William Penn Parent/Family Weekend Brings Nearly 700 Visitors to Oskaloosa

09/24/2026

William Penn University welcomed an estimated 687 guests to Oskaloosa during Parent/Family Weekend, held September 18–19, bringing families from across Iowa, throughout the United States, and as far away as Belgium.

Parent/Family Weekend received 231 registrations. Registered families included 45 from Iowa and 73 from outside the state, with guests traveling from as far away as Belgium.

The weekend gave families an opportunity to spend time with their William Penn students while also encouraging them to explore the Oskaloosa community. Saturday’s schedule included several local activities, including the Vendor and Farmers Market, Shop the Alley Vendor Show, Sculpture Tour, local dining and shopping, and the 60th Annual Fall Festival at Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum.

Campus activities included the Kinesiology Club Color Run, a welcome from President John Ottosson and Dean of Students Heidi Scholes, William Penn volleyball, performances by Cheer & Dance and the Pride of Penn Marching Band, and Statesmen football.

With hundreds of visitors in Oskaloosa for the weekend, families had opportunities to support local businesses, attend community events, and experience the community their students call home.

William Penn University thanks the local businesses, organizations, and community members who helped welcome Penn families and make Oskaloosa an important part of the Parent/Family Weekend experience.