College Re-Institutes a Fall Homecoming to Unite Alumni, Campus Members

Homecoming—the word itself evokes images of school pride and celebrations across campus.

Alumni who were students in the 1950s and ’60s will remember the annual fall tradition that included a parade, poster contests, sports games, food, music, the crowning of a king and queen and, of course, fun for all. The event not only drew alumni back to campus, but also pulled in students who participated in activities leading up to the weekend events.

Sometime in the ’70s the tradition faded into the distance. But on Nov. 14, 2015, Homecoming will march its way back into Oswego’s history as an annual fall tradition.

The Oswego Alumni Association, in collaboration with many campus departments, particularly Student Affairs, decided to relaunch Homecoming at the request of alumni.

“We heard from several alumni who really wanted to establish new traditions on campus involving students and alumni, along with faculty and staff,” said Laura Pavlus Kelly ’09, director of alumni relations. “This was especially true of our recent alumni who said they would be more likely to come back to campus in the fall than for our Reunion Weekend in June. The GOLD Leadership Council and the OAA have been very forward-thinking in planning a re-envisioned Homecoming.”

For the first year, the Alumni Office will group some already established fall events together with new activities during the same weekend. Although details are still being finalized, the daylong Homecoming looks to tentatively include:

Graduates Of the Last Decade (GOLD) Donor Breakfast
Scholarship Recipient/Donor Breakfast
Reunion 2016 Planning Committee meeting
Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon
GOLD Alumni-Student Networking Reception
President’s Circle/Sheldon Legacy Society Reception
Pre-Game Tailgate
Women’s Ice Hockey Game
Men’s Ice Hockey Game vs. SUNY Potsdam
Music/Arts Performance
Bonfire, immediately following the game and performance

The Alumni Office is working closely with campus partners to brainstorm student activities leading up to the weekend, as well.

“We’re hoping we can initiate a Spirit Week leading up to Homecoming,” Kelly said. “We’re still in the early planning stages, but we’ve received great feedback and interest from our campus partners.”

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, and stay tuned for more details. Updates will be shared via email and on our website: alumni.oswego.edu/homecoming. All alumni are invited to return to campus to participate.

—Margaret Spillett

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