When you’re identified as a Penn Stater—whether by your hat, sweatshirt, or casual conversation—a common response is a question: My [fill-in-the-blank] went to Penn State! Did you know so-and-so? Considering the sheer size of the university, the answer is almost always the same: No, sorry, I didn’t know them.
But a funny thing happens during We Are Weekend: Hundreds of Penn Staters from all different eras descend on University Park for the annual alumni reunion and, whether they met previously or not, realize they do know one another—in a uniquely Nittany Lion sort of way.
“When you get a lot of alums together they start reminiscing, which is always fun,” says Ilene White ’74 Edu of the instant camaraderie of We Are Weekend attendees. “Penn Staters always find something in common.”
White was one of almost 600 We Are Weekend attendees last year, when she and her fellow “Pioneer” Class of 1974 alumni celebrated the 50th anniversary of their graduation. This year’s Pioneer Induction will be at the Nittany Lion Inn, giving Class of 1975 graduates a chance to see the historic hotel’s recent renovations.
But We Are Weekend is for all Penn Staters, regardless of when they graduated. Guided tours of facilities including the Blue Band Building, the Palmer Museum of Art, the Arboretum, and the Old Main bell tower give tourgoers exclusive access to the university’s most famous spaces and the stories behind them. There are also academic lectures, hands-on learning demonstrations, and unique ways to socialize, including a silent disco, a summer solstice event at the Arboretum, and an ice cream social at the Hintz Family Alumni Center, which features Creamery ice cream (with toppings!), live music, and bingo with prizes.
Since the diverse range of events and tours offers something for everyone, We Are Weekend is also perfect for alumni who want to introduce their alma mater to family members who don’t consider themselves Penn Staters—yet.
“It does a lot to spread the Penn State spirit,” White says. “It’s always a great weekend.”
Attendees receive exclusive access to public transportation on campus just for We Are Weekend, plus discounted rates at several hotels in State College. For details and to register, click here.
