Penn State, Nittany Lions, Success With Honor, National Champions, Linebacker U, Happy Valley–these words all describe the culture of Penn State during the tenure of head coach Joe Paterno. However, without Beaver Stadium being “the house that Joe built”, Penn State would not be the thriving “happy” valley that it is today. For over 45 years, Joe Paterno was able to bring winning football and publicity to Penn State in a way that greatly benefitted the university. Through his donations, his success as head football coach, and his dedication to earning “success with honor,” Joe Paterno allowed Penn State to flourish, grow and become the great institution that it is today. Unfortunately, one moment attempted to taint the legacy of the man that we all know and respect as Joe Pa. Following the report of the Jerry Sandusky scandal, the administration acted very rashly with 2 decisions: firing Joe Paterno and removing his iconic statue from the premise of Beaver Stadium. It is time that we stand up for the man who defines Penn State football and return the statue! I am asking all alumni to join the cause, and help return Joe Pa’s statue! I believe that returning the statue to Beaver Stadium can be accomplished by a three-step process. We will need to all unite and work together as one group in order to accomplish this goal. By raising money, boosting the public opinion of Joe Paterno, and petitioning the administration to return the statue; our goal of returning the statue will be accomplished.

Together, we can restore the honor of Joe Pa with success and once again make this “valley” the happiest place in Pennsylvania.