Home of the Nittany Lion
For more than a century, the Nittany Lion mascot has linked Penn Staters—capturing the strength, tradition, and spirit that define who we are.
Across Time and Tradition
The Nittany Lion has always known how to make a first impression. In 1922, the Lion ensured former Pennsylvania Governor Gifford Pinchot received a proper Penn State greeting. (Credit: Penn State Historic Photographs Collection | Pennsylvania State University Archives)
For 46 hours, Penn State THON brings students together to fight pediatric cancer. No one brings the energy (or dance moves) quite like the Nittany Lion, who keeps spirits high and cheers loud during the world’s largest student run philanthropy.
From that very first day at Penn State, the Nittany Lion is there to turn fresh hellos into lifelong pride and new faces into familiar friends.
Even the Nittany Lion can’t resist a good selfie. Big smiles, mascot-approved mischief, and plenty of Lion-led cheers are what make Penn State events so memorable.
Whether it’s winning the 1994 Big Ten Championships or acing your final exams, the Nittany Lion is every Penn Stater’s biggest cheerleader on and off the court. (Credit: Penn State Historic Photographs Collection | Pennsylvania State University Archives)
The Nittany Lion is more than a mascot for game days. The Lion is a part of everyday Penn State life, sharing smiles, greetings, and pride with faculty, staff, students, and the entire community–especially when there’s ice cream involved.
Crowd surfing with the Lion is more than a football tradition. It’s a reminder that at Penn State, everyone has a chance to stand out from the crowd.
From historic milestones to championship cheers, the Nittany Lion is always there to make sure everyone feels like part of the pride.
A Living Legend
From surprise performances to high‑fives with fans, the Lion is a constant in our community.
800K+
Closest friends.
121
Years of cheers.
543
Record number of one-armed push-ups.
Penn State Traditions
Celebrating Pride and Connection
From the "We Are Penn State" cheer to the “world's best student section,” traditions are a source of pride and connection for our global community.
Learn about the beginnings and legendary symbols of some of Penn State’s traditions.
