Celebrating the Past. Shaping the Future.
We've turned 75, and we'd like everyone—students, employees, friends, and the community—to help us celebrate.
Throughout the year, you'll see our milestone birthday on signs around campus, including a mural on the side of Reed Union Building. And maybe even on a shirt, a mug, or the name of a Berkey Creamery ice cream. Our Virtual/Augmented Reality Lab is also at work on a 3D 360-degree immersive tour that will be launched later this year.
We have these events planned to date, with more to come:
BehrendPalooza: Friday, September 15, noon–4:00 p.m.
BehrendPalooza is a great opportunity for the Behrend and Erie community to kick back, relax, and enjoy some live music from local bands on the Reed front lawn (rain location is McGarvey Commons). We will have performances from First to Eleven, Group Therapy (a Behrend staff and student band), musician Scott Celani, and duo Tyler Smilo and Dom DeCecco. Music ranges from covers, country, rock, and everything in between! Bring a lawn chair or a blanket, and get ready to enjoy some great music!
75th Pep Rally: Wednesday, September 20, 3:00 p.m.
Join us on the Reed front lawn as we celebrate and cheer on the Penn State Behrend student-athletes. The fun will include lawn games, swag giveaways, pickleball practice, cheerleaders, and a good time! Meet the teams, and hear from coaches and student-athletes. Ice cream will be served.
Then & Now Cruise-In: Saturday, September 23, noon–4:00 p.m.
Featuring classic, late-model, and electric vehicles; food trucks; and music. Donations will be accepted to support The Lion's Pantry.
Parents, Families, and Alumni Weekend:
Friday, September 29–Sunday, October 1
Come home to Penn State Behrend during Parents, Families, and Alumni Weekend. The weekend will feature enhancements to celebrate 75 years, including the Pioneer alumni celebration (for alumni who graduated 50 years ago or earlier), fireworks sponsored by Wm. T. Spaeder, a reception for all of our academic schools, Wintergreen Gorge hikes, Erie Hall tours, signings and discussion of the book, Glenhill Farm: The History of a Family Estate, and a display of Mary Behrend's original art. Plus, all the traditional family-friendly activities.
Fireworks: Saturday, September 30, 9:00 p.m.
Join us on the lawn in front of Metzgar Center for a spectacular fireworks display that will top off our special 75th Anniversary edition of Parents, Families, and Alumni Weekend. We will have glow-in-the-dark accessories and popcorn for attendees! Fireworks sponsored by Wm. T. Spaeder, Co.
A Special Founders Day Speaker: Monday, October 30
A talk by Jim Garrison, an expert on architect R. Brognard Okie, designer of Glenhill Farmhouse.
Blue & White Night at the Erie Otters: Saturday, February 3, 2024
Wear your Behrend apparel and join us as the Otters celebrate Behrend's 75th Anniversary. The night will feature special guest appearances, T-shirt giveaways, and more.
Solar Eclipse: Monday, April 8, 2024
Penn State Behrend is in the "path of totality" for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. This once-in-a-lifetime experience coincides with our 75th Anniversary—coincidence, we think not. Our School of Sciences is gathering eclipse resources now to familiarize viewers with the event.
To help fund the cost of these events and other activities and ideas, the college is seeking individual and organizational sponsors. If you're interested in helping us go big at 75, please check out these sponsorship opportunities.
Anniversary-Priced Pavers
In celebration of Behrend's 75th Anniversary, Mary Behrend Monument pavers have been discounted from $150 to only $75. Celebrate your legacy while celebrating Behrend's 75 years.