Mark your calendars for Oct. 10-12: Music, games, and more await all Homecoming attendees this fall, and whether it’s catching up with classmates at reunions or seeing what’s new on campus, there is something for everyone. Registration for the weekend opens July 11.
The festivities begin with tours at 10 a.m. and then lunch at the Campus Inn from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10. Meanwhile, the Poet Musicale is at noon in Memorial Chapel. Choir alumni are invited to perform the alma mater and school song “Friends Forever” along with students.
For the nostalgic crowd, Wardman Library will have a special curated collection of Homecoming memorabilia displayed in the lobby from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also that afternoon is an alumni panel on the entertainment business at 4 p.m.
The evening concludes with President Kristine Dillon ’73 delivering the State of the College address and the Poet Awards ceremony honoring distinguished alumni.
“Homecoming is the perfect time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed,” said President Dillon. “Whittier is evolving in exciting ways, and I can’t wait for our entire Whittier community to experience the momentum for themselves. Our future is bright.”
Athletics then takes the field on Saturday, Oct. 11. The men's water polo match starts at 11 a.m. at the Graham Athletic Center. Afterward, Poet Fest takes over the Upper Quad from 1-6 p.m. Accompanying the mixers and meet-ups will be a coaches' talk, including remarks from Football Coach Cory White, and an athletics tailgate.
A parade of Poet athletes — alumni and current students — will close out Poet Fest by leading guests to the GAC for a "pink-out” volleyball game in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The women’s soccer team competes at 5 p.m. at Memorial Stadium, with the Homecoming volleyball game starting at 6 p.m. at the GAC. The night ends with a restaurant and bar crawl in Uptown Whittier. Don’t stay up too late, however, as on Sunday, Oct. 12, there will be a farewell brunch at the Campus Inn from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“This weekend is all about connection, celebration, and showing up for each other,” Alumni Relations Director Ana Gutierrez ’96 said. “No matter how long it’s been, you’ll feel right at home. That’s the Poet spirit.”
Visit Whittier.edu/homecoming for more information and to register for select events. Time and location of events are subject to change.
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