At a glance
Colleen Argentieri, director of Alumni Relations and co-chair of the Homecoming/Family Weekend Committee, said, “Alfred State is excited to once again bring together Pioneers of all ages and their families for Homecoming and Family Weekend. We have a number of exciting events planned, and look forward to another terrific year of fun and fellowship as we celebrate our college.”
From basketball at midnight, to a family-friendly comedian and hypnotist, to celebrating a brand-new facility on the Wellsville campus, Alfred State has plenty in store for Pioneers and their families during this year’s Homecoming and Family Weekend Oct. 14-15.
Colleen Argentieri, director of Alumni Relations and co-chair of the Homecoming/Family Weekend Committee, said, “Alfred State is excited to once again bring together Pioneers of all ages and their families for Homecoming and Family Weekend. We have a number of exciting events planned, and look forward to another terrific year of fun and fellowship as we celebrate our college.”
The festivities will begin at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 with a tour of the new $5 million Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing Center as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Wellsville campus. The center, which opens for the first time this fall, will house freshman and senior welding students and senior machine tool technology students, and includes classrooms, a computer lab, a welding fabrication shop, material handling and preparation space, a CNC machine shop, and metrology and inspection space.
Back on the Alfred campus later Friday night will be a spirit rally and bonfire at 7 p.m. at Pioneer Stadium. This will include a car smash, games, carnival food, and prizes, and will be followed by fireworks at 9 p.m.
The fireworks won’t be the only dazzling display taking place that evening, as musicians, poets, dancers, and more take the stage at 9:30 p.m. in the Cappadonia Auditorium in the Orvis Activities Center for the annual Alfred’s Got Talent show.
Friday’s fun will conclude with Pioneer Basketball Midnight Madness, taking place at midnight at the gymnasium in the Orvis Activities Center. Midnight Madness will introduce the college community to the 2016-17 men’s and women’s basketball teams, which will compete in various contests before battling in a scrimmage. Fans will also have the chance to get in on the action with the opportunity to take part in contests during the events.
On Saturday, Oct. 15, the sixth annual Race for a Cure 5K Run/Walk will begin at 9 a.m. at 10 Elm on the Alfred campus. The $15 registration fee will benefit Roswell Park Cancer Institute. To register, email civicengagement@alfredstate.edu.
Another Saturday staple of Homecoming/Family Weekend is the football game. At 11 a.m. at Pioneer Stadium will be a Greek tailgate, chili cook-off, and car show, followed by the big game at 1 p.m., with the Pioneers taking on the Buffalo State Bengals. Spectators 21 and older will be able to watch the game from the End Zone Club at the stadium.
Following the game and rounding out the day will be family-friendly comedian, hypnotist, and mentalist Eric Mina at approximately 4 p.m. Saturday in the Cappadonia Auditorium. His biography on his website states, “Whether it’s playing mind tricks in Australia, reading thoughts in Las Vegas, or performing comedy hypnosis in Times Square, Eric’s understanding of the human mind astounds audiences worldwide. His show is a side-splitting, mind-boggling event that will leave you believing your dreams are possible. Eric’s presence is all encompassing, and his powers are real.”
Mallory Morehouse, coordinator of Orientation and Family Programs and co-chair of the Homecoming and Family Weekend Committee, noted that in addition to having plenty to do that weekend, the scenic beauty of Alfred is another reason for fellow Pioneers to take part in the fun.
“Homecoming and Family Weekend is such a great time to visit campus,” she said. “There are so many events, the weather is crisp, and the leaves are turning. This makes the most beautiful backdrop on a weekend full of family and fun.”
