UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — What does "We Are" mean to you? From now through Monday, Oct. 24, the Penn State Alumni Association is inviting all Penn Staters to answer that question in support of "Together We Are," an event designed to uplift and celebrate diverse voices across the entire University community. The event takes place at 6 p.m. Oct. 24 on the University Park campus.
“We are proud to join with the University in supporting 'Together We Are,' and to help foster a welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all Penn Staters,” said Paul Clifford, CEO of the Alumni Association. “Because alumni are a key part of the Penn State community, we’re excited to be able to ensure their voices are included in this event.”
Alumni can participate from anywhere in the world and share their vision for an inclusive Penn State community by completing the phrase “Together, we are…” in a short form at alumni.psu.edu/together. Alumni visiting the University Park campus for Homecoming can submit their answers in person at the Hintz Family Alumni Center during regular business hours and during several scheduled events throughout the weekend.
Alumni responses will be displayed and shared during the Oct. 24 event to ensure alumni voices are represented. In addition, the Alumni Association’s student groups — the Lion Ambassadors and the Blue & White Society — will be on-site and participating in activities throughout the event.
"Together We Are" runs from 6-10 p.m. Oct. 24 in the HUB-Robeson Center and will feature music, performances, free food and other activities to educate and immerse attendees into the various cultures, identities and communities on campus.
Student performances will start at 6 p.m. in Alumni Hall, where students also will find free food and a variety of hands-on activities. In addition to the activities in Alumni Hall, students can connect with student organizations and offices tabling throughout the HUB or join a yoga session led by Campus Recreation staff.
Organized by the Penn State Student Programming Association (SPA) with help from the University community, "Together We Are" was made possible by many volunteers of various campus student organizations, as well as contributions from dozens of departments and colleges, according to Jess Markovich, SPA director of events.
“Honoring our Penn State values, we believe that the promotion of inclusion and belonging is critical. It is our hope with 'Together We Are' that the promotion of these values is not solely for this event, but that it will serve as a stepping stone for any and all events hosted on the University Park campus," said Markovich.