Berks

Penn State Berks kicks off 60th anniversary on Feb. 14

Penn State Berks is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2018. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

As part of its 60th anniversary, Penn State Berks will hold a year of special events in 2018. The kickoff event, which includes a chili cook-off, will be held beginning at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, in the Perkins Student Center Auditorium. This event was originally scheduled for Jan. 17, and was postponed due to inclement weather.

Prior to and following the program, there will be a “Hearts on Fire” chili cook-off in the Multipurpose Room of the Perkins Student Center, beginning at 11:30 a.m. and running until the beginning of the program, and then continuing immediately following the program. The name comes from the fact that the event will be held on Valentine’s Day and the purpose is to bring the college community together to enjoy a warm meal on a cold, winter’s day. Both events are free and open to members of the campus community. 

The main program will begin with a scene produced by the Penn State Berks theater department, depicting the college’s history. Then Chancellor R. Keith Hillkirk will welcome guests, followed by brief remarks Michelle Mart, Berks Faculty Senate chairperson; Ryan Morris, Berks Student Government president; and Nick Jones, executive vice president and provost, Penn State.

The chili cook-off will feature recipes submitted by Berks faculty and staff and prepared by Hospitality Management students. Prizes will be awarded for the judge’s choice and the people’s choice. In addition, Berks hot dogs will be available and attendees will be among the first to sample the signature dessert created for the 60th anniversary–the Berks Brownie.

From its beginnings as Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute to becoming part of the Penn State system in 1958, Penn State Berks has a long history serving the Berks County Community and surrounding region through teaching, research, and community service.

Penn State Berks is an undergraduate college of The Pennsylvania State University. The campus enrolls nearly 2,900 students and offers 25 baccalaureate and four associate degree programs, a master of business administration program, and a wide range of continuing education programs and certificates. Students also have the opportunity to complete the first two years of more than 160 Penn State degree programs, and finish their degree at another campus.

The college is located on 258 acres scenic in Spring Township, Pennsylvania, and the campus includes 28 buildings with residence halls providing housing for 804 students.

Students enjoy a rich student life. The college has 12 varsity athletic programs and competes as members of the NCAA Division III and North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC). The college also offers a wide variety of clubs and organizations, cultural events, lectures, and many other activities.

For more information on the Penn State Berks 60th anniversary, visit http://berks.psu.edu/60th-anniversary-events.

Last Updated February 8, 2018