More than 800 alumni returned to Penn State in early June for Traditional Reunion Weekend, the annual celebration for Penn State’s 45th and 50th reunion classes and for Pioneers, Penn State alums who graduated 50 or more years ago.

Those from the classes of 1966, 1961, and all earlier years enjoyed a jam–packed weekend of tours, entertaining speakers, a Berkey Creamery ice cream social, and a lot of reminiscing. In addition to the always–popular behind-the-scenes tour of Beaver Stadium, alumni also toured the new H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens in the Arboretum at Penn State as well as Centre Furnace Mansion.

Alumni also returned to class, though without finals looming this time. The 61st Annual Alumni Institute lecture series gave alumni a chance to learn about a wide-range of topics from a behind-the-scenes look at TV with 1961 alumnus Gerry Abrams to a session on the cello with Penn State’s first laureate Kim Cook to a session on gold investing. 

Between planned events, alums had plenty of time for nostalgic strolls down the Mall, grabbing a bite at The Corner Room, and posing for photos at the Nittany Lion shrine.

Traditional Reunion Weekend for the Classes of 1962 and 1967 will be held May 31–June 3, 2012.