UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State alma mater, written by Professor Fred Lewis Pattee, was first performed in June 1901 during the Commencement Week alumni dinner at the Pennsylvania State College — the institution's name at the time. After it was sung, Gov. James Beaver, president of the Board of Trustees, stood and proclaimed it “the official song of Penn State.” Today, the alma mater is performed at commencements, athletics events, alumni gatherings and more.
The University has released a commemorative video to mark the song's 125th anniversary. Watch the video above or on Penn State's YouTube channel.
Members of the Penn State community can download brand wallpapers and virtual meeting backgrounds featuring exclusive designs marking the 125th anniversary of the alma mater.
Learn more about the origin of the alma mater, and read the lyrics for all six verses, on Penn State News.