Four Things to Do at Chatham’s Homecoming Weekend
During the last weekend of September, Chatham University is hosting the Homecoming & Alumni Reunion Weekend. It’s the first time the University is combining its alumni reunion with its family and friends weekend for one big Chatham celebration.
Kate Labriola-Gorentz, director of alumni engagement, said the event is years in the making. “There’s been talk for a while of what would happen if we combined this. Would it be more vibrant? Would it bring more energy?” she said.
Starting Sept. 23, there’s a full week of activities that will bring alumni, students, their families, and friends together with Chatham’s faculty, staff, and the rest of the campus community. “This Homecoming Weekend is for ever-y-body,” Labriola-Gorentz said. “I can’t stress that enough.”
Register for Homecoming now, and then take a look at what you can expect:
A day of service
On Thursday, the Chatham community will have the chance to come to Shadyside Campus and see a bit of life at Chatham. Alumni can join current students in knitting hats, writing cards for pediatric patients, and helping with campus renewal.
Dinner at Eden Hall Campus
Friday evening’s Eden Hall Campus Experience is set to be one of Homecoming’s signature events. It’s a continuation of the farm-to-table dinners from past events, featuring ingredients fresh from Eden Hall. There will be stations with different foods, s’mores cooked over firepits, and live music.
Tailgate and volleyball game
Show your Cougar pride on Saturday by getting hyped at a tailgate on the Athletic and Fitness Center patio at 11 a.m. Head inside the AFC afterwards to cheer on Chatham’s women’s volleyball team as they take on Franciscan University of Steubenville at 1 p.m.
Alumni awards and brunch
Sip bloody marys and mimosas at the Alumni Award Ceremony Saturday at 10 a.m. This year’s distinguished alumna is Debra McCloskey Todd ’79, the chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. “It’s a big honor to have her come in and speak,” Labriola-Gorentz said. Seating is limited.
Happy hours, festivities, and much more
“I just want to drive home the point that this is a campus community event,” said Labriola-Gorentz. And there is something for everyone, whether that’s eating donuts with faculty, watching a men’s soccer game, or meeting up with old teammates at a happy hour in Regent Square.
To see the full schedule for Chatham’s Homecoming week, visit homecoming.chatham.edu.