Thousands of first-year students stood shoulder-to-shoulder, shouted Penn State fight songs and cheered as the Nittany Lion mascot raced through 14 one-armed pushups for the Class of 2014 at the Be A Part From The Start pep rally last night.
The event, held at Rec Hall and sponsored by the Lion Ambassadors, kicked off this year's Welcome Week.
"All the hype is crazy. I've never seen anything like this back home," said Charlise Harris (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) after she took part in her first Penn State wave.
Charlise was one of about 7,000 to 8,000 freshmen that hiked to West campus to watch the Lionettes, learn fight songs, and of course, meet the Nittany Lion mascot.
"Hold on tight, freshmen. Your journey begins now," yelled a Lion Ambassador as the rally began.
Performers ranged from members of the Lionettes, Penn State Glee Club and Penn State Blue Band -- plus cheerleaders and majorettes.
"We're the spirit of Penn State -- it's our job to help create the energy," said Lionette Kayla Weaver (sophomore-journalism).
Many Lion Ambassadors spent the summer in State College planning the rally to make sure the freshmen started the year off with a bang.
"We've been working since June until basically this morning," said Lion Ambassador Jackie Boyland (senior-HDFS). "It's a lot of work, but it's so rewarding. It's basically seeing Penn State pride in action."
Boyland said organizers focused on introducing student groups at the rally to promote involvement.
Speakers included University Park Undergraduate Association President Christian Ragland, Interfraternity Council President Max Wendkos as well as representatives from the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon and the Blue and White Society and Homecoming executives.
"This event is important because it makes freshman feel like they're really a part of Penn State and not just attending. It helps them get involved, and also know what is going on at football games," Boyland said, laughing.
Be A Part from the Start inspired her to join the Lion Ambassadors in the first place, she said.
"It was great seeing the excitement when we were handing everything out. I think tonight is a great first taste of Penn State," Boyland said.
Freshman received drawstring bags filled with a cup from Lion Menus, posters, and coupons for dining and retail locations all over campus as they entered the building singing along to "Hey Baby" and other traditional Penn State songs.
"Coming tonight made me realize how big this place is, but also how much unity there is, how it can feel like family," Harris said.
