Published on January 19th 2008.

Dear Penn State family,

I hope the spring semester is off to a strong start for you. Spring marks a time of tradition at Penn State, as events that are embedded in the Penn State culture occur. THON as well as Blue and White weekend are the traditionally known events of the spring. However, last spring another event occurred that brought together the student body as a collective whole. This event was known as State Patty’s Day and organized students in a celebratory nature.

State Patty’s Day was held without incident last spring and more than anything the event showed what students could accomplish when they organized. Fraternities, sororities and students as a whole bought into the holiday last spring. This spring semester there is again a call for this tradition to continue on. Various social networking groups have had thousands of members call for this to be an annual event.

Joe Veltre, who was the creator and leader of State Patty’s Day 2007, approached us and asked for our help to ensure that this tradition would continue beyond just our time here at Penn State. Thus, Safeguard Old State feels greatly privileged to sponsor this student created tradition. As an organization we want to see the voices of the Penn State student body listened to so we will take on the responsibility of making that a reality. Safeguard Old State, in cooperation with the creators of State Patty’s Day, has launched www.StatePattysDay.org, which serves as the official website for this Penn State tradition.

This website will also provide updates on programming for the day, as well as non-alcoholic alternatives, programs that seek to promote a culture of responsible alcohol enjoyment and, overall, serve as the public voice for the students behind this Penn State tradition. We have already reached out to the Student Programming Association (SPA), HUB Late Night and University Health Services in order to ensure alternative programming and education.

Our greatest hope is that State Patty’s Day is embraced by level-headed administrators and all members of the Penn State and State College communities as a cherished part of the healthy, natural drinking culture of Happy Valley.

After this spring’s State Patty’s Day, Safeguard Old State will give the authority to run the holiday to an official registered student organization, entitled the State Patty’s Day Coordination Committee. We have already begun working with the Center for Student Engagement (CSE) to ensure this becomes a reality and that State Patty’s Day remains in students’ hands.

Safeguard Old State seeks to honor our legacy, protect our future, and always fight for the glory of Penn State University. Naturally, State Patty’s Day fits well within our mission, and we are proud to help more firmly establish this tradition for future generations of Penn Staters.

Fighting for the Glory,
Gavin P. Keirans
Executive Director of Safeguard Old State