Penn State offers some of America’s most sought-after graduate degree programs, and is one of the largest and most recognized research enterprises in the country. The Doctoral Alumni Recognition Weekend is a celebration of graduate education and research at Penn State, and is held in conjunction with the annual Graduate Exhibition.

Over the years, the Doctoral Alumni Recognition Weekend has featured events recognizing the accomplishments of our doctoral alumni and students, including an interdisciplinary panel discussion with faculty experts; an exclusive opportunity to tour research facilities; the Wall of Honor Ceremony; and the Graduate School Alumni Society’s Recognition Dinner. 

The Wall of Honor Ceremony recognizes the professional achievements of alumni who received their doctorate 10, 25 and 50 years ago. The Wall of Honor, located in the lobby of Kern Graduate Building, is updated annually with the names of alumni who received their doctorate 50 years ago. At present, the Wall of Honor displays the names of more than 4,000 alumni.

Penn State graduate students are tomorrow's leaders in education, business, science, engineering, the arts, and other professions. The scholarly work of students and the professional achievements of alumni are celebrated at the Graduate School Alumni Society’s Recognition Dinner with the presentation of the Penn State Alumni Association Dissertation Awards, Graduate School Alumni Society Lifetime Achievement Award, Graduate School Alumni Society Early Career Award, and Graduate School Alumni Society Humanitarian Service Award.

The 2020 Doctoral Alumni Recognition Weekend will be held March 27-28, on the Penn State University Park campus. The reunion is a perfect opportunity for doctoral alumni to connect with fellow alumni and to rediscover why Penn State continues to be a strong, vibrant, and dynamic world-class University.

Questions regarding the Doctoral Alumni Recognition Weekend can be directed to the Graduate School Office of Alumni and External Relations at 814-863-8117.