Penn State students urged to avoid ‘last hurrah’ in State College on virtual graduation weekend
Penn State students and their families who are yearning for a trip to some of University Park’s iconic landmarks during what was scheduled to be commencement weekend are discouraged from visiting Happy Valley.
The university’s student affairs office acknowledged in a letter that students may have an urge to return to State College to celebrate their once-in-a-lifetime achievement, but cautioned against ignoring COVID-19 mitigation efforts.
The letter was signed by Vice President for Student Affairs Damon Sims and student leaders from the Interfraternity Council, Thon, Penn State sports teams and others.
“We all feel the desire to return to State College for one last hurrah; the impulse to do so is certainly understandable. However, Penn State’s fall semester and future lie in the wake of the decisions that we make today, and a return to State College could jeopardize that future,” the university wrote in the letter. “The health of our community is paramount, and we must acknowledge that now is not the time for our reunion in State College.”
Visitors have flocked to the Nittany Lion Shrine, the We Are statue, Old Main and other landmarks despite signs that promote remaining more than six feet apart.
The apparent disregard of health care recommendations prompted the university to increase signage and social distancing guidance throughout campus.
Masks should be worn before and after photos are taken, and people should refrain from physically touching landmarks to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, the university said Thursday in a statement.
Landmarks may be closed if the university’s recommendations are not followed, Penn State said.
Penn State to host virtual graduation Saturday
This year’s graduating class will be remembered partially for its role in preserving Penn State for future generations of Nittany Lions, the university wrote.
“All of us wish that things could be different. We want the opportunity to see each other again, to remember the past several years together and to recall why Penn State means so much to us,” the university wrote. “We can’t do that now, but the time will come. We will have our last hurrah together when it is safe to do so.”
A two-part, virtual commencement is scheduled to begin 2 p.m. Saturday. The ceremony for more than 14,000 students is expected to be livestreamed online.
The virtual ceremony is part of the university’s larger plan to recognize 2020 graduates. An in-person celebration is being discussed “at all levels,” the university said.
“Until the time to come together does return, please stay safe where you are, if you can; continue to socially distance; avoid unnecessary travel; and keep yourself and those you love safe and well,” the university wrote. “Your deep commitment to that fundamental human purpose is how the Penn State Class of 2020 will always be remembered. We will see each other again in the future, and at that time, we will celebrate.”
Lion Shrine to close May 18 for maintenance
The Nittany Lion Shrine is scheduled to close May 18 for maintenance of its right ear and some of its claws, as well as cleaning and protective treatment, the university announced Thursday.
The historic landmark, which was gifted to the university by the class of 1940, is expected to be closed for about three weeks. Weather and “many other factors” could affect that timeline, the university said.
The shrine is set to be fenced off and not available to the public as the work is being completed.
(Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified the start time of Saturday’s commencement ceremony. It is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Updated: 8:10 a.m., May 8, 2020.)
This story was originally published May 7, 2020 at 5:00 PM.