The Nittany Lion

Mountain lions had roamed on nearby Mount Nittany until the 1880s, when they were believed to be eliminated, however, anecdotal sightings persist. The origin of the name "Mount Nittany" is obscure, the most commonly accepted explanation being that it is derived of Native American words (loosely pronounced as "neet-a-nee") meaning either "single mountain" or a protective barrier against the elements.

During the 1930s, seeking a place to hold pep rallies and victory celebrations, students launched a campaign for a lion shrine. As its gift to the university, the Class of 1940 voted to give the sum of $5,430 to pay for the construction of such a shrine, which was to be constructed between the Recreation Building and Beaver Field, with the lion framed against a natural setting of trees, grass, and shrubs. The sculptor Heinz Warnecke was retained to carve the lion at the site from a thirteen-ton block of limestone. The sculpture was formally unveiled on October 24, 1942. The shrine has come to be one of the most visited and photographed sites, not just on campus, but also in the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Detachment 302 was founded under the motto "Valiant service is not limited to combat" in 1974 by U.S. Marines - active and retired - wishing to offer service to their community. We offer Regular membership to all U.S. Marines and Associate membership to veterans of all the Services. Click on the button below to learn about our membership.