Magazine Article

Widener Pride Shines at 2024 Homecoming

October 29, 2024 Emily Barrett, associate director of communications

Peak fall foliage was the perfect backdrop to host the record-breaking crowds boasting blue and gold for this year’s Homecoming.

Homecoming at Widener continues to grow each year to host the alumni and diverse programs that have become ingrained in the university’s more than 200-year history. Past, present, and even future members of the Widener community gathered for the celebrations, which hosted more than 30 events and experiences.

From class reunions and dedications to lectures and tailgates, this year’s turnout was a celebration of the university’s traditions and the growing Pride community who call Widener home.

Record-Breaking Attendance

While Homecoming featured a weeklong series of events, the Homecoming tailgate village was the central hub for alumni and guests returning to campus for the weekend’s festivities.

Hosted by the Alumni Association, the village took over 17th Street and a portion of the Schwartz Athletic Complex to host nearly 3000 guests, the largest turnout in Homecoming history. The transformed space offered food trucks, live music, beer gardens, and a kid’s zone for students, alumni, families, and staff to enjoy.

Mascots Chester and Melrose visited with guests at Homecoming.

President Stacey Robertson greeted and mingled with guests at the tailgate village.

A Homecoming for Generations

Scattered throughout the sea of blue and gold were waves of red and yellow donned by alumni who represent Widener’s proud heritage as the Pennsylvania Military College, or PMC, which later became Penn Morton College. Members of the PMC alumni network, which include military and civilian graduates, returned to campus to reconnect through beloved traditions, honor former classmates, and demonstrate their support for Widener’s continued success.

The Classes of 1974, 1969 and 1964 celebrated milestone reunions at this year’s Homecoming. The classes and their guests honored departed classmates with a wreath laying ceremony.

The Class of 1964, which held its 60th reunion this year, dedicated the class gift to establish a nursing scholarship to support students' success.

A dedication was held for decorated Vietnam War veterans John Patrick Little ’67, who was the national chief commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and Larry Liss '63, a Silver Star recipient.

Cheering on the Pride – Past and Present

Guests filled athletics facilities across campus to cheer on the Pride. The football, men’s and women’s swimming, women’s volleyball, and field hockey teams secured victories during their Homecoming match ups.

The weekend also honored former athletes and coaches at feature Widener Athletics events. Eight former student-athletes were inducted into the Class of 2024 Hall of Fame joining the ranks of the university’s best athletes and teams. Outside of Quick Stadium ahead of kickoff, a statue of former football coach Bill Manlove was unveiled to mark his legacy as the winningest football coach in Widener history.

Members of the Class of 2024 Hall of Fame were recognized at halftime of the football game against Alvernia University.

A statue of Bill Manlove, made possible by generous donors, was unveiled to celebrate Widener’s winningest football coach. From 1969 to 1991, Manlove held a 182-53-1 record, making university history.

Time-Honored Traditions

Homecoming is reserved for beloved university traditions both old and new. Each year, PMC alumni gather to participate in the broom drill, a highly anticipated tradition that dates back to Widener’s roots as a military college. The ceremonial drill is held today to honor the cadets who once drilled with brooms in place of weapons.

A more recent tradition is the Homecoming Court. Presented by the Student Government Association, Homecoming Court recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence and campus leadership through engagement. This year’s Homecoming Royals were Ja’Lisa Williams, a senior business and finance major, and Gio Stanfa, a senior psychology major.