October is here and as we approach the 2024 Homecoming celebration, the anticipation and excitement fills the air, reminding us of the deep connections we've formed through our shared experiences. This is a time to reflect on the journey we've taken, from our first days on campus to the present. Each reunion not only strengthens our bonds but also celebrates the vibrant spirit of the Mountaineer community.
Homecoming is more than just a tradition; it's an opportunity to relive cherished college memories and reconnect with the community that shaped you. Returning to campus evokes nostalgia as you walk familiar paths from Woodburn Hall to Life Sciences, reunite with old friends, and celebrate with current Mountaineers. Relive the memories with a PRT ride across campus, or bowling in the basement of the Mountainlair. Take your photo with the Mountaineer Mascot Statue in front of the Mountainlair, or work those calf muscles with a walk up the steps from the PRT to Woodburn.
As you travel to Morgantown, the spirit of Homecoming will be alive and well. The WVU Alumni truck will make stops at the Downtown, Evansdale, and Health Sciences campuses, engaging students with music, photo opportunities, and insights into both new and time-honored traditions.
We eagerly await your arrival on-campus to reconnect with friends, enjoy Morgantown in the fall and immerse yourself in vibrant Homecoming festivities. Whether you’re catching up with fellow alumni or experiencing the Mountaineer spirit again, this celebration promises to strengthen our community bonds.
When you arrive, be sure to visit the Erickson Alumni Center on Thursday or Friday for a warm welcome and a special treat. It’s the perfect place to reminisce and kick off your weekend of celebration.
On Friday, students, alumni, and community members are invited to the Homecoming edition of Mountaineer Friday at the Mountainlair from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy games, snacks, live music, and the chance to capture memories with the iconic "Home" letters. This event will spark the excitement of Homecoming weekend!
After Mountaineer Friday, head to Prospect Street for delicious bites from local food trucks before finding your perfect spot on High Street for the 6 p.m. Homecoming parade. This is an ideal opportunity to fuel up for one of the weekend’s highlights, where the entire WVU community comes together to celebrate our Mountaineer pride.
During the parade, we will honor this year's Homecoming and Service Award recipients. These exceptional Mountaineers embody our University’s core values of leadership, dedication, and community service, and their contributions have made a lasting impact. We’re proud to celebrate their achievements alongside the entire Mountaineer family during this special tradition!
On Saturday, the festivities continue as WVU schools and colleges host tailgates, including reunions for groups like the Student Government Association and the annual Black Alumni Association tailgate. Alumni can immerse themselves in pre-game excitement and embrace the Homecoming spirit before heading to the big game against Kansas State!
In addition to Saturday's big game, Homecoming week is packed with exciting sports action! Be sure to cheer on our WVU teams as they face off against opponents throughout the week. Catch volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s and women’s swimming and diving competitions, all taking place in Morgantown. It’s a great way to show your Mountaineer pride while supporting our talented student-athletes. Don't miss the chance to experience the energy of WVU sports while you're in town!
As our Homecoming celebration continues into Sunday, we’re excited to introduce some new traditions! Kick off the day with a Trick or Trot 5K and 1 mile fun run/walk, a perfect opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Morgantown scenery while connecting with fellow alumni and community members. After the run, join us for Sundaes on Sunday, where you can indulge in delicious ice cream sundaes while reminiscing about your favorite Mountaineer moments. It’s a sweet way to wrap up a weekend full of festivities and create lasting memories with the WVU family!
I would also like to give a shout out to our alumni chapters around the country. In addition to hosting Homecoming game watches near and far, they’ve engaged in a service project that will culminate at Homecoming. Earlier this fall we were approached by several chapters with the idea. What started as a labor of love for our Lone Star Chapter in Houston, Texas several years ago, has now expanded to include chapters in other parts of the country as well. Leading up to Homecoming, our chapters collected bears and blankets for children receiving care at WVU Medicine Children’s. During Homecoming Weekend the bears and blankets collected will be delivered to the hospital’s Child Life Program. This is another meaningful example of the ways our chapters so generously serve the Mountaineer community.
As we gather to celebrate the 2024 Homecoming celebration, I can’t help but reflect on how this time of year holds a special place in my heart. It brings back cherished memories from my childhood and my days as a student, along with my experiences working here at WVU. Each moment spent reconnecting with friends and witnessing the Mountaineer spirit reminds me of the profound impact this community has had on my life. I look forward to welcoming each of you back to campus, where together we’ll celebrate the legacy and traditions that unite us as Mountaineers.
Let’s go!