Activities at Penn State Harrisburg: February 17-23

Looking for things to do at Penn State Harrisburg this week? Here is a rundown of the exciting events and exhibits happening on campus.

One event worth checking out is “Beyond Barriers: Black Excellence in STEM” on February 18th from noon to 1:15 p.m. in the Gallery Lounge, W107 Olmsted. This event celebrates the resilience, creativity, and brilliance of Black STEM professionals, aiming to inspire the next generation of leaders and discuss actionable steps to enhance diversity and inclusion in these vital fields. Make sure to RSVP on Engage for this event hosted by the National Society of Black Engineers.

For those interested in ongoing exhibits, the display honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the third floor of the Madlyn L. Hanes Library is a must-see. Running through February 2025, this exhibit showcases items from the College History Archives, including student-designed posters celebrating Martin Luther King’s legacy and playbills from the MLK Campus Play Series.

Another captivating exhibit is the Black History Month Exhibit titled “The Unsung Patriots of the American Revolution” taking place on February 17th, 19th, and 21st from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kulkarni Theatre in the Student Enrichment Center. This project highlights the invaluable contributions of African American soldiers during the American Revolution, with students in the African American Studies 100 course compiling profiles of courageous patriots who served as informants, spies, and essential middlemen during the war.

If you’re interested in exploring student life at Penn State Harrisburg, the exhibit “The Classroom and Beyond” on the first floor of the Madlyn L. Hanes Library is a great opportunity. Running through August 2025, this exhibit celebrates the evolution of student life at the college, featuring over 30 unique items dating from the mid-1960s to the present, organized across seven different categories.

Additionally, the “Archives and Special Collections Greatest Hits” exhibit on the third floor Reading Room of the Madlyn L. Hanes Library showcases a diverse range of materials from the Alice K. Marshall Women’s History Collection to the Three Mile Island Collection. This exhibit is available for viewing whenever the archives is open and by appointment.

Lastly, don’t miss the “State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda” exhibit on the first floor of the Linda Schwab Holocaust Gallery and Reading Room. Running through August 2025, this poster exhibition, in partnership with the Penn State Harrisburg Center for Holocaust and Jewish Studies and the School of Humanities, aims to promote critical thinking about propaganda and its impact on promoting violence and division among people.

This week at Penn State Harrisburg offers a variety of engaging events and exhibits that highlight the rich history, diverse perspectives, and important contributions of various communities and individuals. Take advantage of these opportunities to expand your knowledge and appreciation of different cultures and histories.