Virginia is home to a handful of universities that want to welcome their alumni back to campus this fall. Whether you made a post-graduation move to Northern Virginia or you plan to travel from afar, here’s what to expect from your alma mater this year.
Virginia Tech University
Oct. 14-19
It’s a weeklong celebration at the Blacksburg-based school, where the Highty-Tighty alumni band marches in the homecoming parade to create a prideful rhythm to take alumni through the weekend, prior to the big game, of course.
This year’s events include a campfire kick-off at Duckpond Amphitheater, a Homecoming’s Got Talent show, a Laugh Riot and a Homecoming concert, all before the weekend even begins.
On Friday, catch the school-spirit rally with fireworks, the Highty-Tighty alumni reunion and the 50th reunion for the Class of 1969. On Saturday, the homecoming parade will make its way through downtown Blacksburg, and attendees can get ready for the homecoming tailgate starting four hours before kickoff. Enjoy the live music, food and drinks, interactive games and kid-friendly inflatables before the Hokies take on the UNC Tar Heels, and hold a toast to the university you’ll always call home. // Virginia Tech University: 615 Southgate Drive, Blacksburg
College of William & Mary
Oct. 17-20
Homecoming at William & Mary is jam-packed, so you better make sure you’re ready for all of the events to come. Kick-off the weekend with the homecoming parade starting at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 17, and catch designated reunion-year classes marching along with the band and showing off their colors.
The sunset ceremony takes place Friday evening, where all alumni who have passed away in the past year are honored by attending guests. Alumni can round out the night with a visit to Virginia Uncorked and get a taste of Virginia beer, wine and spirits.
The homecoming tailgate starts at noon on Saturday, and be sure to be a part of the class reunion photos at Sunken Garden. You won’t want to miss seeing how much you all have changed! Watch The Tribe take on James Madison University, and keep the excitement going by visiting your reunion class’ reception, as well as the Saturday Night Bash. Time to dance the night away and enjoy reminiscing all of those glory days. // College of William & Mary: 116 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg
James Madison University
Oct. 25-27
The Dukes are ready to celebrate homecoming in Harrisonburg for the 2019-2020 school year. Starting on Friday, Oct. 21 with the JMU Day of Service, faculty, staff, alumni and current students will participate in giving back to the community through various acts of service and organizations. (Be sure to register online beforehand!)
Following a day of good deeds, alumni, faculty and staff will have a kick-off reception at the Leeolou Alumni Center, where the weekend festivities will be off and running for current and former students for the weekend.
QuadFest will return to the campus’ most notable and recognizable space for its third year, where partners from across campus will bring club representation, various activities and more to create a carnival-esque celebration of the university. Look out for family-friendly activities too, including balloon animal creations, game-day giveaways and face painting.
Attendees can find Homecoming Headquarters before kick-off against Towson University on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 3 p.m., which will be the “biggest tailgate of the day.” It is set to include everything you could ever need at a tailgate: food, fun and so much more. Stay updated with your former affinities to find various events taking place, from ROTC to the Black Alumni Chapter throughout the weekend, and be sure to pack Bridgeforth Stadium with all of your JMU pride. // James Madison University: 800 S. Main St., Harrisonburg
University of Richmond
Nov. 1-3
If you can’t find something to do at University of Richmond’s 2019 homecoming weekend, something’s up. The calendar is full and all of the details haven’t even been released yet. Time to start planning!
Former and current Spiders can kick-off the weekend by stopping by the Jepson Alumni Center for periodic giveaways, information on upcoming events or as just a place to kick-back and relax before taking to the campus. Hit up the First Friday Breakfast in Heilman Dining Hall, then take a walk through the Spider Street Art Festival at Tyler Haynes Commons in the afternoon. From there, attendees can visit the reception with Dean Mickey Quinones at the Robins School of Business, browse through downtown Richmond for First Friday events, attend the University of Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame to watch the inductions or reminisce on those Greek Life days at the “Party Under the Lights at Greek Theatre,” where drinks, food and live music will be held until 11 p.m.
On Saturday, be sure to visit the Homecoming Weekend Brunch and head to the alumni tailgate before the football game against Stony Brook University. A Young Grad Party will take place 30 minutes before the game (ticket info TBA) and be sure to bring all of your Spider gear to cheer on the team. On Sunday, recent graduates can visit a reunion brunch and everyone can round out the weekend by enjoying the Fall Choral Concert. // University of Richmond: 28 Westhampton Way, Richmond
Virginia Commonwealth University
Nov. 3-9
Once fall homecoming made its first appearance at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2015, it was here to stay. Now, the university can hardly keep the lengthy list of events straight, while continuing to establish yearly traditions and fun activities for alumni, students and families to enjoy.
This year’s celebration will include the Reign of the Rams Court Pageant, several happy hour events, a homecoming brunch, window painting, a pep rally and more. No matter how you celebrate, there is something to get your hands into and show your Ram pride throughout the weekend, even if it’s volunteering at the Richmond Marathon.
Maybe you’ll catch the women’s basketball game against Longwood University, or set out for an evening of homecoming karaoke. Not one to sing? Set up for the homecoming tailgate block party before the men’s basketball game against Hampton University. To round out the weekend, be sure to find your spot in the crowd for the Ramfest Concert (performer TBA) and sway to the music that takes you back to some of your best memories. // Virginia Commonwealth University: 907 Floyd Ave., Richmond
University of Virginia
Nov. 8-10
Getting back on campus at the University of Virginia with your fellow Cavaliers is the way to celebrate at UVA. Current and former students, families and community members can expect reunion events for certain organizations, departments and groups to be announced on a rolling basis before November, but everyone can start looking forward to Saturday’s community-wide tailgate and football game against Georgia Tech University.
Also, UVA prides itself on throwing the best party of the year for it’s Young Alumni Reunion, where the past three graduating classes of the university gather at the Sprint Pavilion in downtown Charlottesville for a night of food, drinks, dancing and music, while catching up with other alumni throughout the night. To keep tabs on the upcoming event announcements at UVA, visit the homecoming webpage. // University of Virginia: 400 Emmet St. S., Charlotesville
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