In-person homecoming events are returning this year and alums are ready to make the
most of it.
"We are very excited to welcome our alumni home for homecoming. So many people are excited about it and talking about it," said Ann Thompson, director of alumni engagement. "I know lots of people made their plans months ago to come."
Homecoming weekend kicks off with the 2021 Distinguished Awards Banquet beginning with the reception at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m.
The Clarion University Alumni Association will host this premier event, which features Distinguished Alumni, Distinguished Service, Distinguished Young Alumnus and Distinguished Venango Alumna. Recipients include:
- Judge Ruth Bermudez Montenegro, '89
- Dr. John Brion, PhD, PMHNP, FNAP
- Mark H. Trumbo, '07
- Karen "Susie" Beebe Keefer, '77
- Dr. John R. McCullough, '84, '86G
- L. Kent Kretzler, '73
Tickets are $50 per person. Pre-registration is required.
The homecoming reception will get a new twist this year, as it becomes Eggs with Ernie from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 9, in the Hart Chapel Parking Lot.
"It's been hot dogs and doughnuts for so long, we decided to shake things up a little bit," Thompson said of the popular event.
The event will feature mid-morning breakfast bites with your favorite eagle, Ernie.
Gather with friends and family to celebrate Homecoming 2021 with fun, family-friendly
activities, information tables from various areas on campus and more. Stop by and
pick up your commemorative 2021 Homecoming pin and other CU giveaways. This event
is free.
Most importantly, make time for old friends, if you can.
"I'm still here, but my college friends have scattered to every corner of the globe. It won't be this year, but I'd sure like to spend some time with them again. It was a good period in my life," said Clarion News Editor Rodney Sherman ('95), who usually spends his time working homecoming weekend.
Another service that is free that day is a shuttle service from Hart Chapel to Memorial stadium running continuously from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The 68th annual Autumn Leaf Festival Parade is set for noon on Main Street.
While watching the parade, take time for a reminiscent stroll through campus, or meander
down Main Street and visit Clarion's local businesses.
"Clarion University is such a beautifully scenic campus, especially during the autumn months! I would not have wanted to have graduated from any other college!" said Danelle Persic ('08).
The Eagle End Zone Alumni Party starts at 1 p.m. with the game at 2 p.m. against the IUP Crimson Hawks.
"I love the excitement of the parade and the football game! Hearing the band play and all the college kids excited just puts the spirit of Clarion in the fall air!" said graduate Tracy Walter '95.
Admission is $15 per person and includes a ticket to the game. Pre-registration is required for this event.