Without much fanfare or ceremony, Peter Garland will turn in his Nittany Lion mascot uniform in a few weeks.

As the complaint always goes, you never hear about the good that individuals do in society, only the bad. I would hope that anyone that knows or has seen Pete in the last two years, realizes how tough he will be to replace. He has made over 550 appearances during his tenure.

Pete's talent of conveying his unique and special personality through the costume made him the envy of every college mascot. Sure, Pete got to perform in front of thousands at Beaver Stadium and Rec Hall and ride that ego trip that comes with the responsibility, but all the "other" appearances are where Pete showed he just wasn't a kid wearing a furry suit.

The countless number of children that he always had time for, the handicapped fans who were treated to a handshake or a hug, to the biggest alumni contributor or just a "Joe" fan, Pete Garland made them feel Penn State Proud. All of this and the struggle to compete in the academic life of an architectural engineering major makes me very happy to call Pete a friend.

When I started this letter, I had no intention to make this a notice for contribution, but what a tribute to Pete we could make if we put the Norm Constantine Fund over the top of its goal.

For those of you unaware of the fund, it was established by the Back the Lion Organization to establish a full tuition endowment for the Nittany Lion mascot. The fund was named after Norm Constantine, a former great mascot who was involved in a hit-and-run accident.

Back the Lions is still two-thirds short of its goal. Pete will not benefit since his time to relinquish his role has come, but what a way to say to someone "thanks and we appreciate your efforts and accomplishments."

Just $1 from everyone who saw him is all that it would take. The address for BLO is P.O. Box 904, State College, PA 16804-0904, or contact me.

Pete will be missed and I know it's going to be hard for him to walk away. The lump in his throat, as I teased him about all the spare time he will have soon, told the story.

To the sacrifices he made to just being himself, we thank you Pete and your family -- WE ARE PENN STATE PROUD!!