"We are... Penn State." I assert that Penn State is each of us. Traditions inspire us, remind us of that which we must remember, and give us a banner we receive from generations before and pass to generations ahead. But who "We are" - right now and from every moment forward - is not defined by the past, but the things we do today.
If we, as individuals, commit to seeking wisdom, from knowledge, from truth, wherever we may find it, then Penn State is wise. If we are honorable, and stand strong in the face of that which is not, Penn State is honorable. Look squarely in the face of that which is, and stand strong in support of that which should be, and the next generation to cheer "We are" will evoke images of leadership and courage.
Fail to do what is right now, and no matter the good works and advancements made in other areas, "We are," as a community, forever a generation that failed. Failed to protect children. Failed in courage, in conviction, in leadership. It is time to show that this is not our legacy - that "We are" the people - the students, the educators, the university - who learned.