October 11, 2021

A Day to Celebrate

Homecoming marked a return to campus for the traditional big day of fun

Dancers perform for the crowd in the amphitheater

On a cool, fall day Saturday, the campus community came together to welcome alumni, friends, family and fans to one of the most fun days of the year, Homecoming. The day marked a return to campus for a traditional in-person event – and it was obvious that it was a much needed return to a sense of normalcy.

Always a crowd pleaser, the Student Talent Showcase let students put their dancing moves on display in the Amphitheater. Other popular events included a street fair with music, food and carnival games along the promenade, an alumni gathering tent in front of Cole Hall and an alumni tailgate for those 21 years and older with beer, wine, food and a live band.

Among the day’s other highlights included half-time festivities in the football game against TCNJ honoring the Knute Rockne Championship Team, which was celebrating its 50th anniversary of that championship game. The day’s festivities took the sting out of a tough 14-9 loss.

Students in masks attend events in the amphitheater — Getting ready to perform at the Student Talent Showcase.

Four students smiling for the camera — A good day with friends.

Students with their parents wearing balloon hats — This day calls for balloon hats.

Stilt-walker bends down to pet a dog that an attendee is holding in her arms. — Hello down there.

Group of friends smiling for the camera — More happy friends.

Students smile for the camera while waiting for a performance to start in the amphitheater — Hanging at the Student Talent Showcase.

Three alumni wearing masks pose for the camera — Red Hawks for life.

Three students pose for the camera under a balloon arch — Meeting up under the balloon arch.

Two alumni hug and smile for the camera — Having fun in the Alumni Welcome Tent.

Student with broken leg rests on a boulder to eat lunch — Nothing could stop this student from making it to Homecoming. Heal fast!

Rocky on stage in the amphitheater with a full crowd — Rocky warming up the crowd.

Students stand to cheer in the amphitheater — Got that Red Hawk spirit.

Group of student volunteers in matching red tee shirts, one carrying a Captain America shield — Ready for anything at the showcase.

HSCI Staff pose for photo in their information tent — The Hispanic/Latinx Alumni Network group.

Black alumni advisory council staff poses for a photo in their informational tent — The Black Alumni Advisory Council and the Educational Opportunity Fund also tabled at the event.

Rocky air-guitars along with a live band — Rocky getting some licks in on the air guitar with the band in the Alumni Tailgate.

Student volunteers taking a break for lunch — Student workers and recent graduates helped make the day a big success.

Zoomed in view of pep band members playing trombone and saxophone — Bringing the big band sounds to the party.

Student photographer pauses with camera on monopod in front of carnival games — Picture perfect carnival games.

Campus recreation informational table with games — Playing games with Campus Rec.

Student worker hands out raffle tickets at informational table — Get your tickets here.

President Koppell on stage giving a speech in the Memorial Auditorium — President Jonathan Koppell welcomes alumni and friends back to campus.

President Koppell and VIPs cut ribbon in lobby — The day also included a ribbon cutting for the Joetta Di Bella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication.

Two students embrace — It’s so good to be back together on campus.

Photos by University Photographer Mike Peters.