At a glance
“I think the weekend was wonderful,” said Colleen Argentieri, director of Alumni Relations, and co-chair of the Homecoming and Family Weekend Committee. “Not only did the weather cooperate, but we could not have ordered a more perfect weekend, in terms of attendance.”
With pristine weather and such a large number of attendees showing off their Pioneer Pride, organizers are counting this year’s Homecoming and Family Weekend as one of the best the college has ever had.
“I think the weekend was wonderful,” said Colleen Argentieri, director of Alumni Relations, and co-chair of the Homecoming and Family Weekend Committee. “Not only did the weather cooperate, but we could not have ordered a more perfect weekend, in terms of attendance.”
Indeed, terrific weather and high attendance were two consistent themes throughout this year’s Homecoming and Family Weekend, which took place Oct. 14-15, beginning with Friday’s ribbon-cutting for the new Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing Center on the Wellsville campus. Legislators, college leaders, students, faculty, staff, and community members all packed into the brand-new $5 million, 16,000-square-foot facility to celebrate its opening. The event also kicked off a yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of the School of Applied Technology campus.
Later that night, the spirit rally and bonfire drew a large crowd of students, faculty, staff, and families, who also enjoyed plenty of goodies and a spectacular fireworks show that lasted more than 20 minutes. Immediately following the fireworks was the always-popular Alfred’s Got Talent show.
“Alfred’s Got Talent was great again this year,” said Mallory Morehouse, coordinator of Orientation and Family Programming, and Homecoming and Family Weekend Committee co-chair. “We had a packed house and there was lots of energy in the auditorium. I’m so happy to be a part of this annual event. It’s always one of my favorite things to plan and execute.”
Friday night’s Basketball Midnight Madness, in which the college community was introduced to the 2016-17 men’s and women’s basketball teams, was one of a number of athletic events that were well-attended throughout the weekend, including the dodgeball competition, the Race for a Cure 5K Run/Walk, and various sports games.
“In my opinion, this was the best Homecoming and Family Weekend ever,” said Paul Welker, sports information director, and Homecoming and Family Weekend Committee member. “Pioneer Pride from students, faculty, staff, and alumni was in full effect.”
Attendees also turned out in droves for a number of other events throughout the weekend, from the Greek tailgate and chili cook-off, to the car show, to the Eric Mina and Spidey show, which featured a fun mix of hypnosis and comedy.
“I agree that this was one of the best Homecoming and Family Weekends thus far,” Argentieri said. “There were more alumni present than in previous years, and we had several conversations with both alumni and family members who were extremely pleased and excited to see the festivities, as well as the many wonderful things happening at the college. It is so gratifying to see such positive results from the effort put forth, and it is truly beginning to feel as though we are building the ‘tradition’ we often discuss with this event.”