Returning to the Nest
Homecoming 2022 brings Red Hawks back to campus to celebrate with students, staff and faculty
Posted in: Alumni, University
![Members of greek life dancing on campus wearing matching tee shirts](/responsive-media/cache/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/102922_2610_Homecoming-LAROSA.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
Saturday’s Homecoming celebration had something for everyone – games, dancing, cooking exhibitions, barbecue, family fun, clear blue skies and a pre-game ceremony honoring Montclair football legend Sam Mills ’81.
This year’s events included a street fair with live music, food and carnival games, the annual student talent showcase at the historic Amphitheater and an alumni craft beer garden.
One of the biggest events of the day occurred just prior to the Red Hawk football game against Christopher Newport University: the unveiling of a plaque to posthumously honor Mills, who was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August.
Mills’ family attended the ceremony, and his wife, Melanie, said she was honored to represent Sam and his journey – at both the Hall of Fame and Homecoming ceremonies.
“We took our place in the Hall of Fame and they encouraged us to call Canton our home, but today coming back to Montclair on this Homecoming, this is our home, New Jersey is our home. Montclair State University is our home,” she said. “We, the Mills family, are honored to share his biggest accolade with all of you and know that you are a part of his journey. Keep Pounding!”
Photo Gallery
Family Fun
![Family of four wearing Montclair State hoodies poses for selfie](/responsive-media/cache/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/102922_0160_Homecoming-LAROSA.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
![Homecoming attendees sitting in stands, smiling and talking](/responsive-media/cache/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/102922_0920_Homecoming-LAROSA.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
![Alumni carrying a toddler](/responsive-media/cache/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/1144371.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
![Family smiling under balloon arch](/responsive-media/cache/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/P3030496.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
Student Showcase
![Student group dancing on campus](/responsive-media/cache/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/102922_1936_Homecoming-LAROSA.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
![Group of students participating in dance](/responsive-media/cache/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/102922_1394_Homecoming-LAROSA.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
![Aerial view of attendees seated in the amphitheater on campus](/responsive-media/cache/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/102922_1443_Homecoming-LAROSA.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
Pre-Game Ceremony
![Group of people standing on football field to honor Sam Mills](/responsive-media/cache/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/102922_3144_Homecoming.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
![Melanie Mills speaking into microphone at podium](/responsive-media/cache/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/102922_3188_Homecoming.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
![President Koppell posing with the Mills family](/responsive-media/cache/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/102922_2731_Homecoming.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
![Photo of a the back of a Red Hawk's helmet with "Keep Pounding" printed along the bottom edge](/responsive-media/cache/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/102922_3310_Homecoming.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
GAME TIME!
![Football player holding ball and running](/responsive-media/cache/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/102922_3610_Homecoming.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
![Cheerleaders on the field, one mid-flight above team](/responsive-media/cache/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/102922_4282_Homecoming.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
![Red Hawk football player number 11 running for a touchdown](/responsive-media/cache/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/102922_4116_Homecoming.jpeg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
![Rocky poses with young child](/responsive-media/cache/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/102922_3970_Homecoming.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
![Game attendees clapping and smiling in the stands](/responsive-media/cache/newscenter/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/102922_3887_Homecoming.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg)
For more photos, visit the University’s photo gallery.