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Editorial ColumnsPenn State's Living Room Still Welcoming Visitors After 75 Years
Graham B. Spanier
The Nittany Lion Inn, a landmark on Penn State's campus, is both a popular gathering place for Penn State alumni and a structure of great significance to the University.January 1, 2006 Built at a time when our nation was struggling with the devastating impacts of the stock market crash of 1929 and the ensuing Great Depression, The Nittany Lion Inn managed to survive and flourish to become a distinguished hotel and eatery, as well as a symbol of Penn State pride. While construction of such a grand hotel during a time of tremendous financial upset was quite a gamble, University Trustees had enormous faith in Penn State and its people to make this venture work. As was the case in so many decisions made by Trustees throughout the history of Penn State, confidence in our University community has been key to our success. Within the pages of this book, which celebrates 75 years of The Nittany Lion Inn, you will find a detailed history of The Inn and the story of its deep connection to Penn State and its people. The Nittany Lion Inn is considered by many to be a home away from home. Penn State's 12th President Eric Walker designated The Inn as "Penn State's Living Room" because of its comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. The stately blue and white Dutch colonial-style Inn has been an integral part of the University Park campus for more than seven decades and has come to reflect the social, cultural and historical development of Penn State and the surrounding region. As Penn State has grown and changed, so has The Nittany Lion Inn, but its mission has remained to serve and educate. Now with 237 guest rooms, 13 conference rooms, and a ballroom that can seat 500, The Nittany Lion Inn caters to about 100,000 overnight guests a year and is the scene of numerous celebrations, such as weddings, class reunions, and family get togethers. Students with an interest in the hospitality industry also have tremendous opportunities to obtain hands-on learning experiences at The Inn in a variety of positions. In addition, it is also where the Penn State Board of Trustees meets to conduct University matters and where corporate leaders gather to discuss the business of the day. Many significant moments have been captured within the Inn's walls, and many prominent people have been guests, including every Pennsylvania governor since 1931 and numerous United States presidents. Other notable guests include actors Dustin Hoffman, Danny Devito, and Jack Nicholson; politicians Barry Goldwater and Hubert Humphrey; civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.; authors Pearl Buck and Robert Frost; and entertainers as diverse as the Harlem Globetrotters, Joan Baez, Mr. Rogers, Louie Armstrong, Billy Joel, and Britney Spears. The Nittany Lion Inn is a haven for travelers, a respite for the weary, a training ground for students, a University tradition, and a link to Penn State's past. In fact, in 2000, The Nittany Lion Inn was named a member of the prestigious National Trust Historic Hotels of America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Throughout the lifespan of this remarkable hotel, Penn State has faithfully retained The Inn's historic integrity, architecture, and character, recognizing its distinctive place in the University's history and its important role in our mission to serve and educate. For Penn Staters, The Nittany Lion Inn is an inviting and elegant retreat that has become an irreplaceable part of our University's heritage. |
