Homecoming & Family Weekend

October 13-15, 2023

Elizabethtown College invites you and your family to join us for Homecoming and Family Weekend each fall! This time-honored tradition serves as a reminder of the enduring connections created at Etown and the strong sense of belonging that draws alumni back to campus year after year. The weekend's schedule includes nationally known performers, sporting events, social events, academic reunions, and a float parade that runs down College Avenue. We hope you'll join us so that we can celebrate the true spirit of what it means to be a Blue Jay and create lasting memories together!

Schedule of events

Below is a list of fantastic events we have planned for Homecoming & Family Weekend 2023. View a printable version of the schedule.

Events Audience Key: AL = Alumni, FM = Family, ST = Current Students, FS = Faculty & Staff

Friday, October 13, 2023

Time	Event
7:45 a.m. – 7 p.m.	Library Exhibit: The Long Road to LGBTQ+ Equality in Pennsylvania High Library In celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month, the library is hosting a traveling history exhibit from the LGBT Center of Central PA that chronicles the efforts that activists have undertaken in Pennsylvania to achieve full equality for LGBTQ+ people. With the lack of success in passing statewide legislative protections from discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations and education, activists have been working for more than five decades to obtain these protections one battle at a time, one municipality at a time. The exhibit uses case studies of several cities and townships to highlight not just the political struggles, but the personal stories as well. AL / FM / FS / ST
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.	College Store Brossman Commons Beat the Homecoming and Family Weekend rush and check out the new arrivals in the College Store today! AL / FM / FS / ST
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.	22 Views of Mokuhanga Art Exhibition Lyet Gallery, Leffler Chapel 22 Views of Mokuhanga showcases work from twenty-two contemporary artists practicing mokuhanga, a traditional Japanese water-based form of printmaking. The selected artists are based in the U.S., Japan, and Europe and vary in style and technique. AL / FM / FS / ST
Noon – 5 p.m.	Homecoming Parade Float-Building Party Elizabethtown Fairgrounds Before the big event on Saturday morning, join the fun as student groups, faculty, staff, families, and alumni bring the Homecoming Parade float themes to life. Registration: 800-877-2604 or alumni@etown.edu by Oct. 6. AL / FM / FS / ST
Noon - 6:30 p.m.	High Library Escape Room "Escape the Game" IDEA Lab, High Library You’ve been trapped within the High Library's board game collection! The only way out is to escape alongside the winners of the next game... a game that is already in progress, but you don’t even know who’s playing, let alone winning. The escape room will be open in 30-minute time slots throughout Homecoming and Family Weekend. Sign up with a team of 2-6 people and visit the High Library's IDEA Lab to solve the game's puzzles, find the winners, and escape. This program is free. Registration required. Register Now AL / FM / FS / ST
5 p.m.	BINGO Academic Quad A beloved student tradition on campus now brought to Homecoming and Family Weekend for all to enjoy! Grab your favorite chair or blanket and try your luck at winning a fabulous prize. Rain location Bowers Field House. AL / FM / FS / ST
7 p.m.	Mad Cow Improv Homecoming and Family Weekend Show The KĀV, Brossman Commons Start your Homecoming and Family Weekend off with a laugh by joining the fun and laughing 'til it hurts in ways that can only be done by Etown's own student improvisational comedy group! AL / FM / FS / ST
7 p.m.	Women's Volleyball vs. Catholic University of America Thompson Gymnasium Come out to support your Etown Blue Jays as the women's volleyball team hosts the Catholic University Cardinals! This is the first of two Landmark Conference clashes women's volleyball will be competing in this weekend. AL / FM / FS / ST
7 - 9 p.m.	Class of 2023 Zero-Year Reunion Funk Brewing, Elizabethtown, Pa. On the eve of the Class of 2023's first Homecoming Day as alumni, it’s time for members to reunite! Reservation only. Event not open to current Elizabethtown students. Register Now Information: 800-877-2604 AL

