There are certain Penn State traditions that will never die, like getting your picture taken at the Lion Shrine, tailgating before a football game and visiting the on-campus post office. The postmen -- they prefer to be called Mike "the mailman" and Don "the mailman" -- are always bustling with energy and loaded with smiles and jokes. When you enter, be ready for anything. Don may be wearing silver star glasses, you may get complimented on your shoes and you may even get your change rolled back to you quarter by quarter. Either way, be prepared to leave your day's worth of troubles at the door.

Whether you are a freshman or a senior, there are a few things that you should do according to Mike and Don. One of their suggestions is to "send cookies to the mailmen." Who knows? You may just win a coveted spot on their list of "Cookie of the Month" winners!

It all started 11 years ago when a faculty member working in Old Main brought cookies over to the post office. Now, each month students and faculty bring Mike and Don cookies, hoping to earn a spot in the cookie limelight. Mike and Don do quite well, averaging around 10 to 15 applicants per month.

The popularity of the contest is quite astounding. Some students that have graduated mail their cookies in to be judged. Even as I was interviewing Mike and Don, a student walked in that had brought them chocolate chip cookies in the past.

He had included chocolate milk with them. "It just seemed right," he said.

Think this contest is for the faint of heart?

Think again. Mike explained that the qualifications for a winning cookie are three-fold, quantity, quality, and variety. Things like presentation and bringing along your favorite cookie beverage accompaniment help too. But rest assured that each baked good is tried and tested by Mike and Don themselves.

Their contest has brought out the competitiveness in people. Some try to submit their cookies during "off months" when they anticipate there will be fewer applicants. Others decorate their cookies to look like football fields, hoping to score a few extra points. People put in the added effort hoping to receive the coveted spot on their cookie wall of fame. In addition, winners receive a postcard informing them of the win, along with a personalized picture of Mike and Don in chef coats.

In the interest of nutrition, a few years ago some nutrition majors spent time developing a few varieties of cookies that were reduced in fat to enter in the contest. They ended up winning.

Mike and Don stress that this contest is about the time and care people put into their cookies, and that comes through to the judges.

They know the value of a good cookie. They also know that the competition can be steep. Mike assured me with a grin, that "many will enter, but few will win."

So if you have a recipe that you think can't be beat, I suggest paying Mike and Don a visit.

And regardless of whether you win or lose, I guarantee you you'll be glad you stopped by.