The Penn State Behrend Pep Band—led by Tess Jones, lecturer in music—performed during Parents, Families, and Alumni Weekend, bringing energy and school spirit to one of the campus’s most popular fall traditions.
Making Music Outdoors: The Behrend Pep Band, led by Tess Jones, lecturer in music, performed during Parents, Families, and Alumni Weekend. The outdoor performance brought energy and school spirit to the popular campus event, which invites the college community to campus every fall. This year’s event is scheduled for October 16–18, 2026.
Disney Dreaming: Students enrolled in the Maymester course HSS 197G: Disney Studies—Exploring Culture, Creativity, and Leadership traveled to Walt Disney World, where they went behind the scenes to study Walt Disney’s creative philosophy and design principles. Students learned about theme park design at the Magic Kingdom, immersive storytelling at Animal Kingdom, and leadership at Disney’s Imagination Campus at EPCOT. The course provided an engaging (and fun) way to explore complex concepts in creativity, culture, and leadership.
Students host a craft table during Family Fun Night, creating hands-on learning experiences for local children and families.
Creating Connections: Last fall, students in Dr. Ashley Sullivan’s ECE 353: Parent Involvement in Home, Center, and Classroom Instruction course hosted a Family Fun Night at a local elementary school. Each Behrend student designed an activity or craft and staffed their own table, creating hands-on learning experiences for children and families to enjoy together. “Events like this give students an opportunity to plan, organize, and facilitate real-world learning experiences that prepare them for their future classrooms,” Sullivan said.
Lit Lovers Convene: Students and faculty members from the college’s Creative Writing program and Lake Effect literary journal took part in the Lake Erie Literary Festival in Erie. Students staffed a table where they distributed copies of the journal and promoted the Creative Writing program. Additionally, four Creative Writing students took the main stage to share their original work with festival attendees.
Student Sean Martin received the Jackson Lethbridge Tolerance Award for promoting diversity and inclusion at Penn State.
Award-Winning Leadership: Digital Media, Arts, and Technology major Sean Martin received the university-wide Jackson Lethbridge Tolerance Award, which honors students who promote diversity and civil respect within the Penn State community. Martin was recognized for his volunteer work, web design for community organizations, and leadership in fostering inclusive campus events.