Lion shrine symbolizes University

Editor's note: This is the fourth story in a five-part series about some of the traditions, myths and legends of Penn State. This story focuses on the history of the Nittany Lion Shrine.

The Nittany Lion Shrine's image has become a favorite of photos. It has posed for the camera despite the weather, and its image is replicated on credit cards.

A lasting symbol of University pride, the shrine draws thousands of students and alumni each year to remember their college experiences -- sitting across the lion's back, standing next to its side or patting its limestone head.

Ross Lehman, a member of the Class of 1942, said the importance of the shrine has not diminished through the years.

"From the very beginning it was regarded as a symbol of Penn State," he said. "Parents get their pictures taken with students, alumni bring family and children back, and some used to take pictures of their sweethearts next to the lion."

Lehman, former director of the Alumni Association, also had the opportunity to meet the sculptor of the shrine, Heinrich " Heinz" Johann Dietrich Warneke.

In response to riots at the corner of College Avenue and Allen Street through the years, President Ralph D. Hetzel and Bernie Newman, a reporter for The Daily Collegian, discussed a permanent place on campus where bonfires could be held. The idea: A Nittany Lion Shrine.

The original plans for a shrine took the University back in time to the Old English Lions, nicknamed "Ma" and "Pa," which perched above two pillars guarding the Allen Street gate to campus.

The lions lasted three weeks.

Newman campaigned for a new Nittany Lion Shrine, using editorials in the Collegian and a student survey.

The plan for the shrine was approved by the All-College Cabinet, but monetary problems remained. The campaign for the shrine began once again, this time as the senior class gift of 1940.

The shrine was a victory, defeating the scholarship fund by 18 votes.

Next came the task of transforming a block of stone into the symbol of the University, a task conquered by Warneke.

After scrutinizing lions and pumas at New York zoos, Warneke presented six models for the Shrine Committee, and agreed to create the shrine for $5,375 -- $35 more than the amount raised by the senior class. The agreement did not include Warneke's materials, or the 13-ton limestone block.

The shrine, completed in less than four months, was dedicated on Oct. 24, 1942, during Homecoming weekend.

Although Warneke could not be present for the ceremony, the artist sent a letter saying, "I hope The Lion Roars them to victory after victory."

A place for University pride and celebration was complete.

Originally, University students voted for the shrine to be placed on Old Main lawn. However, the Shrine Committee chose the present spot between Rec Hall and Old Beaver Field because it was the center of University athletic activities at the time.

After an incident that left the shrine without an ear, plans were discussed to move the shrine indoors and replace it with a bronze replica.

However, the shrine remains outdoors, and the traditions and popularity of the shrine continue to pass to new students.

Although most students brought smiles and memories to the shrine, others tried to diminish Penn State pride by dumping paint on the Nittany Lion statue or branding its side with University initials.

However, the University's own Sue Paterno was involved in painting the shrine in 1966, the first year Joe Paterno was head coach, said Lion Ambassador Shannon Mink.

The prank was done to excite students and rally support for the football team for the game against Syracuse, Mink said.

Later that night, Syracuse fans also dumped orange paint on the shrine, except it was oil-based, and the only method of removal was by sandblasting.

"Since then, there has been a vigil to guard the shrine during Homecoming week," Mink said.

The shrine was guarded by athletes, fraternity brothers or a group of friends. Now, the Penn State Army ROTC and the Lion Ambassadors guard the Lion each year.

Matthew Fegley (junior-electrical engineering), cadet captain of the Penn State Army ROTC, said ROTC members take part in a ceremonial salute to the shrine.

"The event is also a comradeship activity for (the Army ROTC)," he said.

Although the ROTC said members have been able to deter any mischief in the past decade, vandalism caused trouble for the shrine during finals week in the fall of 1978.

The Nittany Lion statue lost its right ear, but was quickly healed by the sculpting of Warneke, who returned to the shrine for his final visit at 83 years old.

Because of vandalism, a spare shrine, molded after the original in plaster, is kept in a University storage building in the event that the original is destroyed, according to The Nittany Lion: An Illustrated Tale.