Known by the students, faculty, and alumni as an annual tradition, this mountain can provide one of the most amazing views of Happy Valley. According to the mountain’s website, the mountain became a conservancy back in 1945.

The Lion’s Paw Alumni Association saved about 525 acres of the mountain from being lumbered and becoming residential. The reason for the conserving the mountain was to help Centre County and future Penn Staters enjoy the great outdoors. But the mountain is not your average mountain. While it may look like a beast on the outside, it is just a smooth way up. And at the top of the mountain, it is all flat.

Many of the trails could be a hassle for the first time especially the climb up. However, when the hikers get to the top of the mountain, it is smooth sailing. Many of the trails are well marked and easy to follow with signs. But as a precaution, watch out for the water at the entrance and the rocks on the way up. Also, before your hike, watch the weather for current conditions and be sure to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes.

The best trail to hike up for the first time is the White trail. This trail, while it looks like it a challenge, it really is not. At first, when you get to the trail’s entrance near by the main entrance to the mountain, the white trail looks very steep. The trail is just steep for ten minutes before you get to the top. The trail travels in an s curve shape pattern. Watch the rocks when you get more towards the top of the mountain.

If you take the Blue trail, this is a straighter path and less steep parts. However, when you get to the end of the trail, there are loose rocks so do watch your footing. When you make it to the top of the mountain, it is all flat. There are many stops while exploring the top of the mountain. For example, the Nittany Mall overlook is a sight to behold. From here, you can see the entire business district of the State College area. But the main overlook that became a tradition is the Mike Lynch.The Mike Lynch overlook is the prime spot to see the whole entire campus. It is a great spot to bring a date if they are willing to make the climb. And this spot will explain why Penn State is in Happy Valley in the first place.

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The author and her mom on the field of Memorial Stadium during Mom’s Weekend 2012

Going away to school is one of the biggest steps in a child’s life, and it isn’t any easier for their parents. Luckily, universities like to encourage parents and students to stay connected!

Many schools have parent weekends set up so that the whole family can get together. The University of Illinois has two major weekends dedicated to this special time. In the fall, they host their annual Dad’s Weekend, and in the spring there is Mom’s Weekend. While both weekends are designed to focus on either mom or dad, there are activities for the whole gang so the whole family can participate. Just more of an excuse to spend quality time together now that the kids are away.

There are events scheduled all over campus, and they are set up Friday through Sunday of these two weekends. So even if parents just want some quiet time with their kids, there is a variety of activities to choose from so that each family can find something suited to their wants and needs.

In April, during the warm weather and fresh springtime air, Mom’s Weekend makes its debut. This year’s Mom’s Weekend is set for April 12-14, 2013.

Mom’s Weekend Brunch

Activities for the weekend include theatre productions, craft and art exhibits and a flower show. The University of Illinois’s Horticulture Club puts on the flower show every year, and it always includes a different theme of arrangements. Previous year themes include movies, games and holidays. As well as viewing the flowers, there are flowers and plants available for sale.

A new event that was added to the list last spring was a Moms Out at Memorial Stadium brunch on Sunday. This event was created last spring by U of I student, Eva Schmidt, for her final project on event planning as part of her internship working at Memorial Stadium’s Premium Seating.

Schmidt received her undergrad in Recreation, Sport and Tourism in May 2012, and with her love of sports she decided that this would be a great event to combine moms, football and a little class. The brunch was set for two times in the morning on Sunday. It was set up in the Colonnades Club in Memorial Stadium’s newly built premium seating area on the West side. It featured a gourmet meal prepared by the Club’s chef, live music and a tour of the new facility. The tour was capped off by allowing guests to go down on the field and take photos as well as enjoy some time lounging around on historic Zuppke Field.

The event was very successful, and knowing that it was all prepared by a student, made it that much more impressive. Schmidt was thrilled guests enjoyed the brunch, and the University’s Premium Seating plans on making it part of their annual events hosted on Mom’s weekend.

If you’re an Illini Mom, check out the Mom’s Association website for details and ticket information.

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There will be other fun surprises throughout the tournament, so be sure to share with other women who have a love for college basketball, competitive bracketology, and fashionable fan wear.

