2012 Homecoming Festivities

Alumni, parents and students re-connected with each other and the college during this action-packed weekend.

by Lauren Davidson

October 2, 2012

Students, families and alumni enjoy Fall Fest during Homecoming & Family Weekend.

A few dark clouds loomed over Biddle Field on Saturday, but the rain held off and 1,634 attendees enjoyed a breezy but beautiful Homecoming & Family Weekend 2012. (See photos below.)

The festivities kicked off Friday as visitors attended classes, browsed exhibits at The Trout Gallery and enjoyed events hosted by the Asbell Center, LGBTQ Services, the Faculty Jazz Quartet and other on-campus groups. Saturday morning saw early risers enjoying coffee from The Peddler on Britton Plaza before heading to various activities, which included a discussion with the new dean of career development and open houses and receptions hosted by the Idea Fund, The Handlebar, Greek organizations and academic departments. The Operation Iraqi Freedom Memorial Plaque honoring 1st Lt. Neil A. Santoriello Jr. ’02 and 1st Lt. Andrew J. Bacevich ’02 was dedicated in Memorial Hall, and representatives of the presidential-search committee offered a question-and-answer session to share their progress.

Saturday’s main events got under way around midday. They included Fall Fest, a new event in which on-campus clubs and organizations chatted with visitors about their work; the all-campus picnic; and the football game, which was hotly contested but ended in a tough 36-28 loss as the Red Devils handed the Conestoga Wagon trophy back to Franklin & Marshall College.

Halftime included a spirited celebration of the 100th birthday of Ben James ’34, who made a grand entrance with President William G. Durden ’71 in a spruced-up golf cart. James’ many accomplishments and contributions were announced and he enjoyed a celebratory cheer that rang out across the campus. Halftime also included introductions to the newest members of Dickinson’s Sports Hall of Fame, Christine Hufenbecher ’02 (indoor & outdoor track), Keith Fischer ’02 (football), Kim Unsworth Franklin ’96 (swimming) and Liz Allen Starks ’02 (cross country/indoor & outdoor track).

Saturday afternoon offered visitors a variety of events, including a seed-saving workshop, a celebration of WDCV’s 50th anniversary and a panel discussion in recognition of the 40th anniversary of Title IX. The evening wrapped up with the official Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony and dinner, a combined performance by Dickinson’s five talented a cappella groups and a high-energy trivia contest.

After attending the president’s always-popular breakfast on Sunday morning, many students and visitors donned their running gear to participate in the 8th-annual Run for Steph, which saw a record 427 registrants.

Between all the scheduled festivities, families enjoyed spending time together on campus and around Carlisle, and alumni relished reconnecting with classmates and the college.

Continue to share thoughts about the weekend on the college’s Facebook page and on Twitter with #dsonhfw.