Nittany Lion Shrine Reopens After Vandalism

Curtis McCartney, a stone sculptor with McKay Lodge Conservation Laboratory, examines the recently repaired ear at the Nittany Lion Shrine on the morning of May 26, 2022. Photo by Patrick Mansell | Penn State

Penn State’s Nittany Lion Shrine has reopened to the public following repairs to damage caused by vandalism earlier this month.

The popular 80-year-old campus landmark had its left ear broken off and was doused in red paint during commencement weekend.

McKay Lodge Conservation Laboratory, which has performed work on the shrine in the past, restored the Lion’s ear.

The Lion Shrine was one of three targets of a vandalism spree overnight May 7-8 that a university statement at the time called “profoundly disturbing acts, at a time when many families are taking photos and celebrating the educational accomplishments of their graduates,”

*Vandals broke an ear on Penn State’s Lion Shrine and splashed red paint on the campus landmark sometime overnight between Saturday, May 7, and Sunday, May 8. Photo by Ryan Parsons | Onward State.*

Doors to Old Main were spray painted with messages that read “Time is up,” “Death by cop,” “Death by hazing,” “Death by suicide,” and “Death by PSU culture.”

At the Hintz Family Alumni Center, an entrance was covered in red letters that read “FTG” and a note stating “Should have listened when you had the chance” was written on a window. The note was signed by “ADG.”

Penn State police are continuing to investigate the vandalism.