Penn State's famous Heister Street mural has a new face on it. In the aftermath of the sex abuse scandal that rocked the University last fall, the image of recently convicted sex offender Jerry Sandusky has been officially replaced with a painting of sexual abuse activist and inspirational poet Dora McQuaid.
With Sandusky now erased from the scene and replaced with a more inspirational Penn State alumna, here are 10 more things to know about the famous State College mural.
1. The mural, titled "Inspiration," features hundreds of notable Penn State alumni, figureheads, and other people who have inspired its artist, Michael Pilato.
2. The mural is 100 feet long and two stories tall, taking up nearly a half a block outside the Penn State student book store in downtown State College, Pa.
3. The mural is a work in progress. Each year as September 11 approaches, Pilato paints for 48 hours straight to honor those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.
4. Sandusky's image on the mural was painted over last fall when news of the sex abuse scandal first broke. According to Reuters, Pilato removed Sandusky's image after receiving an email from the mother of one of the victims that said: "Michael, can you please take Sandusky off the mural?" Dozens of spectators gathered to watch as Sandusky's image was painted over.
5. Pilato initially replaced the image of Sandusky with a vacant chair with a blue ribbon on it to symbolize child abuse awareness.
6. The mural features a picture of Pilato's grandmother.
7. According to the Daily Collegian, Nike co-founder Phil Knight, former pro football player Franco Harris, and PSU football coach Jay Paterno will be added to the mural, as will everyone else who spoke at the memorial service for Penn State's former football coach, Joe Paterno.
8. The mural features a portrait of Penn State Heisman trophy winner John Cappelletti, soldiers from the Civil War, Penn State alumni who are Olympic medal winners, a kissing couple, and a Nittany Lion. A blue ribbon was recently painted around the neck of the picture of the Nittany Lion.
9. According to Patriot-News, the mural includes images of State College residents who were killed in 9/11 attacks and the war in Afghanistan, and includes a cross made from steel from the World Trade Center.
10. Following his death in January, a golden halo was added above the portrait of legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno.
Victoria Leigh Miller is a freelance writer and lifelong Pennsylvania resident.
