Community events to bring students and local residents together

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Students don’t just come to University Park when they choose to attend Penn State’s campus in Centre County. They’ll also be spending time in the State College Borough, and most likely Patton, College and Ferguson townships.

In order to introduce students to their neighbors, the local residents who year-round call the State College area home, Penn State has organized LION Dash and LION Bash and both are open to students and the public.

Barry Bram, senior director of Penn State Student Affairs, said the events are examples of what can accomplished with cooperation between local municipalities and Penn State.

“We’re excited to collaborate with the borough to be a part of these 'Living in One Neighborhood' events that bring together students, long-term residents and representatives from both the University and community,” Bram said. “We all play a role in the health and vitality of our communities and events such as the LION Bash and Dash are good examples of what can be done when working in concert.”

The LION Dash 5k walk or run is set to kick off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25, in the 200 block of Allen Street in State College Borough. This new event will take walkers and runners through the neighborhoods of downtown, the Highlands and State College South. LION Dash was organized with the help of Left Right Repeat, a local running organization, and the help of State College Borough municipal offices. The event is open to all ages and dogs and strollers are welcome.

Those interesting in participating in LION Dash can register here.

Many students and community members are also familiar with LION Bash, a block party in the 100 and 200 blocks of South Allen Street slated this year for 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29. Both students and residents are welcome to enjoy food, entertainment and more than 75 engagement spaces. It’s also a place to find access to local resources to help students meet their needs while they study at Penn State.

Planning for LION Bash and Dash was accomplished by Penn State Student Orientation and Transition Programs, Student Affairs, University Police and Public Safety and Off-Campus Student Support along with State College Police, Public Works and the Community Engagement Office.

Borough organizers said this year’s Bash was going to be the biggest yet, with more than 150 stations for music, games, engagement and education.

“This event will offer a fun venue to foster a greater sense of community among all residents, both temporary student residents and permanent residents,” wrote Douglas Shontz, communications specialist with the borough. “This would not be able to be accomplished without the partnership and collaboration with Penn State University. We hope that everyone comes to downtown State College and join in on the fun.”

The Office of Student Orientation and Transition Programs is part of Penn State Student Affairs and Penn State Undergraduate Education. Penn State Undergraduate Education is the academic administrative unit that provides leadership and coordination for University-wide programs and initiatives in support of undergraduate teaching and learning at Penn State. Learn more about Undergraduate Education at undergrad.psu.edu.