As students return to Penn State’s University Park campus for the start of the fall 2026 semester, the Penn State Alumni Association will host a series of events designed to welcome new and returning students and celebrate Penn State traditions. 

Be A Part From The Start | Sunday, Aug. 23 | 8–9 p.m. 

The Class of 2030 is invited to kick off their Penn State experience at “Be A Part From The  Start,” from 8–9 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23, at Rec Hall. 

Part welcome celebration, part pep rally and 100% high-energy, the event will introduce new Nittany Lions to the traditions and spirit that make Penn State special. Students will hear from familiar campus faces, learn the cheers they’ll proudly chant for years to come, and experience firsthand what it means to be part of the Penn State community. 

Students will also learn how the Alumni Association’s student organizations—Lion  Ambassadors and the Blue & White Society—can help them get involved on campus,  build connections and tap into Penn State’s powerful alumni network. 

“Be A Part From The Start” will also be livestreamed at alumni.psu.edu/BAPFTS. FDOC Donut Giveaway | Monday, Aug. 24 

To celebrate the first day of classes, the Alumni Association and the Blue & White Society will team up to give students a sweet start to the semester. 

Students can grab a donut, snap an “FDOC” photo to send to their family and friends, and kick off the new academic year with some Penn State spirit. The team will be stationed near  the Obelisk in the morning on Monday, Aug. 24. 

Blue & White Society BASH | Wednesday, Aug. 26 | 12-3 p.m. 

All University Park students are invited to stop by the Hintz Family Alumni Center on  Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 12 to 3 p.m. for Blue & White Society BASH, a back-to-school celebration featuring entertainment, giveaways, and more. 

BASH is also an opportunity for students to learn more about the Blue & White Society, the  Alumni Association’s student community that connects students with the Penn State network and offers opportunities for leadership, involvement and networking.

Spirit Shirt Pop-Ups | Fridays Before Home Football Games 

Penn State spirit will continue throughout the fall with Spirit Shirt Pop-Ups on Fridays before home football games. 

Blue & White Society members can pick up limited-edition spirit shirts throughout the semester. The first shirt in the series, featuring the 2026 football schedule, will be available during BASH. 

Follow @BWSPSU and @PennStateAlums on Instagram for details about upcoming pop ups and locations around campus. 

Through these events and programs, the Alumni Association is proud to help students find their place at Penn State, connect with fellow Nittany Lions and discover opportunities to build relationships that extend well beyond their college years. 

Be A Part From The Start and BASH are proudly sponsored by: 

• UPAC 

• Dunkin’ 

• Zenni 

• The Heights at State College 

For more than 150 years, the Penn State Alumni Association has provided alumni with a strong and welcoming community representative of the Penn Staters it proudly serves. The association keeps alumni connected to the University and each other, while upholding  Penn State traditions and supporting the University’s mission of teaching, research and service. The association also produces the award-winning Penn Stater magazine and other publications, and offers alumni and friends volunteer opportunities, educational programming, and many other services. For more information about the Alumni  Association, visit alumni.psu.edu/youbelong.