Alfred State College will host its annual Homecoming/Family weekend [1] Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 24-27, on the Alfred campus.
Hundreds of visitors are expected to converge on campus to reconnect with old friends or visit with their students, perhaps for the first time since dropping them off for the fall semester in August.
Activities begin Thursday, Sept. 24 with a men's soccer game vs. Broome Community College at 4 p.m. at Pioneer Stadium. At 8 p.m., an extreme dodge ball tournament will be played under the lights at Pioneer Stadium. Winners will receive special team tee-shirts. Prizes will be awarded for the best team uniform, the biggest fan club, and best team spirit!
On Friday, Sept. 25, walking tours of campus will be conducted, beginning at the Orvis Activities Center from 5-8 p.m.; at 7 p.m., the annual Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Banquet will be held in the Allegany Room of Central Dining Hall ($, pre-registration required [2]).
From 6 - 8 p.m., alumni are invited to attend the Annual Southern Tier Alumni Reception at Lake Lodge where they can meet President John M. Anderson, reconnect with friends and classmates, make new local contacts, and find out what’s new at the College (pre-registration required [2]).
At 8 p.m. comedian Ron G will perform in the Orvis Auditorium. Ron G is an upcoming sensation in the LA area; he believes his comedy to be “high energy and clever with an urban flair.” Ron G has won first place in the 2005 Sierra Mist Late Night Laff Off; he was a finalist on the TV show “Who’s Got Jokes;” and he was also a finalist on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.” This event is family-friendly.
10 p.m. will see the start of this year's Madden Tournament (video game contest) in the Pioneer Lounge; sign-ups will begin at 9:30 p.m. Participants will be challenged to show off their gaming skills. Games will be played on an Xbox 360 as well as a Play station 3; the winners of each gaming system will win prize packages from the ASC campus store.
On Saturday, Sept. 26, the day begins at 10 a.m. with a historical walking tour of the Village of Alfred and continental breakfast (first 40 participants). A native Alfredian and a local businessman (Mr. and Mrs. Bob Volk) will meet the tour group at Main Attraction and will guide participants on a leisurely walk on nearly level paths. About an hour in length, the tour will take visitors from prehistoric times to the present in the beautiful valley Alfred State calls home. Visitors are invited to join the group, ask questions, stroll through local history, and enjoy a cup of coffee along the way in the souvenir travel mug supplied to participants.
From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. family fun abounds at the Gold Rush Gathering in the Orvis Gymnasium; this year, casino-themed games will offer players a chance for more than $1,500 in prizes. There will be amusements for all ages (alum, student, or family member), including miniature golf, giant inflatables, snow cones, cotton candy, and photo booths, to name just a few.
From noon-2 p.m. alumni are invited to attend “Luncheon at the Lake” at the bucolic Lake Lodge. ASC alumni and President Anderson will recognize the classes of ‘59, ‘84, and ‘99 ($, pre-registration required [2]).
Sporting events Saturday afternoon include a noon women’s soccer game vs. Niagara County Community College (NCCC) at Pioneer Stadium; a 1 p.m. baseball game vs. Jamestown Community College (DH) on the baseball field; and a 2:30 p.m. men’s soccer game vs. Niagara CCC at Pioneer Stadium.
At 3 p.m., be entertained by Alfred State’s version of the "Hollywood Squares," appropriately enough called "Alfred Squares" in the Orvis Auditorium. Faculty, staff, and Greeks compete against each other, testing their knowledge of ASC trivia. This event is family-friendly.
The prelude to the big event occurs from 4-7 p.m.--a tailgate party with President Anderson which will be held in a tent near Orvis ($). Music will be provided by Alfred State's own WETD radio station with special guest DJs from the class of ’77, including Mike Smith, Don Seames, and Jay Wilder. The menu will feature local traditional favorites, including Stearn’s BBQ chicken, BBQ pork, all the expected side dishes, and more.
The Office of Institutional Advancement will hold a basket raffle during the tailgate party; tickets may be purchased during the tailgate festivities. Winners will be announced at 6 p.m. and must be present to win. Proceeds from the sale of the baskets will be donated to the Centennial Endowed Scholarship and will directly benefit students at Alfred State.
From 7-10 p.m. Alfred State's Football Pioneers meet Globe Tech in the Pioneer Stadium ($).
There will be a Halftime Centennial Campaign check presentation with honorary co-chairs ASC alumnus and Wellsville native Erland “Erkie” Kailbourne, ’61 and ASC President Emeritus Dr. William D. Rezak.
Still energized? Join the Pioneer Pride Party from 11 p.m.-3 a.m. at the Student Gathering Place where partygoers will enjoy free food and fun door prizes.
Activities wind down on Sunday, Sept. 27; guests can enjoy brunch at Central Dining Hall from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., ($) before cheering our Pioneers baseball team on at its game vs. Genesee Community College at 1 p.m. on the baseball field or before hitting the road.
Events are subject to change; for the most up-to-date information visit the events page [1].