Get in the action now-sign up for the Meesh & Mia fan group and fill out your bracket today!

Meesh & Mia has a full collection of women’s fashion apparel for over 140 Universities and growing. By taking today’s latest fashion trends and combining them with your favorite school colors and logos, Meesh & Mia provides a unique, fashion forward approach to University apparel. We’re made in the USA, we’re women owned, and we’re dedicated to providing women the chance to show their team spirit in style!

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Events for the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament begin Wednesday, March 12 in Chicago. Here is what is going on, and how to learn more about each!

Tip-Off Luncheon: On Wednesday, March 13th from 11:30AM- 1:30pm the Chicago Sports Commission is hosting a Tip-off Luncheon at the Intercontinental Hotel, 505 N Michigan Ave, to welcome the Big Ten and its fans back to Chicago. Purchase tickets here.

Big Ten Fan Fest: March 13th- 17th there will be a court and tented festival area at Daley Plaza, with food and beverage, entertainment and lots of activities with special guest/athlete appearances!

VIP/Alumni Party: March 16th 6-10 the Chicago Sports Commission is hosting a VIP and Alumni Party at the Navy Pier Crystal Gardens Ballroom, 700 E Grand Avenue, to celebrate the Big Ten Conference, its alumni and fans, as well as the tournament volunteers. Volunteers will each receive two complimentary tickets to the party. Purchase tickets here.

Volunteer: If you are interested in volunteering at the tournament, register today! Please note, spots are limited. Volunteers receive a free shirt and two tickets to the official Big Ten Alumni Party on Saturday March 16th.

Books for Baskets Challenge  – Donate a book: World Sport Chicago, the Big Ten Conference and the Chicago Sports Commission are calling all Big Ten university alumni to join in support of over 35 Chicago elementary schools and hundreds of students through the Books for Baskets Challenge. Donate here!

Game Schedule  and Bracket: View the Big Ten Tournament game schedule and bracket here!

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Mike the Mailman finds something nice to say to each and every customer. Photo courtesy of OnwardState.com.

Over 40 years ago, Penn State student Mike Herr worked the night shift at the post office to support his college education. Today, Mike is the postmaster of the Penn State campus post office located in the McAllister Building. Mike the Mailman, as he is known around State College, is a campus icon-a celebrity of sorts. Mike brings a joke, a smile, and kindness to every person who passes through on a daily basis. The CBS Sunday Morning recently profiled Mike the Mailman to discover how Mike ‘delivers nice’. 

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THON  2012 participants get massages from committee members and the Nittany Lion. Photo courtesy of Penn State Dance Marathon.

“The mission of the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon is to conquer pediatric cancer by providing outstanding emotional and financial support to the children, families, researchers and staff of the Four Diamonds Fund. FTK (For The Kids)!”

In just one week, the Bryce Jordan Center will be transformed in to the magical home of the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, more commonly known as THON. THON is a year-long effort, which raises funds and awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer. This year, the 46-hour no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon will begin Friday, February 15 and conclude Sunday, February 17.

Since 1977, all the money raised by THON is given to The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. The Four Diamonds Fund picks up where a family’s insurance leaves off for the cost of treatments and other expenses for the children. Since paired with The Four Diamonds Fund, THON has raised more than $89 million dollars, raising $10.68 million last year alone.

THON is comprised of more than 15,000 student volunteers and is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. Students fundraise and work all year long to make THON weekend the best for the children and their families. As the mission states, all the work put into THON is FTK, for the kids, to help them in their battle with cancer.

“One day we’ll dance in celebration, until then we dance for a cure.” For information on THON, or if you wish to donate, visit thon.org.

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Indiana University Memorial Union

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Wolverines of all ages party together before the game.

According to Notre Dame cultural anthropologist John Sherry, tailgating has ancient, primitive ties. Through his two year study, Sherry has determined that the ritual of tailgating encourages bonds and builds traditions that every team’s fans hold so dear. Furthermore, tailgating has roots in historic gatherings such as harvest celebrations in ancient Rome and Greece, and picnics during Civil War battles. So if you needed any sort of scientific proof to justify your tailgating rituals, read more on Sherry’s study at USAToday.com.

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