Penn State Berks benefiting THON, a student organization, is inviting the community to take the “Polar Plunge” to raise funds for THON, the world's largest student-run philanthropy dedicated to supporting children with pediatric cancer and their families, at 11 a.m. on Jan. 29 at the beach at Blue Marsh Lake. Attendees may register in advance by Jan. 15 for $20 or on the day of the event for $25.

Excitement is building as the Penn State Berks community prepares for the FIRST Lego League Challenge, set to run from 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Jan. 21 in the Penn State Berks Perkins Student Center. In the competition, fourth- through eighth-graders will be immersed in real-world science and technology challenges.

The Berks County Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association, the Penn State Berks Benefitting THON student group, and the Reading Royals, are teaming up for the seventh consecutive year to hold a fundraising event to benefit THON, the world's largest student-run philanthropy dedicated to supporting children with pediatric cancer and their families.  

Recognized as America’s favorite zookeeper, “Jungle” Jack Hanna will discuss the importance of conservation and protection of wildlife worldwide in his lecture at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, in the Perkins Student Center Auditorium.

Jennifer Murphy, associate professor of criminal justice and coordinator of the criminal justice degree program at Penn State Berks, recently received a grant from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. The grant is for a project titled “Comparing Rural and Urban Drug Use and Violence in the Pennsylvania Youth Survey.”

Penn State Berks students will prepare and serve dinner to the clients of Opportunity House, the Reading emergency shelter, on the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 4:45–8 p.m. Students volunteer regularly at Opportunity House as part of the college’s commitment to community service.

As part of the campus' Black History Month events, Penn State Berks will air the documentary "Remixing Colorblind," followed by a question-and-answer session with the producer and director, Sheena C. Howard, at 7 p.m. on Feb. 8 in the Perkins Student Center Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public.

Penn State Berks Police Service will sponsor a screening of "Finding Jenn's Voice," followed by a discussion with the filmmaker, Tracy Schott, at 7 p.m. on Feb. 23 in the Perkins Student Center Multipurpose Room. The screening is part of the University’s “Stand for State” program.

Bill Speth, who retired on Jan. 31, 2017, served in safety and security at the Lehigh Valley campus.

The Berks County Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association (PSAA) will present a check to the Berks Benefiting THON student organization at their dancer send-off at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, in the Perkins Student Center Lion’s Den, Penn State Berks.