Prior to each home game, Penn State students gather at Gate A of Beaver Stadium as a show of support for the Nittany Lion football team. Students set up tents, sometimes days in advance, in what has affectionately become known as Nittanyville.
Being part of Nittanyville is an exciting and memorable experience for all involved, but it takes a lot of planning, time, and effort. The students have to ensure someone is at the tent at all times; they’re making it to their classes and completing work; they’re able to deal with a variety of weather hazards; and able to secure meals.
For the fourth straight year, Penn State Food Services has decided to show their support for the students camping out at Nittanyville with food deliveries. Jim Meinecke, residential dining coordinator, has been leading the charge.
In an effort to make a bigger impact, Meinecke teamed up with the Penn State Men’s Ice Hockey team to make the first delivery on Thursday, Sept. 4. “I wanted to make it bigger this year,” explained Meinecke. “We’ve partnered with some vendors, as well, such as Pepsi and Frito Lay. But overall we’re just trying to make it bigger and better and more fun for the students.”
Meinecke pulled up to Nittanyville camp around 7 p.m. The men’s ice hockey team began unloading countless boxes of pizza, trays of cookies, and bags of chips and other snacks. The team also brought along some giveaways of their own, including T-shirts and hockey pucks.
The students were thrilled. “It’s great to know that Food Services realizes how much effort and time we put in to be out here,” said Brian Sanvido, president of Nittanyville and a fourth-year camper. “They see our passion and dedication and offer to help us out. This makes it easier for students to camp out and support the football team. It’s unbelievable and greatly appreciated.”
Nittanyville Public Relations Officer Darian Somers couldn’t agree more. “It means so much to know that Food Services and others at Penn State care about us and don’t forget we’re out here at Gate A.”
For Meinecke, it’s all about helping the students out. “I know the students really appreciate our visits,” he said. “They’re always happy to see us.”
Meinecke has developed a schedule for the remaining football games of the 2014 season and is working to team up with several other Penn State sports teams, including men’s basketball and women’s ice hockey. The schedule for the upcoming games is:
Massachusetts, Sept. 18 – North Food District
Northwestern, Sept. 25 – West Food District
Ohio State, Oct. 23 – Findlay Commons
Maryland, Oct. 30 – South Food District
Temple, Nov. 14 – North Food District