February 19, 2012 at 12:34 PM

Jay Paterno said he only collected one item that was left at his father’s statue – a THON 2012 mug.

After his father Joe Paterno passed away, thousands of people placed items at the foot of the bronze statue outside Beaver Stadium.

Paterno said the mug sits on his desk and reminds him every day what Penn State truly means.

During THON, Paterno took the time to thank the Penn State community for its continued support throughout the last few “emotional” months.

Paterno challenged people who are not familiar with Penn State to visit during THON weekends.

“When the world wants to see courage and what leadership is, let them come to THON,” Paterno said.