Saturday, October 14, 2023

Time	Event
7:45 a.m. – 7 p.m.	Library Exhibit: The Long Road to LGBTQ+ Equality in Pennsylvania High Library In celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month, the library is hosting a traveling history exhibit from the LGBT Center of Central PA that chronicles the efforts that activists have undertaken in Pennsylvania to achieve full equality for LGBTQ+ people. With the lack of success in passing statewide legislative protections from discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations and education, activists have been working for more than five decades to obtain these protections one battle at a time, one municipality at a time. The exhibit uses case studies of several cities and townships to highlight not just the political struggles, but the personal stories as well. AL / FM / FS / ST
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.	Self-Guided Tours of the Bowers Center Bowers Center for Sports, Fitness and Well-Being Check out the amenities offered in the state-of-the-art Bowers Center for Sports, Fitness and Well-Being! Facility maps will be available at the check-in desk, and student attendants will be stationed throughout the building to answer your questions. AL / FM / FS / ST
8:30 - 10 a.m.	President's Honors Breakfast Jay's Lounge This event will highlight Elizabethtown College's first-year Honors Program students. Parents of first-year honor students are invited to join us for a conversation with President Rider and remarks by Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Kristi Kneas. This is a drop-in event with remarks at 9:30 a.m. FM* *By Invitation Only
8:30 a.m.	Alumni Council Meeting McCormick Classroom, High Library AL
9 a.m.	Blue Jay Softball Alumnae Breakfast The Nest Before the big game, join in the fun for an "early bird" breakfast at the new stadium home of Blue Jay Softball! Along with members of the current varsity team, attendees will have the opportunity to mingle and chirp about their successes, both on and off the field! Register Now More Information: slatteryr@etown.edu AL / FM / FS / ST
9 a.m.	Men's Club Soccer Alumni Game Practice Field Come out to see Etown's Club Soccer alums face off against the current club team! AL / FM / FS / ST
9 a.m. - 6 p.m.	22 Views of Mokuhanga Art Exhibition Lyet Gallery, Leffler Chapel 22 Views of Mokuhanga showcases work from twenty-two contemporary artists practicing mokuhanga, a traditional Japanese water-based form of printmaking. The selected artists are based in the US, Japan, and Europe and vary in style and technique. AL / FM / FS / ST
9:30 a.m.	Tenth Annual Homecoming Blue/Gray Swim Meet Alumni Pool Cheer on all-star alumni from the Blue Jay Swimming programs as they suit up with current varsity team members in this annual "blue vs. gray teams" classic. Be sure to catch the surprise race! Warmups begin at 8:45 a.m. Register Now More Information: 717-361-1274 AL / FM / FS / ST
10 a.m.	Blue Jay Softball vs. Alumnae Game The Nest Come see the home for Blue Jay Softball and watch the feathers fly as current varsity team members take on an all-star group of alumnae in this annual softball tradition! Register Now More Information: slatteryr@etown.edu AL / FM / FS / ST
10 a.m.	College Search and Admission Process Session Room 114, Hoover Center If searching for a college is in your near future, this is your opportunity to get the "inside scoop" from Etown's experts! Intended to provide alumni, families, and pre-college-aged children with exclusive information to consider as they prepare to undertake the process of looking for a college, this session will also include insights about the importance of the high school experience and tips for preparing for the application process. More Information: 717-361-1400 AL / FM
10 a.m.	School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS) Workforce Success Panel Room 110, Hoover Center Alumni who have graduated from SGPS programs are doing amazing things! Hear from a panel of SGPS affiliates who are changing the workforce and learn all about some impressive Blue Jays and the ways in which they are making positive differences in their careers and communities. AL / FS / ST
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.	College Store Brossman Commons Homecoming Day isn't complete without a visit to the College Store! Choose from the latest Etown gear while supplies last! AL / FM / FS / ST
10 a.m. - 7 p.m.	Library Exhibit: The Long Road to LGBTQ+ Equality in Pennsylvania High Library In celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month, the library is hosting a traveling history exhibit from the LGBT Center of Central PA that chronicles the efforts that activists have undertaken in Pennsylvania to achieve full equality for LGBTQ+ people. With the lack of success in passing statewide legislative protections from discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations and education, activists have been working for more than five decades to obtain these protections one battle at a time, one municipality at a time. The exhibit uses case studies of several cities and townships to highlight not just the political struggles, but the personal stories as well. AL / FM / FS / ST
