Generations of Penn Staters demonstrated their school pride at an alumni ice cream social Friday through familiar chants, blue and white decorations, and an appearance by the Nittany Lion.

The event, held at the Hintz Family Alumni Center, allowed alumni to reminisce and share fond memories of their time as students with the younger generation.

Air Force retiree, Don Link, class of 1962, recalled the 1959 football season in which he and several fraternity pledges placed a rival fraternity's Homecoming float on Old Main's lawn. The float, which was in the shape of a dog, received campus-wide attention, he said.

"I remember seeing a picture of it in The Daily Collegian the next day," he added.

Peter Naber, class of 1983, spoke of the Lion's triumph in the 1983 Sugar Bowl against Georgia as his daughters eagerly looked through his yearbook.

Distinguished alum, Guion Bluford, served as the 2006 Homecoming Grand Marshal. Bluford, who received a degree in aerospace engineering in 1964, went on to become the first African American in space.

"Penn State played a significant role in my life," Bluford said. "I received my degree, earned my pilot's license during my senior year, met my wife, and joined the Air Force where I flew fighter airplanes."

Now a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, Bluford said that he tries to visit Penn State once a year. For the past few years, he has returned as a speaker for engineering students.

Hot drinks were provided for those looking to stay warm in the chilly weather. While enjoying the refreshments, families sat leafing through yearbooks. Several people took pictures with Penn State cheerleaders as baton twirlers entertained the crowd.

The event also included a performance by members of the Alumni Blue Band. The crowd broke out into song as the band played the Alma Mater, Nittany Lion, and Fight on State.

"I came back to play with the alumni band at the ice cream social, in the parade, and halftime during the football game," Talitha Graham, a percussionist from the class of 1983, said.

Lew Lazarow, class of 1993, said the rush of marching on the field was a great feeling.

"It's a chance to do the band thing again," Lazarow said.

Lazarow said his time at Penn State and experiences in the Blue Band allowed him to make friends for life. Things like rehearsing in the rain and mud allowed his friendships to grow, and established a lifelong bond and connection, he said.

"We were doing something special," he said.

Lazarow, a high school English teacher, said he shares his Blue Band passion with his students.

"When the kids enter my classroom, they immediately know I'm a Penn State fan," he said. "It's covered with band photos. It's Penn State central."

The most recent graduate of the performers, Kurt Grieb, said he has played his trumpet at home and for weddings since his graduation in 2003, but he still misses the camaraderie exhibited by Blue Band members.

"We really related to each other," he said. "I miss everything about the Blue Band."