Grove City College will welcome back hundreds of alumni Oct. 4 to 6 as it celebrates Homecoming 2019 with dozens of reunions, a parade through town, an alumni band performance, the big football game and scores of other events on- and off-campus.
There’s still time for alumni to register for the weekend festivities and join the largest returning group of graduates in the College’s history, according to Melissa (Trifaro ’96) MacLeod, senior director of Alumni and College Relations.
“This year we have record-breaking number of alumni and friends returning to campus for milestone class and Greek reunions. Our alumni always have a seat at our table, and we are excited to welcome them home to Grove City College,” MacLeod said.
Alumni can register at www.alumni.gcc.edu/homecoming. In addition to exclusive alumni events, there are many happenings free and open to the general public over the weekend.
Highlights include:
- Parade – Get out your Christmas sweaters, Easter eggs and American flags, because this year’s theme is holidays. The parade begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 on campus and continues down Pine and Broad streets. Area high school marching bands from Seneca Valley, Conneaut, Ellwood City and Grove City will join the Wolverine Marching Band, campus Greek and housing groups, local luminaries and more in the procession. The Pittsburgh Mounted Police will again be back and George Junior Republic will showcase an inaugural float in the parade.
- Dedication of Don Lyle Soccer Field at 10 a.m. Saturday. The new turf field will be dedicated in honor of the former athletic director and multi-sport coach of Grove City College. The former College Field was refurbished this summer with the support of donors, adding new lights, drainage and landscaping in addition to the artificial turf.
- Football game – At 2 p.m. Saturday, the Wolverine football team faces Carnegie Mellon University at Thorn Field on lower campus. Both pre-game and halftime shows include alumni performing with the marching band. Prizes for best parade floats will be awarded before the game and the homecoming king and queen will be crowned at halftime.
- Grove Fest 2019 – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Following the College’s parade will be the annual Grove Fest put on by Olde Town Grove City. Broad Street merchants will offer specials and discounts, along with music, children’s activities and a talent show at the Guthrie Theatre. For more events happening for Grove Fest, check out Olde Town’s website.
- Food Trucks from noon to 4 p.m. on lower campus by the football field.
This year, the class of 1969 celebrates its 50th reunion and classes ending in 4s and 9s will celebrate milestones as well. Greek groups Gamma Chi and Epsilon Pi are marking a century of existence. Phi Sigma Chi and Gamma Sigma Phi celebrate their 95th anniversaries. Greek Village will be on lower campus just over Rainbow Bridge. Other student organization tents on the upper campus quad will include games and snacks, as well as a children’s play area supported by Kappa Delta Pi.
Throughout the weekend, alumni athletes will suit up again for a tennis doubles tournament and soccer, lacrosse basketball and rugby games.
Building up to Homecoming weekend students can enjoy a full week of celebration including the Powder Puff football game, Java Jam, a special worship service, varsity game night and a homecoming dance.
The weekend concludes with a Sunday morning service in the chapel with a message given by The Rev. Bruce Boak ’69.
The College’s Alumni Association will honor Karen (Semler ’92) Hanlon, Jack Kopnisky ’78, James Segerdahl ’84 and Richard Staley ’62 with the Jack Kennedy Memorial Alumni Achievement Award for their outstanding contributions to their fields, society and Grove City College.
For more on Homecoming or to find the full schedule of events, visit www.alumni.gcc.edu/homecoming.