11 a.m.	28th Annual Homecoming Parade and Homecoming Day Kick-Off Hickory Lane to Willow Street to Spruce Street to College Avenue With floats constructed by current students and staff members, live music, alumni celebrating class reunions, local volunteer fire companies, businesses, and loads of candy, this time-honored and beloved Etown tradition—celebrating its 28th consecutive year—is sure to please! At the conclusion of the Parade, President Betty Rider will officially kick off Homecoming Day in front of Raffensperger Alumni House. The parade will be livestreamed for those who can't make it in person. AL / FM / FS / ST
11 a.m.	Blue Jay Men's Lacrosse vs. Alumni Game Wolf Field Watch Blue Jay Men's Lacrosse alumni grab their cleats, lace up their shoes and sticks, and take on members of the current varsity squad in this annual classic throwdown! Register Now More Information: 717-361-1137 AL / FM / FS / ST
11 a.m.	Women's Volleyball vs. Goucher College Thompson Gymnasium The Blue Jays host the Goucher College Gophers in the second of two Landmark Conference clashes on Homecoming and Family Weekend! Set yourself in the stands and dive into the action as the team spikes your excitement in what will surely be a lively match! AL / FM / FS / ST
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.	Homecoming and Family Weekend Brunch The Marketplace, Brossman Commons Enjoy specially prepared Homecoming and Family Weekend fare that can only come from Etown's Dining Services staff! Tickets available at the door, $16.25; $8.00 for ages 3-10. AL / FM / FS / ST
Noon - 3 p.m.	19th Annual Alumni Oktoberfest Party Brinser Field For alumni of all ages, you won't want to miss one of Etown's greatest and most beloved Homecoming Day traditions! Featuring famously delicious food and drink, a variety of beverage options, memorable alumni class reunions celebrating class years ending in "3" and "8", and legendary live music. It's no wonder more than 1,000 alumni, faculty, staff, and friends make this a must-attend event each year! Alumni from the classes below will be celebrating special gatherings! Alumni from classes celebrating reunions 50 years and over are invited to revel in the Oktoberfest festivities in the "Return to the Nest Tent". Class Reunion Details 1978 \| 1983 \| 1988 \| 1993 \| 1998 \| 2003 \| 2008 \| 2013 \| 2018 There will be all-you-care-to-enjoy Oktoberfest fare and, in the tradition of Alumni Oktoberfest Parties of the past, a wide array of themed-beverages—including special offerings from event sponsor Moo-Duck Brewery! Delight in the sounds of live Dutch "old-style" jazz, played to perfection by the Dutchers band, featuring Bruce Campbell '76 P'08, Tom Pontz '67, and Adjunct Professor Faith Shiffer. Admission: Express Check-In Price $25 and $15 for children, ages 3-10; At-The-Door Price $30 and $20 for children, ages 3-10. Event not open to current Etown students. Enjoy Express Check-In by preregistering and paying online by Friday, Oct. 6. Register Now More Information: 800-877-2604 or alumni@etown.edu AL / FS
Noon - 4 p.m.	Homecoming Fair Academic Quad (formerly known as "The Midway") Food, t-shirts, arts, knick-knacks, collectibles, and crafts—if Etown students and local artisans can think of it, you'll find them selling it at the Fair! AL / FM / FS / ST
Noon - 6:30 p.m.	High Library Escape Room "Escape the Game" IDEA Lab, High Library You've been trapped within the High Library's board game collection! The only way out is to escape alongside the winners of the next game... a game that is already in progress, but you don't even know who’s playing, let alone winning. The escape room will be open in 30-minute time slots throughout Homecoming and Family Weekend. Sign up with a team of 2-6 people and visit the High Library's IDEA Lab to solve the game's puzzles, find the winners, and escape. This program is free. Registration required. Register Now AL / FM / FS / ST
12:30 - 3:30 p.m.	Homecoming Fair Concert Starring D-BO! Academic Quad (formerly known as "The Midway") Get ready, Homecoming Fair attendees! World-renowned musical artist Delonne "D-Bo!" Wilbourn and his band will be creating a one-of-a-kind experience for the Homecoming Fair with award-winning original music and cover songs from genres of all kinds. D-Bo! has been featured on American Idol and The Voice and has won many awards and accolades, including Hard Rock Rising Battle of the Bands Finalist (Hard Rock Café), Touchtunes Breakout Band Winner, Akadamia Award Winner for Best Album, and 2021 Central Pennsylvania Music Award (CPMA) Winner for Song of the Year. AL / FM / FS / ST
1 - 4 p.m.	Brethren Heritage Festival Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies Come one, come all—opportunities for family fun abound in this beloved Homecoming tradition! Popcorn, ice cream, children's crafts, quilting demonstration, and more. Explore interactive exhibits at the Young Center's Bowers Interpretive Gallery. And don't miss an entertaining magic show for all ages at 3 p.m.! AL / FM / FS / ST
1 p.m.	Men's Soccer vs. Wilkes University Ira R. Herr Field Join us at the pitch where the Etown Blue Jays will host the Colonels of Wilkes University in this pivotal Landmark Conference clash! More Information AL / FM / FS / ST
2 p.m.	Fall Choral Showcase Musser Auditorium, Leffler Chapel and Performance Center Join fellow Blue Jays, students, families, and friends for the Fall Choral Showcase! The concert features the Concert Choir, Fenice, and the College Community Chorus. AL / FM / FS / ST
