittany Lion Shrine and Syracuse.

The night before the 1966 Homecoming football game, Sue Paterno and two other coaches’ wives painted the Lion Shrine orange, using the color of then-rival Syracuse, before quietly leaving the scene.

The idea came from Paterno at a time when student spirit was particularly low, as she believed the stunt could help rally the Penn State community.

The paint was easily removed.

Later that week, however, Syracuse students took the prank a step further, covering the Lion in orange paint during the early morning hours before being arrested.

In the years since, Penn State students have guarded the Nittany Lion against potential vandalism. In 1969, the tradition evolved into Guard the Lion Shrine, an annual Homecoming celebration hosted by the Lion Ambassadors.

Students gathered around the shrine for photos with the ROTC members tasked with protecting it for the night.

Attendees took a break from the festivities for food and to help bring a pink-and-black Nittany Lion portrait to life.

Participants enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, as food vendors served up snacks alongside some four-legged company.

The Nittany Lion made a special appearance, joining ROTC members for photos beside the shrine.

Photo booth stops, family moments, and a performance from the Penn State Glee Club added to the night’s celebration.

As the night continued, the crowd filled the area around the shrine, and the collaborative Homecoming portrait was completed.

ROTC members stood at attention beside the Nittany Lion Shrine, carrying on the tradition at the center of the event.

Yard games gave some of the event’s youngest visitors a chance to join in the Homecoming fun.

Volunteers handed out popcorn while students showed off balloon animals made during the festivities.

Lion Ambassadors celebrated a successful night as attendees posed for final photos and ROTC members remained stationed beside the shrine.

With another Homecoming in the books, Guard the Lion Shrine brought Penn Staters together around one of the university’s longest-standing traditions.

Once again, the Lion Shrine was safe from attack.