UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Alumni Association will host Senior Week at the University Park campus from April 27 through May 1. Graduating students from May, August and December 2026 are invited to celebrate their accomplishments and prepare for the exciting transition from student to alum. Senior Week sets the stage for what will become their lifelong relationship with Penn State.
Throughout the week, graduates can take advantage of a graduation cap decorating station stocked with free supplies, along with fabric steamers to press gowns so they are picture-perfect and wrinkle-free. In addition, a professional photographer will offer free graduation photos at different campus landmarks each day.
To close out the celebration, the Lion Ambassadors will host the official Senior Sendoff, featuring food, entertainment, games and more — one last hurrah before the semester ends. For full details, visit the complete schedule of events. Below are the week’s events at a glance:
Monday, April 27:
Graduation Cap Decorating and Gown Steaming
- 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Hintz Family Alumni Center
Golden Hour Grad Photos
- 4–6 p.m., Hintz Family Alumni Center
THON Senior Celebration
- 5–7 p.m., Hintz Family Alumni Center
Tuesday, April 28:
Graduation Cap Decorating and Gown Steaming
- 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Hintz Family Alumni Center
Arboretum Grad Photos
- Noon–2 p.m., Arboretum Fountain
Beyond the Cap and Gown: Insights into Your Next Chapter Virtual Panel
- 6–7 p.m., virtual. Register here for "Beyond the Cap and Gown."
Wednesday, April 29:
Graduation Cap Decorating and Gown Steaming
- 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Hintz Family Alumni Center
Old Main Grad Photos
- 2–4 p.m., Old Main
Thursday, April 30:
Hintz Family Alumni Center Grad Photos
- 10 a.m.–noon, Hintz Family Alumni Center
Senior Sendoff
- Noon–4 p.m., Hintz Family Alumni Center
Friday, May 1:
Graduation Cap Decorating and Gown Steaming
- 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Hintz Family Alumni Center
Alumni Garden Grad Photos
- 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Hintz Family Alumni Center Gardens
Movin’ On concert
- Gates open at 3:30 p.m., IM Fields
*Please note, all outdoor complimentary photo sessions are weather permitting.
The Penn State Alumni Association is dedicated to supporting students throughout their Penn State journey and long after graduation. Senior Week events are designed to provide soon-to-be graduates with helpful resources, opportunities to connect with their peers, and a meaningful celebration of their time in Happy Valley.
The Penn State Alumni Association also supports graduates with a free year of membership, providing access to the global alumni network, local events, career resources and much more.