2:30 - 3 p.m.	Chemistry and Biochemistry Alumni Award Ceremony Room 187, Esbenshade Wing, Masters Center In this exciting annual event, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will present The O.F. Stambaugh Chemistry Alumni Award for 2023 to Dr. Kelly Kraft '94! AL / FM / FS / ST
3 - 4:30 p.m.	Academic School Reunions Homecoming Day could never be complete without fun moments and meaningful connections with faculty members and academic areas. See those familiar faces and spaces that helped to make your years at Etown so special! School of Arts & Humanities - AL / FS Winters Alcove, High Library — Art, English, Graphic Design, History, Modern Languages, and Religious Studies M&M Mars Room, Leffler Chapel — Music School of Business - AL / FS / ST Second Floor, Hoover Center — Accounting, Business Administration, Business Data Science, Economics, Finance, Financial Economics, International Business, and Marketing Room 382, Esbenshade Wing, Masters Center - Actuarial Science, Mathematical Business, Mathematics, and Mathematics Education School of Engineering & Computer Science - AL / FS Bollman Fabrication Laboratory, Esbenshade Wing, Masters Center — Computational Physics, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, and Information Systems School of Human & Health Professions - AL / FS Room 106, Nicarry Hall — Education (including secondary science education programs and social studies education) Room 360, Esbenshade Wing, Masters Center — Occupational Therapy Room 205, Nicarry Hall — Social Work School of Public Service - AL / FS Second Floor, Steinman Center — Communications Room 210, Nicarry Hall — Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Anthropology Room 110, Hoover Center — Legal Studies, Philosophy, and Political Science Dr. E. Fletcher McClellan Retirement Celebration — Alumni and friends are invited to stop in to share stories, sign our guest book, and celebrate Dr. McClellan's years of leadership and service to the Elizabethtown College community. School of Sciences - AL / FS Masters Mineral Gallery, Masters Center — Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Chemistry Laboratory Science, Environmental Science, Neuroscience, and Psychology Musser Hall Renovation Tours – All are welcome to take a faculty-led tour of the renovated Chemistry labs.
3 - 5 p.m.	Mosaic House Open House Mosaic House (formerly known as the "Rose Garden" House) Newly renovated and full of energy for the fall semester, experience the Mosaic House and meet some of the students, staff, faculty, and alumni involved with the diversity, equity, and belonging-related educational programming and social events based therein! AL / FM / FS / ST
3 - 5 p.m.	Theatre and Dance Students and Alumni Celebration Tempest Theatre, Baugher Student Center Connecting with fellow performing arts friends in a special place never felt so good! Join current students, alumni, and others for a relaxed and fun time that celebrates the past and present of Etown's theatre and dance programs and groups! AL / FM / FS / ST
4:30 p.m.	Blue Jay Women's Soccer vs. Wilkes University, Featuring the Halftime Homecoming Court Presentation Ira R. Herr Field In what will surely be a lively Landmark Conference Homecoming clash, the Blue Jays will host the Wilkes University Colonels! The College's Homecoming Court festivities will take place in advance of the second half. AL / FM / FS / ST
4:30 p.m.	Etown Jelly Swatters Ultimate Frisbee Club vs. Alumni Match Wolf Field AL / FM / FS / ST
5 - 7 p.m.	Homecoming Jazz Dinner Buffet The Marketplace, Brossman Commons Delight in a wide variety of delectable culinary creations while enjoying live New Orleans-style jazz, played to perfection by the Dutchers band, featuring Bruce Campbell '76 P'08 and Adjunct Professor Faith Shiffer. Tickets available at the door, $16.25; $8.00 for ages 3-10. AL / FM / FS / ST
6 - 7 p.m.	Third Annual Ubuntu Homecoming Gathering Bowers Writers House Alumni, faculty, staff, and students of color are invited to renew past ties and create new ones during this special networking event designed to build connections and community across generations of Jays. This event is sponsored by Nexus and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging. AL / FS / ST
7 - 9 p.m.	Theatre Alumni Reunion Moo-Duck Brewery, 79 S. Wilson Ave., Elizabethtown, Pa. Calling all Theatre alumni and friends! What could be better after an amazing day on campus than to continue the fun together at one of Etown’s most popular gathering spots? Enjoy good times and great memories together with fellow Jays at Moo-Duck Brewery! This event is sponsored by Encore. More Information AL / FS
8 p.m.	12th Annual Homecoming M.V.P. Spectacular, Featuring the Distinguished Graduate of the Last Decade Award Musser Auditorium, Leffler Chapel and Performance Center When it comes to amazing a cappella harmonies, you can’t get any better than Etown's very own M.V.P. (Melica, Vocalign, and Phalanx) vocal bands. With an all-star group of alumni announcers and the conferral of the 2023 Distinguished Graduate of the Last Decade Award to alumnus Bhim Thapaliya '15, you are bound to be amazed, inspired, and delighted! Tickets available at the door. AL / FM / FS / ST

