Penn State Class Gifts Through The Years

A fun listacle illustrating a few of the class gifts given to Penn State.

For many seniors in college, we all hope to move on to bigger and better things post-graduation. With that being said, we're all receiving those impending emails of doom regarding ideas and submissions for class gifts. Whether you plan on submitting a proposal or going with the flow, we definitely want to leave our great university with a gift to remember our class by. For Penn State's Class of 2017, it's no different. With years and years of class gifts floating around campus, I set out to find a few memorable gifts, some that may be unknown, and some gifts that didn't come in physical form.

Sundial on Old Main lawn (Class of 1966)

Centered in front of Old Main, it's very hard to miss this iconic feature. Although there are two sundials on Old Main lawn, this one has unique architecture and came 50 years later than the initial one. The other sun dial was rumored to be the geographic center of Pennsylvania, but was eventually proven false.

Display and restoration of the Old Main Bell (Class of 2009)

Although the Old Main Bell is tucked away on the side of Old Main and absent from some visitors' photos, its presence is still an important one. "Cast in 1871 by the Boston foundry of William Blake & Co., this 1,200 pound bronze bell hung in the original Old Main until 1929, regulating the ebb and flow of campus life. Placed in the rebuilt Old Main in 1930, it soon fell silent with the installation of the chimes" (Old Main Bell plaque).

"We Are" sculpture (Class of 2013)

When this sculpture was finally revealed, Penn State students went nuts. Easily being the next big stop for a photo, a line can be seen on game weekends or any time an event occurs near the Bryce Jordan Center. What a better way to exemplify what Penn State school spirit is about than the phrase we shout the most?

The Historic Light Restoration Project (Class of 2001)

Otherwise known as "shepherd's crook" lamp posts, the first of these lights were placed by Old Main in 2001. Years later, many more of these lights started popping up all over campus. The most popular place to see them are down the Pattee Mall, which help light up the path for those walking late at night.

Endowment for Penn State's Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (Class of 2016)

studentaffairs.psu.edu

The most latest class gift comes from the Class of 2016, who voted on an endowment to Penn State's Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Every year, CAPS helps many students by offering therapy sessions, crisis intervention, group sessions, and psychiatric services. This gift will be able to help thousands of students for many more years to come.

Elm Trees (Class of 1986 and 1996)

The Elm trees of the Pattee Mall are some of the most beautiful and famed scenery of Penn State. "The oldest elms in this grove were planted in the 1890s to replace the original elms and maples that lined this section of North Allen Street before it was converted to a pedestrian mall, now known as Pattee Mall" (Pattee Mall American Elms plaque). Many of these elms are in danger of suffering from fatal diseases, making the future of these elms very uncertain. The class of 1986 voted for the elms and the class of 1996 voted for the endowment that goes into taking care of and restoring these trees.

Nittany Lion Shrine (Class of 1940)

sites.psu.edu

There is nothing more legendary than the Nittany Lion shrine. You don't go to Penn State if you haven't taken a picture with the lion. This shrine provides great photos for soon-to-be grads or freshmen who are seeing it for the first time. The line for pictures is always a million hours long, but it's always worth the time with campus's most prized gift.

Allen Street Gates (Class of 1916)

pbase.com

Prior to the creation of the Allen Street gates and Pattee Mall, Allen Street ran through campus. When it was eventually closed off and turned into a walkway through campus, the installation of the gates soon followed and has since become a beautiful landmark of Penn State's campus. These gates symbolize the transition that students will make from college life to the real world.

Penn State Veterans Plaza (Class of 2011)

news.psu.edu

The Veterans Plaza is a great symbol of remembrance to those who fought and gave their lives in war. The plaza is behind Old Main and is a curved feature with a circular walkway. The design is curved to represent a warrior's shield, which symbolizes honor and sacrifice. The wall also has a Greek scripture reading, "With it, or on it," which is believed to have been said by Greek mothers to their sons before war.