A new line of apparel and accessories with knowing, humorous nods to life in the Centre Region is part of an effort to encourage former residents to move back to State College.
The gear is part of the Rediscover State College campaign, an initiative by a team of local creative professionals funded by the borough and the State College Redevelopment Authority to entice area natives and Penn State alumni to return.
Items in the newly launched shop currently include seven adult T-shirts with sayings like “State College. That’s it. That’s the name of the town,” “Rothrock & Moshannon & Sproul & Bald Eagle,” and “State College Unathletic Club.” Three kids T-shirts include “What’s up, Holmes-Foster?” “I survived Slab Cabin,” and “I ran the rapids at Spring Creek.”
Other items include a “Townie” trucker hat and beanie, a coffee mug that reads “Climb Every Mountain. Not only Mount Nittany,” and two tote bags — one with each of the borough neighborhoods and another with a bit of local wisdom, “I only shop after kickoff.”
State College natives Regina Starace and Maggie Anderson led the apparel design process, with the aim of creating fun and funny items that highlight local culture and quality of life.
“There’s so much to be proud of in this town and we want to give everyone a chance to wear that pride,” Starace said. “We hope it’s a way for people who lived here at one point to rediscover what makes this place special. And we hope it’s a way locals can help spread that message too.”
Adult T-shirts are $25, kids T-shirts are $18 and accessories range from $10 for a coffee mug to $29 for a large denim tote.
The team plans to develop more designs in the future based on feedback from locals and non-locals.
The Redevelopment Authority launched the Rediscover State College in 2022 campaign with a website, a social media presence and a weekly newsletter.
To check out the shop, visit rediscoverstatecollege.com/shop.
