WYOMISSING, Pa. — Penn State Berks alumni and family members of students are invited to the college’s annual Family and Homecoming Weekend, Friday, Oct. 6, to Sunday, Oct. 8. This year’s theme is "Building Memories.”
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.
Prospective students are also invited to register for Penn State Day, our biggest admissions event of the year, on Saturday, Oct. 7, and then stay after the program for the Family and Homecoming Weekend festivities.
Friday, Oct. 6
Bonfire and Karaoke
8:30–10:30 p.m. on Luerssen and Perkins Lawns
Homecoming weekend kicks off with the annual bonfire. This evening of music, snacks and camaraderie is free and open to all. Refreshments will be served.
Saturday, Oct.7
Homecoming Check-In
10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in the G1 Parking Lot near the Lion Shrine
Attendees will check in at the registration tents to receive a copy of the schedule, a lunch ticket (pre-registration required), and a free Homecoming favor, available while supplies last.
Parent and Family FAQ Session
11 a.m. in Room 003, Perkins Student Center
This open forum provides parents and families of new and returning students with the opportunity to meet with professional staff and discuss any questions or concerns they may have about their student. Attendees will also hear about campus updates and other Penn State Berks news.
Free attractions
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Perkins Plaza
The campus will feature street performers, inflatables and other attractions that will provide fun for the entire family.
Picnic
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Perkins Lawn Tent, advance registration is required by Sept. 27.
Alumni, faculty, staff, students 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.)
Alumni Welcome
12:30 to 2 p.m., Alumni Tent, Perkins Lawn
Berks alumni are invited to stop by the Alumni Society tent, pick up a free gift, enjoy light refreshments, and mingle with faculty, staff and fellow alumni.
Ice Cream Social sponsored by the Alumni Society
12:30 to 2 p.m. on Perkins Lawn
The Penn State Berks Alumni Society will provide free Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream under the alumni tent. Information about volunteer opportunities and alumni events occurring this fall will be available.
Campus Tours with Alumni Lion Ambassadors
1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., Tours depart from the Lion Shrine
Participants can take a photo by the Lion Shrine before exploring the Berks campus on a tour led by Alumni Lion Ambassadors.
Penn State Berks Women's Volleyball vs. St. Mary's College of Maryland
1 p.m., Gymnasium, Beaver Athletics and Wellness Center
Crowning of the 2023 Homecoming Royalty
1:45 p.m. at the Lion Shrine
This annual tradition gives attendees the opportunity to cheer on and celebrate the 2023 Penn State Berks Homecoming Court.
Penn State Berks Benefitting THON Bingo
2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Tent on Perkins Lawn
Attendees are invited to play bingo for a chance to win great prizes. Proceeds will support Berks Benefitting THON in the fight against pediatric cancer. Tickets Price: $25 in advance and $30 at the door. To purchase your tickets in advance, contact Emily Smith at [email protected].
Penn State Berks Men's Soccer vs. Gwynedd Mercy University
4 p.m. at Penn State Berks Turf Field
Dinner at Tully's
Starting at 4:30 p.m., a la carte dining
Penn State Berks Alumni Social
6:30 p.m. – to 9 p.m.
6:30 p.m. check-in
7 p.m. welcome and trivia to follow
Sly Fox Brewing Company, 820 Knitting Mills Wy #100, Wyomissing
All Penn State Berks graduates are invited to this alumni event. Attendees can form a team and participate in trivia or challenge fellow alumni to a game of cornhole. There will also be a firepit for alumni to visit and reminisce with each other. Cost is $5 per person by Oct. 1 and registration is required. For additional information, visit the Penn State Berks Homecoming website.
Homecoming Dance
7 to 10 p.m. at Perkins Lawn
Students are invited to continue celebrating with a dance on Perkins Lawn.
Sunday, Oct. 8
SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) 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 or other vehicle. Prizes will be awarded by class. For more information, contact the SAE Baja Club at [email protected].
Penn State Berks Clean Up on Schuylkill River Trail and Baer Park
2 to 4 p.m.
Attendees are invited to join us in cleaning up the Schuylkill River Trail and Baer Park.
For more information regarding Family and Homecoming Weekend, contact assistant director of alumni relations, Heather Wise, at [email protected], or visit the Homecoming website.
