Cornell College gears up for an unforgettable Homecoming

September 18, 2023

Cornell College is hosting a special Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, Oct. 6–8, 2023, as we welcome Cornellians and their families back to the Hilltop.

Director of Alumni Engagement Zoe Russell and the team in Alumni and College Advancement are adding the finishing touches on preparations for all of the events and gatherings.

“We’re excited to welcome Cornellians back to the Hilltop to celebrate Homecoming and Reunion Weekend. It’s a special opportunity for alumni to reconnect with each other, meet current students, and see our beautiful campus,” Russell said.

There’s a full schedule of events, and here are some you won’t want to miss. Events that are open to the public are noted.

Friday, Oct. 6

  • 9–11 a.m. and 1–3 p.m.
    • Classes Without Quizzes, various locations. A limited number of academic classes will be available to alumni and families. Registration is required.
  • 3:15 p.m.
    • Beta Omicron Distinguished Alumni Visitor Lecture: Christine Parker ’96, “Life as a Foreign Service Officer: Touching the Lives of Americans Abroad,” Hedges Conference Room, Thomas Commons. Open to the public.
  • 6:30–7:30 p.m.
    • All-Alumni Kick-Off Dinner, Smith Dining Room, Thomas Commons. Buffet dinner served from 6:30–7:30 p.m. in Smith Dining Room. Doors open at 6:15. Reserved tables for each reunion class. 

Saturday, Oct. 7

  • 8:30–10 a.m. 
    • C Club Breakfast and Hall of Fame Inductions, Smith Dining Room, Thomas Commons.
  • 9 a.m. 
    • Alumni Yoga Class with Lauren Buckner ’99, Richard and Norma Small Athletic and Wellness Center (SAW). Buckner will lead a vinyasa flow, where beginners and seasoned yogis will flow together, finding strength, balance, and inner peace through fluid movements and breath. Students are encouraged to attend.
  • 10:30 a.m.–Noon
    • Homecoming Convocation, Mount Vernon United Methodist Church. This ceremony celebrates tradition and presents success stories from some of Cornell’s most decorated alumni. Awards are presented and 50th reunion alumni are honored. Open to the public.
  • Noon–1 p.m. 
    • Pride Luncheon, Ringer Dining Room, Thomas Commons. Get to know fellow LGBTQIA-identified alumni and students.
  • Noon–2 p.m. 
    • Intercultural Life and Alumni of Color Tailgate, Stoner House. Celebrate Homecoming with the Office of Intercultural Life! This will be a time to connect with old and new friends as well as discover ways to support diversity at Cornell. Lunch will be served. Sponsored by the Office of Intercultural Life and the Alumni of Color Association. 
  • 2 p.m. 
    • Football Game vs. Beloit College, Van Metre Field at Ash Park. Cheer on the Rams as they battle Midwest Conference rival Beloit College. Hall of Fame recipients will be recognized during halftime. Open to the public.
  • 3–5 p.m. 
    • Homecoming Art Show Reception and Gallery Talk at Luce Gallery, McWethy Hall. The Department of Art and Art History is pleased to invite you to the reception of Sue Coleman’s retrospective, “Echoes and Undercurrents.” Sue will give an artist talk at 4 p.m. Open to the public. 
  • 5–6:30 p.m. 
    • Cornellians of Color Reception, Russell Science Center. Meet the Alumni of Color Association, learn about upcoming initiatives and ways to get involved, and get to know fellow Cornellians of color across generations, including current students. Light refreshments will be served. 
  • 8–9:30 p.m.
    •  All Cornell Trivia, Orange Carpet, Thomas Commons. All students and alumni are invited to a trivia night that will feature questions from across the decades, as well as Cornell-specific trivia.