Sunday, October 15, 2023

Time	Event
7 a.m. – 7 p.m.	Marketplace Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Hours Brossman Commons Breakfast: 7 – 10:30 a.m., $8.40 Lunch: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., $13.65 Dinner: 4 – 7 p.m., $16.25 Tickets available at the door. AL / FM / FS / ST
9 – 9:30 a.m.	Explore the Labyrinth Labyrinth, Path to Bowers Writers House Come hear the story of our new labyrinth and walk the path as a meditation at your own pace. RSVP for the Labyrinth event. AL / FM / FS / ST
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.	22 Views of Mokuhanga Art Exhibition Lyet Gallery, Leffler Chapel 22 Views of Mokuhanga showcases work from twenty-two contemporary artists practicing mokuhanga, a traditional Japanese water-based form of printmaking. The selected artists are based in the US, Japan, and Europe and vary in style and technique. AL / FM / FS / ST
10:30 a.m.	Worship Service Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren, 777 S. Mt Joy St., Elizabethtown, Pa. More Information AL / FM / FS / ST
Noon - 6:30 p.m.	High Library Escape Room "Escape the Game" IDEA Lab, High Library You’ve been trapped within the High Library's board game collection! The only way out is to escape alongside the winners of the next game... a game that is already in progress, but you don’t even know who’s playing, let alone winning. The escape room will be open in 30-minute time slots throughout Homecoming and Family Weekend. Sign up with a team of 2-6 people and visit the High Library's IDEA lab to solve the game's puzzles, find the winners, and escape. This program is free. Registration required. Register Now AL / FM / FS / ST
Noon - 8 p.m.	Self-Guided Tours of the Bowers Center Bowers Center for Sports, Fitness and Well-Being AL / FM / FS / ST
Noon - 1 a.m.	Library Exhibit: The Long Road to LGBTQ+ Equality in Pennsylvania High Library In celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month, the library is hosting a traveling history exhibit from the LGBT Center of Central PA that chronicles the efforts that activists have undertaken in Pennsylvania to achieve full equality for LGBTQ+ people. With the lack of success in passing statewide legislative protections from discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations and education, activists have been working for more than five decades to obtain these protections one battle at a time, one municipality at a time. The exhibit uses case studies of several cities and townships to highlight not just the political struggles, but the personal stories as well. AL / FM / FS / ST

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October 13-15, 2023

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Homecoming & Family Weekend