UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Nearly 11,000 Penn State students and family members came together to celebrate Penn State pride during Family Weekend, held Oct. 17–19 at University Park. Hosted by the Penn State Parents Program, the annual event offered families the opportunity to explore campus, connect with one another and experience the academic and community spirit that defines the University.
The weekend kicked off with the Ice Cream Social at the HUB-Robeson Center, where hundreds of families enjoyed Berkey Creamery treats and gathered to cheer on the Nittany Lions in football and men’s ice hockey. Throughout the weekend, families participated in a variety of activities, including the Nittany Lion Goosechase Race, tours of the Old Main Bell Tower and Beaver Stadium, and the Pumpkin Festival at the Arboretum at Penn State.
In addition to participating in events, parents and families contributed more than $15,000 to the Penn State Parents Fund. These gifts support programs that promote hazing prevention education, financial literacy and basic needs assistance for Penn State students.
“Our volunteers are an important part of the team,” said Cyndy Hill, director of the Penn State Parents Program. “They help us understand what families want to experience at Penn State and volunteer during the planning stages and throughout the event. Our volunteers bring positive energy that you can feel throughout the weekend.”
The Parents Program team coordinated the efforts of more than 75 parent and student volunteers, including members of the Parents Council and Parent and Family Ambassadors, who together completed more than 250 volunteer shifts. Volunteers assisted with event planning, greeted families, hosted activities and provided support throughout the weekend.
Jen DiManno, co-chair of the Parents Council Family Weekend team, shared how much she enjoyed seeing families having fun together.
“A family literally jumped for joy and high fived each other when they were one of the first families to finish the Nittany Lion Goosechase Race,” DiManno said. “Watching families come together, enjoy each other’s company and build memories was heartwarming. My only regret was that it was over so quickly.”
The Penn State Parents Program, a unit in the division of Student Affairs, serves parents and families as a central University resource by providing involvement opportunities, information on the Penn State student experience, regular communication, and individual support.
Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement and care. With more than 30 programs and units, Student Affairs helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, discover community and belonging, build leadership skills and create lasting memories. All programs and events are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Learn more about Student Affairs programs at studentaffairs.psu.edu.