WYOMISSING, Pa. — Penn State Berks alumni and family members of students are invited to the college’s annual Family and Homecoming Weekend, Friday, Oct. 7, to Sunday, Oct. 9. This year’s theme is "Home Sweet Homecoming."
The weekend will include activities for the entire family, including social and athletic events that showcase the campus. Most events are free and open to all attendees unless otherwise noted, but many require advance registration.
Friday, Oct. 7
Float-Building Party, 1 to 7 p.m., B2 Parking Lot in front of the Beaver Athletics and Wellness Center
Bring the whole family to watch our student organizations put their creativity to the test as they construct their best parade floats for Saturday’s homecoming parade at 12 p.m. Floats will be judged, and the winning organizations will receive funding to host a social for their members.
Bonfire with Karaoke and Live Music, 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., Luerssen and Perkins Lawns
Kick off homecoming weekend with the annual bonfire, described as a sight to behold. Join us for an evening of music, snacks, and camaraderie. Sponsored by the Student Government Association.
Saturday, Oct. 8
Legacy Breakfast, 8:45 a.m., Alumni Tent on Perkins Lawn, advance registration is required.
Penn State alumni parents, grandparents, and/or siblings who have a family member attending Penn State Berks are invited to celebrate their Penn State legacy at this event. Attendees will share memories and traditions while enjoying a complimentary breakfast.
Parent & Family FAQ Session, 10 a.m., Perkins Student Center, Room 3
Parents and families are invited to this special session, where there will be an open forum to meet with professional staff and discuss questions or concerns, as well as learn the current news at Penn State Berks.
Free Attractions, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Perkins Lawn, Perkins Plaza and adjacent lawns
Attendees are invited to stroll across the campus and enjoy street performers, freebies, inflatables, and other attractions that will provide fun for the whole family.
Picnic, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Perkins Lawn Tent, advance registration is required by Sept. 30.
Alumni, students, faculty, staff and their families are invited to attend a free picnic. Due to space limitations, the maximum number of guests per party is five. (Current Berks students should be included in the party total.)
Homecoming Parade, Noon
Students, faculty, and staff will make their way through campus, each bringing their own unique representation to our parade. Follow the signs for the best view between the Luerssen Science Building and the Perkins Student Center. Floats and performances will be judged for a chance to win cash prizes for their organization.
Alumni Welcome, 12:30 to 2 p.m., Alumni Tent, Perkins Lawn, advance registration is required.
Berks alumni are invited to stop by the Alumni Tent, to pick up a free alumni gift, enjoy light refreshments, and mingle with faculty, staff, and fellow alumni.
Alumni Society Meet & Greet, 12:30 to 2 p.m., Alumni Tent, Perkins Lawn, no advanced registration required.
Stop by the Berks Alumni Society tent for free Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream and learn more about upcoming events this fall.
Women’s Soccer vs. Penn College, 1 p.m., Beaver Athletics and Wellness Center Turf Field
Crowning of the 2022 Homecoming Royalty, 1:45 p.m., Lion Shrine
Cheer on and celebrate the 2022 Penn State Berks Homecoming Court.
Berks Benefitting THON Vera Bradley and Sports Bingo, 3 to 5 p.m., Perkins Lawn Tent
Attendees are invited to play bingo and have a chance to win Vera Bradley, sports memorabilia, and other great prizes while raising funds for Penn State Berks Benefitting THON. Ticket Price: $20 in advance, $25 at the event. To purchase tickets in advance, contact Emily Smith at [email protected].
Men’s Soccer vs. Penn College, 3:30 p.m., Beaver Athletics and Wellness Center Turf Field
Blue and White Society Tie-Dye Event, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Perkins Lawn Mini Tent
The Blue and White Society, a student organization, will host their annual tie-dye event. Participants can bring their own whites or purchase available items at the event. For more information, contact Blue and White Society president Liana Vega at [email protected].
Dinner available in Tully’s, starting at 4:30 p.m., a la carte dining.
The Great DuBois: Two-Person Circus Extraordinaire, 5 p.m., Perkins Student Center Auditorium
A fast-paced, high-energy circus show for all ages, showcasing incredible feats of juggling, hula hoops, unicycle, aerial and circus stunts, contortion, magic and audience interaction — all wrapped up in a blanket of comedy. Simply put, the Great DuBois’ is the most unique two-person circus show you will ever see.
G.O.L.D. Reunion, 6 p.m., The Pike Cafe, 930 Pike Street, Reading, advance registration required.
All Penn State Berks graduates of the last decade — you are invited to this special alumni event. Spend the evening socializing with fellow alumni. Cost is $20 per person by Oct. 1; $25 at the door. For additional information, visit, berks.psu.edu/family-homecoming-weekend.
Sunday, Oct. 9
Berks Benefitting THON 5K, 10 a.m. to noon, Perkins Plaza
Race day registration will begin at 8:45 a.m. This 3.1-mile run or 1-mile walk supports Berks Benefitting THON’s goal of raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer. Cost is $25 by September 10; $30 from Sept. 11 — day of the race. Advance registration includes a T-shirt. For more information or to register in advance, visit sites.psu.edu/berksbenefittingthon77/5k/ or contact Arizona Shreck at [email protected].
SAE Baja Car Show, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., G4 Parking Lot, located to the left of the Franco Building
This car show raises funds for the Penn State Berks SAE BAJA Club to allow engineering student members to design, build, and test off-road vehicles. All types and models of vehicles are eligible to participate, whether old, new, car, truck, bike, restored, modified, project build, etc. Prizes will be awarded by class such as best domestic, best import, best project, and best overall. For more information, contact SAE BAJA Club President Cody Fitser at [email protected].
Women’s Soccer vs. York College, Noon, Beaver Athletics and Wellness Center Turf Field
Penn State Berks Clean Up, 2 p.m., meet at Perkins Plaza
Attendees are invited to help us clean up the 222 off ramp at Broadcasting Road, around our campus. Penn State Berks is working with PennDOT on this project. Supplies will be provided including gloves, trash bags and more. For more information, contact Angie DiJiacomo at [email protected]
Questions regarding the family portion of Family and Homecoming Weekend can be directed to Angie Dijiacamo at [email protected] and questions about the alumni events can be directed to Heather Wise at [email protected].
