Bleeding blue and white does not discriminate. From cute little girls in cheerleading outfits to alumni turned gray, Penn State pride spans generations, crosses borders and screams tradition.
We took to the streets – err, sidewalks because the parade was going on — to embrace the hype to a range of fans in Happy Valley this sunny autumn weekend.
So, what does Penn State Homecoming mean to everyone?
“It makes me proud to come back. Every time I come back, I remember all the
traditions,” says Erica Dunkleberger, Class of 2005.
“Returning home,” says another alumnus, Jack Williams, Class of 2012.
Students credit the alumni also.
“A lot of alumni and everyone coming together like one big family,” says Jessica
Wabara, a senior.
“Having Penn State Spirit and alumni visiting,” similarly says Kathy O’Hearn, a junior.
Apparently, our question stumped a bunch of our subjects.
“I literally have no idea. Another reason to party,” says Jake Cunningham, a sophomore. He went on to explain that clearly, that’s not what Penn State’s all about. We can pride ourselves in our tailgates and overall excitement, though, and some subjects
got particularly poetic.
“I think it’s one week throughout the year where Penn Staters can spread their wings and fraternize with everyone who likes it here.” Norbert William Sax III, a
sophomore.
Tradition, alumni and spirit seem to sum it up – and the parade is just the beginning of a weekend full of festivities and everything Penn State.
