Willard Preacher to step down, embark on new journey

After being a fixture outside the Willard Building steps on Penn State's campus since 1983, Gary Cattell, better known as the “Willard Preacher,” will retire from his position in the upcoming weeks.

Cattell will give one last performance in his familiar spot on Tuesday, April 1.

After that Cattell will set forth on a new path, becoming a brand ambassador for Oscar Mayer wieners, even driving their esteemed Wienermobile.

Cattell, who is easily recognizable for his red hoodie and jean outfit, has been preaching Christian values outside the Willard Building for over 40 years.

“This was an honor of a lifetime,” Cattell said. “However, my one red hoodie is starting to deteriorate and I am not sure where I can go from here.”

Cattell is optimistic about the next stage of his life,

“Oscar Mayer is really God’s wiener,” Cattell said. “When God imagined the hot dog, he thought of Oscar Mayer. It will be a privilege to work for them.”

Despite the career change, do not expect Cattell to change anything about himself.

“I will still be spewing my beliefs, just in another format; and in the same red hoodie and jeans,” Cattell said. “If you are on the highway near a Wienermobile, crack your window and be graced with my wisdom.”

The news of Cattell's resignation sent shockwaves through Penn State’s campus, as a legend would no longer be a part of the community's daily lives.

“I found out through social media and could not believe it,” said Penn State junior Noah Simone-Dobin, “Whoever fills his role has a really big red hoodie to fill.”

The news even reached alumni, who were also left devastated by the void Cattell’s resignation would cause.

Justin Nelson, who graduated from Penn State in May 2024, was emotional after hearing the news of the Willard Preacher’s plans.

“It almost brought tears to my eyes,” Nelson said. “There were three constants in life: death, taxes, and Gary Cattell preaching to Penn State students as they approached the Willard Building.”

Cattell became such a prominent figure at Penn State, University president Neeli Bendapudi issued a statement on the news of his resignation.

“For the past 40 years the Penn State community has been blessed with some of the wisdom Cattell has preached,” Bendapudi said in a press release. “We know he is going to get on the road and sell as many hot dogs as he possibly can.”

Bendapudi was not the only prominent Penn State figure to weigh in on Cattell’s decision, as head football coach James Franklin reacted to the shocking news as well.

“I was as shocked as anyone,” Franklin said. “But maybe this is the change of vibes we need on campus to finally beat Ohio State.”

Penn State students will be holding a celebration for Cattell for his final preaching on April 1. There will be pictures, autographs and Bible giveaways.

“It feels like the only proper way to send out a legend,” said Penn State senior John Barr. “I will definitely be asking him to sign my red hoodie.”

(This story was created as part of COMM 498 Humor in Journalism.)