Psychology degree program students, pictured here, won the 2023 Fall Fest best table and costume competition.
WYOMISSING, Pa. — Penn State Berks will host its annual “Halloweek” events beginning Monday, Oct. 14. Events include a presentation titled “Trauma/tic Viewing: James Wan's Saw and Post 9-11 America” by Kendall R. Phillips at 6 p.m. on Oct. 14 in the Perkins Student Center Auditorium. On Monday, Oct. 21, the college will present “The Truth about Halloween” at 6 p.m. in the Perkins Student Center Auditorium. Halloweek will culminate with a community event, the college’s fifth annual Fall Fest, at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1. All three events are free and open to the public.
Kendall Phillips is professor of communication and rhetorical studies and associate dean of research and graduate studies at Syracuse University.
“Trauma/tic Viewing: James Wan's Saw and Post 9-11 America”
Presented by Kendall R. Phillips
Monday, Oct. 14, 6 p.m.
Perkins Student Center Auditorium
Kendall R. Phillips, professor of communication and rhetorical studies at Syracuse University, will present “Trauma/tic Viewing: James Wan's Saw and Post 9-11 America.” Philips conducts research on controversies and conflicts related to topics including public memory, popular film and popular culture. The lecture is presented by the Penn State Berks communication arts and sciences program, is funded in part by The Howard O. Jr. and Jean S. Beaver Endowment for Guest Lecturers at Penn State Berks, and sponsored by the Penn State Berks Arts and Lecture series. For more information, contact the Office of Campus Life at 610-396-6076.
Erica Pulaski, left, director of enrollment management; E. Michele Ramsey, center, associate professor of communication arts and sciences; and Cheryl Nicholas, right, associate professor of communication arts and sciences, will present "The Truth About Halloween" as part of the college's Arts and Lecture Series.
“The Truth about Halloween”
Presented by Erica Pulaski, Cheryl Nicolas and Michele Ramsey
Monday, Oct. 21, 6 p.m.
Perkins Student Center Auditorium
The mysteries surrounding Halloween will be revealed as Penn State Berks presents “The Truth about Halloween” — a special presentation given by three of the college’s Halloween experts: Erica Pulaski, director of enrollment management; Michele Ramsey, associate professor of communication arts and sciences and women's studies, and Cheryl Nicholas, associate professor of communication arts and sciences and global studies. Pulaski and Ramsey organize the college’s annual Fall Fest, and Ramsey and Nicholas developed a course titled “Identity, Citizenship, and the Rhetoric of the American Horror Film.” This event is sponsored by the Penn State Berks Arts and Lecture series. For more information, contact the Office of Campus Life at 610-396-6076.
Fall Fest
Friday, Nov. 1, Family Fun: 5-7 p.m., Witching Hour: 7-9 p.m.
Perkins Plaza and various buildings on campus
Fall Fest is comprised of two parts: It begins with a ‘family fun’ program, which includes trick-or-treating and fun games. Children are encouraged to dress in costumes for trick-or-treat activities and light refreshments. Preregistration is required for attendees of the family-fun program.
Student groups, such as the Emerging Contaminants Research Group pictured here, will have candy, crafts, games and more planned for community members to enjoy at this year's Fall Fest.
The "witching hour" haunted tours are for adult attendees. Student Lion Ambassador tour guides will take attendees on a haunted tour of the campus. Penn State Berks community members dressed as vampires, witches and other scary characters will tell stories of the ghosts and legends that surround the campus. This part of the event is not recommended for children. Tours will begin at the Perkins Plaza. Pre-registration is not required. The last tour will depart at 8:30 p.m. For more information, contact event organizer Erica Pulaski at [email protected].
