Penn State Shenango hosts 60th anniversary celebrations

SHARON, Pa. - Penn State Shenango will mark its 60th anniversary with events celebrating the contributions of alumni, friends and employees, and welcomes local community members to campus.

On Thursday, Oct. 9, the campus will host the McDowell Appreciation Event at the Corinthian Banquet Hall in Sharon. As part of this celebration, alumni and employees who have shown extraordinary dedication to the campus community will be recognized at the inaugural Time, Talent, and Treasure Awards. Attendance at the McDowell Appreciation Event is by invitation only.

Additionally, a free, community-wide event commemorating the 60th anniversary of the campus is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 5 to 8 p.m., and is open to all.

The event, held on the Penn State Shenango campus, will feature live music from Leather and Lace Music Productions, and refreshments from local businesses, including Allie's Sweet Tooth and Giavonna's Gourmet Coffee. Families are welcome to experience the free Shaggy Mountain Farm Petting Zoo on the Forker Lawn, which will have various animals on display to interact with and learn about.

Attendees are encouraged to look back through the history of Penn State Shenango with yearbook and memorabilia displays, and explore the campus through self-guided tours to see how the campus has changed over the years, including the newly renovated occupational therapy sensory classroom in the Chadderton Lab.

"We are excited to welcome families, students, alumni and friends to campus to recognize this important milestone. Whether you've visited campus hundreds of times or have never walked its halls, this is a celebration for the whole community to honor the legacy of Penn State Shenango," said Carey McDougall, regional chancellor of Penn State Beaver and Penn State Shenango.

Penn State Shenango will close following the spring 2027 semester. According to McDougall, the closure decision adds to the importance of celebrating the campus' legacy.

"The Shenango campus has been an integral part of the Shenango Valley for 60 years and has created pathways to a world-class Penn State education for thousands of local residents in that time," McDougall said. "Those life-changing experiences are worth celebrating, and we look forward to seeing everyone on campus."

Interested attendees can RSVP here.