The Penn State Alumni Association is introducing a new event series designed to spark curiosity, conversation, and connection among alumni.

Raise the Bar, launching this May, brings Penn State faculty out of the classroom and into social venues for engaging talks followed by open Q&A and casual discussion with fellow Penn Staters. 

The series aims to recreate the intellectual energy of campus in a relaxed, social setting—no grades, no homework, just the fun of exploring ideas together. 

Each Raise the Bar event features a Penn State faculty member delivering a short, thought-provoking talk before opening the floor to questions and conversation. Topics will vary by location and speaker, ranging from fashion history and the legacy of Frankenstein to media law, journalism, and queer literary studies. 

“Raise the Bar is about bringing that spirit of curiosity alumni remember from their time at Penn State into a setting where conversations can continue naturally,” said Ryan Jones, interim executive officer of the Alumni Association. “It’s a chance to learn something new, connect with fellow Penn Staters, and experience the kind of engaging discussions that make the Penn State community special.” 

Raise the Bar events will take place in cities across the country, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lancaster, and Hershey in Pennsylvania; New York City, Boston, and Washington, D.C.; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Each stop will feature a unique faculty speaker and topic. 

While the series is designed with recent graduates and young alumni in mind, all Penn State alumni are welcome to attend. The events encourage alumni to gather friends, reconnect with classmates, and enjoy a night out centered around ideas and shared Penn State pride. 

For more information about Raise the Bar, including event details and registration, visit the Raise the Bar event page—space is limited.