Gowns for Grads is a graduation gown donation program for Behrend’s commencement ceremonies. Recent grads can donate their commencement regalia to the program, and soon-to-be graduates can borrow the gowns for their own commencement ceremonies.
Every year, multiple Behrend students request financial assistance to purchase graduation regalia, resulting in some students having to make the difficult choice not to participate in the ceremony. The Gowns for Grads program not only makes commencement ceremonies more affordable, it also makes them more sustainable—giving a new life cycle to what is traditionally a single-use garment.
How to Participate
Donate a Cap and Gown
If your undergraduate graduation gown is in good condition (no holes, stains, or rips) and your cap is free of decoration, please consider donating them to help the next generation of Behrend alumni. Since tassels change from year to year, we encourage donors to keep their tassel when donating their cap.
Drop your cap and/or gown in the donation box outside of the Behrend Bookstore in Reed Union Building, or mail donations to:
Penn State Behrend
Logan House
4701 Station Road
Erie, PA 16563
If donating, please consider filling out the Gowns for Grads donation form to send a note to a future graduate. Share with them your wishes for their future and tell them what your Behrend graduation meant to you.
Donate Money
If you would like to support Gowns for Grads but don’t have a gown to donate, you can make an online donation. You can also write a check payable to The Pennsylvania State University (reference “Gowns for Grads” in the memo line) and send to the address above.
The costs associated with different giving levels are listed below:
- Tassel Tier: Your $25 gift will support the purchase of a cap and tassel for a Behrend graduate.
- Graduate Tier: Your $50 gift will support the purchase of a commencement gown for a Behrend graduate.
- Pomp and Circumstance Tier: Your $100 gift will support the purchase of full commencement regalia for a Behrend graduate.
Rent a Cap and Gown
Are you an upcoming graduate looking to rent a cap and gown? Information about the application process for rentals will be included here closer to commencement. This information will also be shared via email to all candidates for graduation, so keep an eye on your inbox. Priority will be given to students who have demonstrated financial need.