Famous figures from Penn State’s history — living and dead — will return to campus Friday night for All Hallow’s Eve.
And you can be a part of that history.
If you dare.
Everyone from professional football player John Cappelletti to former university president George Atherton will help guide visitors through Penn State’s history by lantern light.
Friday night is not only Halloween, it’s also the Penn State Lion Ambassadors’ annual Lantern Tour event. Members of the student organization will dress up as famous figures from Penn State’s history, bringing the past to life.
Ambassador Heather McDevitt says this year her group will play up the Halloween aspect of the tour, taking students and community members on a free trip to explore the university’s lore.
Learn about the old botany building, said to be haunted by Frances Atherton as she keeps an eternal watch on her husband’s grave across the street. Visit Schwab Auditorium, where the building’s namesake and former Penn State trustee is said to forever watch performances in the same seats he loved so much in life.
“For me, as an ambassador, I need to know all this stuff for the student tours we give, but a regular student wouldn’t know a lot of the really interesting historical facts of Penn State,” McDevitt says. “We wanted to showcase that in a cool and creative way, to show that history in a fun way.”
The event runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and it isn’t all spooks and frights. You can learn about Old Coaly – the University’s original mascot, from way before the days of the now-ubiquitous Nittany Lion. You can also take a trip into Old Main’s majestic bell tower, which is typically closed to the public.
The Blue Band drum line will make an appearance to delight the audiences with their powerful percussive passion. Student a capella group The Coda Conduct and two student dance troupes will also be on hand to entertain visitors with their carefully choreographed mayhem.
“We’re looking forward to spreading the story of this great university to whole State College community,” McDevitt says.
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