
This new year is kicking off with strong feelings of Penn State pride. To keep that going all year long, here’s our list of 25 things for members of the Penn State Alumni Association to do in 2025, each of which will help connect you to the worldwide community of Penn State alumni. Not yet a member? Join on our membership page. Many of the items listed are also available to non-members to do.
1. Update Your Alumni Record
If you don’t remember when you last checked the information in your alumni record, now’s the time. At least make sure you’re staying up-to-date on all things Penn State by updating your contact information! Verify that your information is correct and update it if necessary.
2. Support THON™ 2025
Were you forever changed by participating in THON? Or maybe you just wish you had found the time to do it while you were a student? Either way, our Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group (DMAIG) connects you with opportunities to raise awareness and support THON, wherever you are.
3. Reach out with a “We Are!” to a long-lost classmate!
Want to reconnect with someone from your Penn State days? You’re in luck. The Alumni Association maintains the database of record for all Penn State graduates, and while any alum can update their own information and choose what is displayed, only current association members can search the database to find old friends or make valuable new connections. See our site for step-by-step directions for using the directory.
4. Observe Founder’s Day on February 22
Founder’s Day commemorates The Farmers’ High School of Pennsylvania becoming officially chartered by the Pennsylvania state legislature on February 22, 1855. Join the Alumni Association and Penn Staters everywhere in wishing our alma mater a happy birthday!
5. Watch Penn Staters Get Drafted in the NFL
While safety KJ Winston has declared for the draft and quarterback Drew Allar has stated he plans to return to Penn State next season, many of their teammates have the potential to be selected in the NFL Draft, scheduled for April 24–26 in Green Bay. Senior tight end Tyler Warren is expected to go in the first or second round, with additional Nittany Lions projected to be drafted after graduating or if they declare for the NFL.
6. Connect with a Local Chapter or Interest Group
Alumni Association membership includes participation in local chapters, affiliates, and alumni interest groups. These groups let you meet and network with other Penn Staters in your area who share similar interests. Take your place in one of our many amazing chapters or AIGs!
7. Mentor an Underrepresented Student through FastStart
The FastStart program pairs students from underrepresented backgrounds with faculty/staff or alumni mentors to help guide them through their education. When you become a mentor, you can help students flourish in their new environment.
8. Make the World a Little Bit Better
Penn Staters are known for making a positive difference in the world. Performing some good service or doing volunteer work in the place you live is a great way to show off your Penn State pride, and it’s even better when you get together with fellow alumni to do good.
9. Read the Penn Stater
Your membership in the association includes access to the Penn Stater magazine — with world-class writing, beautiful design, and a long tradition of objective reporting on all things Penn State. Rather listen than read? We have you covered; the web includes audio versions of all stories, too. Visit the magazine online. For full access, log in with your email address and Alumni Association ID number (found in the footer of emails you receive from us).
10. Attend We Are Weekend 2025
Registration for the premier alumni event of 2025 will open in the coming months!
11. Visit Happy Valley for the 2025 Blue-White Game
After an awesome 2024 Penn State football season, don’t miss your chance to get a preview of the 2025 season at the Blue-White Game at Beaver Stadium.
12. Find a Great Deal on LionPerks
Alumni Association members have access to LionPerks, our discount platform that offers countless deals from national brands, local businesses, and more. Learn more about how to use LionPerks.
13. Contact a Professor
Everyone has that professor who had a profound impact on their Penn State experience. What better way to show your appreciation for them than by reaching out to see how they’re doing?
14. Share Your Experience with a Fellow Penn Stater
Now, more than ever, Penn Staters are connecting to encourage, support, and guide each other during career transitions. Our LionLink career connections platform provides a place for the Penn State community (alumni and students) to interact and develop lasting professional relationships that can be beneficial not only now, but for a lifetime.
15. Try a New Berkey Creamery Flavor
We’ve all got our favorites, but it never hurts to try something new. Berkey Creamery flavors are no different. If you only ever order “Bittersweet Mint,” give “Alumni Swirl” a try. The Creamery also ships to 48 different states, so you can enjoy it from home! Start your order today!
16. Get to Know “The People of Penn State” (Podcast)
What do a rising star on Broadway, an expert on national security in outer space, a two-time Olympic wrestler, the Mother of the Year, and the season 3 champion of Next-Level Chef all have in common? For starters, they’re all Penn Staters … and second, they’ve all been recent guests on our podcast, “The People of Penn State!” Our podcast showcases the inspiring and impactful stories of Penn Staters around the world. Listen to an episode or two today!
17. Share Your News
We know you’ve been up to something, so share it with the Penn State alumni community! The Penn Stater magazine welcomes news of weddings, births, career updates, and other significant milestones for use in the “Class Notes” section. To submit an item, send an email to pennstater@psu.edu. You may also choose to send updates directly to Penn State World Campus for consideration for social media.
18. Visit Mt. Nittany — in Person or Online
Hiking Mt. Nittany is a popular bucket list item for many Penn Staters! Thanks to modern technology, you can see the view from atop the mountain from anywhere.
19. Post a Selfie of You (or Your Pet) in Your Favorite Penn State Gear
We love to see a Penn Stater literally wearing their pride on their sleeves — and if that Penn Stater happens to be your dog, cat, or even something more exotic, so much the better! As this story from Onward State proves, nothing invokes “awwww!” like an animal in blue and white! Penn State World Campus invites you to share your photos on our Penn State World Campus Alumni Facebook page.
20. Donate to Lion’s Pantry
The Lion’s Pantry was created by Penn State students for Penn State students to address the issue of food insecurity at Penn State. You can contribute to the Lion’s Pantry in a variety of ways, including donating money, food, or your time! If you’re not within a reasonable distance from Lion’s Pantry, check out food banks near your location and consider contributing there.
21. Tune Up Your Résumé
It never hurts to update your résumé and keep it looking as good as possible. If you’re looking for some résumé help, our Alumni Career Services team hosts virtual résumé reviews, along with our career-specific events and activities, throughout every month.
22. Let Our Virtual Speaker Series Expand Your Mind
As part of our PSAA Presents virtual programming, we host a monthly Virtual Speaker Session with Penn State faculty and staff members. Check out our upcoming speakers or previously recorded events to learn about something new from a Penn State expert!
23. Vote in the Board of Trustees and Alumni Council Elections
Cast your vote in support of your favorite candidates in the annual election for alumni representation on Penn State’s Board of Trustees, and then make sure you vote for Alumni Council, the volunteer board that helps set priorities and programming for the Alumni Association!
24. Attend a Roar Tour Event for Football or Another Sport
The Alumni Association’s Roar Tour events are the premier pregame event at the Nittany Lions’ away football games. These gatherings, hosted in partnership with local alumni chapters, are a perfect opportunity to meet with fellow Penn Staters in your area while supporting our incredible Nittany Lion student-athletes! They often feature the Penn State cheerleaders, the Nittany Lion, and special guests, along with enhanced family-friendly games, Penn State Bakery cookies, and more.
25. Show Your Pride on Your Ride
Whether it’s a skateboard, bike, sedan, or monster truck, you can show your Penn State pride with a bumper sticker, decal, decorative mirror hanger, or other adornment. Penn State Alumni Association license plates are available in many states. Of course, you don’t need to go small: how about a full Blue & White paint job?