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IST Celebrates 25 Years

"Don't send us programmers. Send us leaders."

That was the response when Penn State asked industry leaders what they needed from a program that would help close the technology gap, and the School of Information Sciences and Technology was born. Formally approved by the Board of Trustees on September 11, 1998, it wasn't until the first class of students arrived at University Park on August 25, 1999, that the idea truly came to life.

In the 25 years since, IST students, alumni, faculty, and staff have innovated, inspired, collaborated, and created in a rapidly changing information environment. They've lived, learned, taught, and researched with some of the leading minds in technology, business, health care, defense, sociology, and every field in between. Most of all, this community has collectively helped the college grow from one of the country's first information schools to a leader in education, research, and service where information, technology, and society intersect.

Celebrate with us!

On October 24-25, we will celebrate the past, present, and future of the College of IST with a variety of events. We hope to see you there!

Thursday, October 24

IST Open House
3:30–5 p.m.  |  Westgate Building
This event is open to all members of the College of IST community.

Enjoy a fun and informal exploration of the college’s past, present, and future. Visit new (and old!) spaces throughout Westgate Building and connect with others across the IST community to learn about the latest in student organization and student support initiatives.

IST Celebrates 25 Years Kick-Off Party
5–7 p.m.  |  Nittany Lion Inn, Boardroom
This event is by invitation only to College of IST alumni and friends.

Take a walk down memory lane with a look at IST from years past, learn where the college is headed, and connect with alumni and friends to reminisce about all things IST. Enjoy drinks and hearty appetizers—including "IST Celebrates 25 Years Death By Chocolate" ice cream!—music, a photobooth, caricatures, and more.

Friday, October 25

Alumni Symposium and Alumni Awards
8 a.m.–1 p.m.  |  603 Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub
This event is by invitation only to College of IST alumni and friends.

Attend keynote presentations and breakout sessions by IST alumni and faculty focused on generative AI and other tech trends, and hear from IST leadership about the future of the college. The event concludes with a light lunch and the presentation of alumni awards.

Closing Celebration
1:30–2:30 p.m.  |  Westgate Building
This event is open to all members of the College of IST community.

Engage with alumni and current students while enjoying Berkey Creamery ice cream, and join us for the IST Celebrates 25 group photo! This event may mark the end of our milestone anniversary weekend, but it also kicks off the college's next 25 years. Let's continue on this remarkable journey together. 

We are pleased to offer a group rate at local hotels for guests staying on the evening of Thursday, October 24.

Nittany Lion Inn
200 W Park Ave
State College, PA 16803

$189/night
Reservations must be made by September 27.

To book your reservation:

SpringHill Suites by Marriott State College
1935 Waddle Road
State College, PA 16803

$159/night
Reservations must be made by September 24.

To book your reservation:

Merchandise Sale

Check out our special College of IST merchandise sale so you can share your spirit wherever you are! Sale ends 10/31!

Celebrate with us

Celebrate all year with our special flavor at the Berkey Creamery: IST Celebrates 25 Years Death By Chocolate! Get yours at the Creamery or online.

Support IST students

Make a gift to the IST Student Food Insecurity Fund to support IST students struggling with hunger and food insecurity.