WYOMISSING, Pa. — Penn State Berks students and their family members, alumni, faculty and staff are invited to the college’s 2025 Family and Homecoming event, slated for Saturday, Oct. 4. This year’s theme is "Celebrating Penn State pride." The day will include activities for the entire family, as well as events targeted to students and families and to alumni.
Most events are free and open to all attendees unless otherwise noted, however many require advanced registration. Visit the website to register.
Prospective students are also invited to register for Penn State Day, the college’s largest admissions event of the year, beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, and then they are invited to stay after the program for the Family and Homecoming Weekend festivities. (Prospective students and families will be asked to confirm their attendance for lunch after registering for Penn State Day and will receive meal tickets the morning of Penn State Day.)
Schedule
- 9–11:30 a.m.
- Perkins Student Center
Admissions program for prospective students and their families.
Homecoming Check-In
- 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- G1 Parking Lot (in front of Thun Library)
Attendees will check in at the registration tents to receive a copy of the schedule, a picnic lunch ticket, and a free homecoming favor, available while supplies last.
Parent & Family Chat
- 10:30–11:30 a.m.
- Perkins Student Center, Room 3
- Open to parents and families of current students.
Parents and families of new and returning students will have an opportunity to meet with Chancellor Radha Pyati and college staff and discuss any questions or concerns they may have. Attendees will also hear about campus updates and news about Penn State Berks.
Rewind & Reconnect: Reunion for Berks ’90s Alumni
- 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- Penn State Room, Perkins Student Center
- Open to alumni. Advanced registration required by Sept. 26.
Join fellow Berks alumni from the 1990s for an afternoon of laughter and memories. Reconnect, relive the vibe of your college days, and enjoy a nostalgic gathering featuring special guests who played a key role in shaping the college experience for many alumni –—Blaine Steensland, retired director of student affairs, and Sue Rowley, retired residence life staff assistant. Explore what is new, celebrate what never changed, and experience Penn State Berks again.
Picnic
- 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
- Perkins Lawn Tent
Penn State Berks students and their families, alumni, faculty and staff are invited to attend a free picnic under the tent. Due to space limitations, the maximum number of guests per party is five. (Current Berks students should be included in the party total when registering.) This is an opportunity for the college community to come together, enjoy a picnic lunch, and connect in a casual setting.
Paint & Play Free Attractions
- 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
- Perkins Lawn and Perkins Plaza
The homecoming games and activities begin as attendees toss, stack, sling, paint and score their way through a lineup of oversized yard game challenges and fun for the entire family.
Penn State Pumpkin Painting Competition
- 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Perkins Lawn
Attendees will get a chance to show their Penn State pride and creativity as they decorate pumpkins with school spirit and other designs. Supplies will be provided, and judging will be held at 2:30 p.m.
Tables on Parade
- 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Behind Beaver Athletic and Wellness Center
Attendees are invited to visit each table display, which will showcase a Penn State theme, complete with games, activities and treats.
Penn State Alumni Welcome
- 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
- Alumni Pavilion, located behind The Woods Residence Hall
- Open to alumni.
Penn State alumni are invited to stop by the welcome table under the Alumni Pavilion, enjoy Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream and pick up an alumni gift while supplies last.
The Ultimate Saturday Sundae
- 12:30–1:30 p.m.
- Alumni Pavilion, located behind The Woods Residence Hall
Attendees will enjoy free Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream with a variety of toppings. All are invited to indulge their sweet tooth and unleash their creativity at the sundae bar.
Penn State Berks Men's Soccer Game
- 1 p.m.
- Turf Field, located behind the Beaver Athletic and Wellness Center
Attendees will have an opportunity to support the men's soccer team as they take on Wilson College in an action-packed game.
Berks Dance Team Performance
- Half-time of the men's soccer game
Turf Field, located behind the Beaver Athletic and Wellness Center
The Berks Dance Team will energize the crowd with a high-energy performance.
Crowning of the 2025 Homecoming Royalty Court
- Half-time of the men's soccer game
- Turf Field, located behind the Beaver Athletic and Wellness Center
All are invited to join and celebrate the crowning of the Royalty Court in a brief ceremony filled with tradition and cheer.
Family Photos with the Lion
- 2–4:30 p.m.
- Nittany Lion Shrine
Stop by the Lion Shrine and get a keepsake photo with your family, friends or coworkers.
Campus Tours
- 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
- Meet at the Lion Bench, located on Perkins Plaza
Take a guided tour of campus, relive memories and discover what is new at Penn State Berks.
Paw-Printed Bag Workshop
- 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
- Thun Library Makerspace
During this workshop, attendees will create their own paw-printed bag using heat-transfer vinyl. Participants can choose from pre-cut designs and learn how to use a heat press to transfer the design onto their bag with the support of library staff. Fabric markers will be provided for customization. There is a limited quantity, so this event is first-come, first-served.
David Garrity's Mysterious Deceptions
- 3 p.m.
- Auditorium, Perkins Student Center
Garrity’s performance is an electrifying one-man illusion show that features unique, theatrical and visual magic; audience participation; situational comedy; and a custom-edited musical soundtrack. Having performed at venues like the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City and on international tours, Garrity knows how to entertain an audience.
Dinner available for purchase in Tully’s
- 4:30 p.m.
Visit our newly renovated dining facility located in the Perkins Student Center.
Berks Benefitting Thon Bingo
- 4:15 p.m.
- Perkins Student Center Multipurpose Room
- Cost: $25 at the door (cash and check only)
Attendees are invited to play bingo for a chance to win prizes. Proceeds will support Berks Benefitting THON in the fight against pediatric cancer. For more information, contact Lindsey Giacobello at LQG5448@psu.edu.
Penn State Berks Alumni Homecoming Social
- 6–9 p.m.
- Foxskeller at Sly Fox at The Knitting Mills, 820 Knitting Mills Way, Wyomissing
- Open to alumni. Advanced registration required. Cost: $5 per person
Alumni are invited to this special event, hosted at Foxskeller. This venue features virtual golf, foosball, cornhole, a cash bar and more. Reconnect with fellow alumni and old friends, share favorite memories, and enjoy an evening filled with laughter and nostalgia. Special guests who played a key role in shaping the college experience for many alumni will be in attendance, including Blaine Steensland, retired director of student affairs; Sue Rowley, retired residence life staff assistant; Teri Sabatelli Murray, former director of enrollment management; Kevin Rudy, retired police chief; and Officer Groff, a member of Police Services. Check back as the "special guest" list continues to grow. Wear your favorite Penn State apparel as one alumnus will win a special prize for displaying the most Penn State pride. Door prizes will also be awarded.
PSU vs UCLA Football Game Viewing
- Time TBD
- Tully's, Perkins Student Center
Enjoy the game on Tully’s big screen with family and friends.
More information
For more information regarding Family and Homecoming Weekend events for students and families, contact the Office of Student Affairs at 610-396-6065 or email BKStudentAffairs@psu.edu. For more information about alumni events, email Heather Wise at HLA2@psu.edu or visit the Family and Homecoming website.