Wilkes University hosted its annual Homecoming weekend on Friday, Sept. 27-29, 2024. Hundreds of alumni arrived in WIlkes-Barre to attend the weekend’s plethora of festivities that provided nostalgic ground for memories to be harvested and for new memories to be planted.
The weekend opened with student-led walking tours where alumni from different decades, from near and far, leisurely strolled the campus to view familiar structures and see recent improvements, such as the Cohen Science Center, Mark Engineering Center and the newly painted mural between Evans and Ross halls, while also learning interesting tidbits and factoids rich with Colonel history.
Different academic departments brought students, faculty and alumni together in their College Connections, offering a glimpse into students’ research and curriculum. These departments included English, Biology and Chemistry, Pharmacy, Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences and Civil and Environmental Engineering and Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.
“The Pharmacy Connection event was great. Having graduates from the first class as well as current students all together really created a sense of ‘Pharmily,’ as we call it at Wilkes. Dean Ference, an alumnus himself, ensured that we all left the room with a renewed sense of pride and hope for the future of the school,” said Cody Morcom PharmD ‘20 and board member of the Alumni Association.
“Homecoming is the best opportunity to see old friends and colleagues after what is always an eventful year. School-specific events, such as the Pharmacy Connection, make you feel like you’re back as a student again. While we don’t miss the class work, we absolutely miss the camaraderie. Most importantly, though, coming back gives me the chance to revisit the spot on campus where I met the love of my life, my wife, Alanah (Class of 2021), all those years ago,” continued Morcom.
Among the classic favorite events was Pints with Professors. Students, faculty and alumni gathered in the Jean and Paul Adams Commons in the Henry Student Center with drinks in one hand and delicious appetizers in the other. In the back of the room, a perfect blue and gold backdrop provided countless snapshots of alumni and friends smiling for the camera, the phrase “At Wilkes, You Will” displayed behind their poses.
Homecoming not only reminds us of our Colonel roots but reasons to celebrate. Class years ending in 4s and 9s and resident assistants came together to bask in their milestone reunions, the class of 1974 celebrating their 50th. Among the reunions, the community filled the Simms Center on the first floor to recognize the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership in the College of Business and Engineering’s recent AACSB accreditation. The stock ticker flashed down on attendees as they listened to President Cant, Dean Adekola, Chair of the College of Business and Engineering Board Jim Burke ‘91 and business students share the impact this accreditation has and will have on future business leaders that begin their journey at Wilkes. Wilkes’ donor societies, John Wilkes and Marts, were also honored Friday evening for their generosity and gifts throughout the fiscal year that have impacted the University, students’ education and life on campus.
Ending the evening on Friday was not a regular party but, in fact, a “Part-tee.” The first floor of the Stark Learning Center, home to studying hubs and collaboration rooms outside of classrooms, was completely transformed into a maze of miniature golf holes and games with snacks and beverage stands. Alumni danced from hole to hole, eagerly marking their scorecards to see which one of their group would come out the winner.
On Saturday, Wilkes incorporated its annual fall event into the Homecoming fold: Family Day. Over 400 students’ families and loved ones visited campus to partake in the activities and immerse themselves into the Wilkes culture. Parents, siblings and family members began their day with a full bagel breakfast after reuniting with their students on campus.
“Many families shared how welcomed they felt on campus, especially first-year families who appreciated the chance to see their students thriving. The energy was contagious, and the opportunity for families to experience the current Wilkes community and also meet alumni – who once called Wilkes their home – made it a memorable day for everyone,” said Stacy Mullen, Director of Student Development.
After breakfast, families headed over to Tailgate Tent, joining the community and alumni at large visiting the weekend to cheer on our Colonels against St. John Fisher. Under the tent, mouth-watering catering was provided by Mission BBQ and Aramark. Attendees indulged in brisket, pierogies, chicken, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, pulled pork and so much more with drinks in hand. Each table was bedecked in classic autumnal flare with mums and pumpkins. Reunions gathered at their designated tables and took photos against a decorated Wilkes photo backdrop, complete with more mums, decorative pumpkins – big and small – and bales of hay.
Families with younger children visited the student and club-sponsored arts and crafts tents closer to the football field and next to three different dessert food trucks featuring delectable treats including belgium waffles, ice cream and shaved ice, to name a few.
During halftime, Wilkes announced its Homecoming Royalty: seniors Bhavika “Nikki” Dawar, a biology major, and Saurabh “Shiv” Patel, a chemistry and neuroscience major, who were both crowned by Marjorie Hingston, Wilkes University’s 1974 Homecoming Queen: a blast from the past.
“I did remember those Homecoming moments on the football field 50 years ago – the honor and excitement – but this was even better,” said Hingston, after being asked what it felt like stepping onto the football field again. “The many students involved were polite, strong, smart and kind. They love Wilkes as we do. Dr. Cant and his wife Angela were genuine and inclusive, and it was notable that every department involved put its heart and soul into this wonderful weekend. Thank you for making this year’s Homecoming event so memorable for the class of ‘74. I truly feel like we came home again.”
In addition to halftime, Joe Frappolli ‘69 received the Ancestral Colonel Award, celebrating his legendary 50-year career as head coach of the Florench High School Flashes. This award recognizes accomplished alumni and friends who have achieved personal and professional excellence, and have perpetuated a camaraderie and spirit among and for Wilkes alumni.
To top off the tailgate thrills, the Colonels were victorious in a second half comeback 28-21. The bleachers lit up with roaring screams of applause and cheers.
Families continued to spend the day with their students by participating in an open rock climb, bumping elbows and ankles with alumni on the rock wall in the McHale Athletic Center, played bingo with student e-mentors and perused the featured exhibit at the Sordoni Art Gallery. Riding the high of victory from the afternoon’s game, alumni gathered at Rodano’s and Franklin’s on the Square to mingle with alumni from different generations, including a recent graduate happy hour.
Homecoming ended on Sunday with the traditional Memorial Bells Remembrance of Alumni below the Burns Alumni Bell Tower and via live stream, honoring those from the Wilkes community that we have lost since last year’s Homecoming, and a Men’s Lacrosse alumni game.
Teams of faculty and staff across campus planned and executed another remarkable Homecoming. The extra special ingredient this year were the students and their families, bringing the Wilkes community to a full circle; alumni meeting future alumni, reminding students and families that at Wilkes, anything is possible.
