Homecoming 2023
A fall rite of passage is under way, as the University presents this year's聽 Homecoming on the Heights from October 23-28. An annual, weeklong celebration of the spirit and mission of 涩里番下载, Homecoming encompasses a robust roster of events to engage students and other campus community members, and to welcome alumni back to their alma mater.
Shawna Cooper Whitehead
鈥溕锓略� is such a special community rooted in our Jesuit values and rich traditions,鈥� said Vice President for Student Affairs Shawna Cooper Whitehead. 鈥淗omecoming is one of these traditions that provides students, faculty, staff, and alumni with the opportunity to collaborate and celebrate being part of 涩里番下载 through a series of events鈥攊ncluding spirit days, competitions, support for our student athletes, as well as social and cultural experiences鈥攖hat foster a sense of belonging and pride in the Heights.鈥�
These include a Spirit Station to decorate Homecoming gear, Campus Activities Board Fall Fan Fest and Haunted Lawn events, a Mind and Spirit Event presented by the Center for Student Wellness and UG涩里番下载, a 鈥淏est of the Nest鈥� residence hall decorating competition, sporting events, and dance and theater performances.
“涩里番下载 is such a special community rooted in our Jesuit values and rich traditions. Homecoming is one of these traditions that provides students, faculty, staff, and alumni with the opportunity to collaborate and celebrate being part of 涩里番下载.”
At a Post-Grad Service Fair, students can explore domestic and international opportunities with 30 service organizations, and a Climate Change Professional Dinner & Networking Night, co-sponsored by the 涩里番下载 Career Center and the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society, provides them the chance to meet with 涩里番下载 alumni in careers focused on climate change. (Registration required; attendance will be capped at 60 students.)
Luke Kuechly
Among alumni returning to campus is former Eagles and Carolina Panthers star linebacker Luke Kuechly 鈥�15, an ambassador for the Project Life Movement, a national nonprofit organization committed to curing cancer and other diseases by increasing the number of registered volunteers for potential bone marrow and stem cell donation.
On October 25, Kuechly will speak on Project Life at 6 p.m. in the Yawkey Center鈥檚 Murray Room. That afternoon, he will participate in the first of two consecutive days of UG涩里番下载 Project Life Donor Recipient Match recruitment drives held on the Gasson quad from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., to encourage 涩里番下载 students to join the global registry. A cheek swab is the critical first step toward possibly serving as a life-saving match for an ill patient.
This year's Homecoming Court includes: (top row, l-r) Jacqueline Carlson, Isiaah Clark, Audrey Frigon, Eunice Ham; (bottom row, l-r) Jonah Kotzen, Deyanna Mason, Jordan Nakash, and Victor Norman. (Photos by Ariana Cho)
A聽Homecoming Court聽is composed of eight seniors who embody the mission, spirit, and values of 涩里番下载. The students鈥攚ho were selected by a panel of University alumni, staff, faculty, and administrators鈥攚ill be acknowledged during the October 28 football game, when the 涩里番下载 Eagles take on the University of Connecticut Huskies at noon.
Homecoming tailgates prior to the game highlight the week鈥檚 events. The Division of Student Affairs will host a student-focused 鈥淕rill Off鈥� at 9:30 a.m. outside of the Commonwealth Garage. It will offer food and music, and a special feature: Office of Residential Life Associate Vice President George Arey and Career Services Associate Vice President Joseph Du Pont will go head-to-head in a barbecue grilling competition.
With Gasson Hall as the backdrop, Homecoming on the Heights will be celebrated with an Alumni Association tailgate for Eagle fans of all ages鈥攁lumni, parents, students, and friends鈥攐n The Plaza at O'Neill Library from 8:30-11:30 a.m.聽 It will feature the popular Boston country band 鈥淒alton & the Sheriffs,鈥� food, and fun prior to kickoff. Details and ticket information are available at the聽Homecoming Week website, as is information about all events and activities.
Homecoming Week is sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and campus partners.