By Heather Cass
Publications & Design Coordinator, Penn State Behrend
In honor of the upcoming All Hallows’ Eve festivities, I dug up six spooky (and some just silly) things about Penn State Behrend. Enjoy!
1. There’s a place in the Wintergreen Gorge on the edge of campus called “Devil’s backbone.”
Devil’s backbone is the name given to the gorge’s highest vantage point in Wintergreen Gorge, about 250 feet above Four Mile creek. Read more about the gorge (page 13) and watch videos here (under “Extras from this issue”).
In the mood for a good ghost story? Check out this story we found online (but do not attest to): The Ghost Child of Wintergreen Gorge.
Speaking of enduring ghosts haunting campus…..
2. Ken Miller, senior director for campus planning and student affairs, has been working at Behrend since George Michael’s “Faith” topped the pop charts, “Heathers” was showing at the theatres, and the average cost of a gallon of gas was just 91 cents.
Are we making him sound old? Nah, it’s only been 25 years. 😉 And, fortunately, he hasn’t lost his sense of humor…or that awesome ‘stache.
Ken Miller, right, with his brother Tim outside of Lawrence Hall, circa 1989.
3. This tree by Wilson Picnic grove:
According to Dr. Mike Naber, lecturer in geosciences, the “tumor” on this tree could be Agrobacterium tumefaciens that causes a plant disease called crown gall. Or, Nabor said, it is simply a “burl” caused by stress, injury, or a virus.
Or it could be a zombie calling card.
Speaking of signs from the dearly departed…
4. Bruno’s Café is named after a dead dog. Even spookier? Legend has it that said dog is buried on campus.
So, if you hear a German shepherd howling late at night…
5. The cashier at the bookstore has gotten really thin.
Somebody get this guy a peanut butter sandwich.
6. This tree by Lilley Library:
While it’s shaped like a witch’s hat, this is actually a Purple Fountain Weeping Beech, native to Europe.
You know, Europe…where Transylvania is (just sayin’).
Happy Halloween, everyone!
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