Homecoming

Alumni and Family Weekend

Save the Date | September 30 - October 2, 2022

Get ready for a weekend to remember.

Celebrate Utica University’s rich history and traditions with a weekend featuring a full slate of events:

Join us for dedications, receptions, and more.
Ever-popular events such as the Carnival, the pre-game Tailgate Party, and the Pioneer 5th Quarter Party, all return.
There are athletic events for everyone: make sure to attend this year's football game as the Pioneers take-on Hartwick

Spread The Word

Spread the word on Social Media. We can’t wait to see you as we celebrate Homecoming 2022!

#CUatU22!

Join Us!

COUNTDOWN TO HOMECOMING:

Get Social | #CUatU22:

Schedule of Events

2:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Registration and Information Station
Cynkus Family Welcome Center Burrstone Campus Entrance
Pick up your official nametag that serves as your weekend pass for pre-registered event(s).

3:00 p.m.
Lotis Howland Track Dedication
Todd and Jen Hutton Recreation Center, Inside Track

3:30 p.m.
Women’s Tennis vs Houghton College
Tennis Courts

4:00 p.m.
John A. Donohue, Sr. ’57 and Valerie F. Donohue Concourse Dedication
Frank E. Gannett Memorial Library, Library Concourse

4:30 p.m.
Dedication Reception
John A. Donohue, Sr. ’57 and Valerie F. Donohue Concourse
Join members of the Pioneer Society for this special reception celebrating the dedications taking place during Homecoming. This is an invitation only event.

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Utica University Club Football Reunion Dinner
Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse, 147 North Genesee Street, Utica, NY
All Club Football Alumni are invited to celebrate with us. Dinner and drink tickets are included. ($50 pp)

7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Carnival and More!
Ralph F. Strebel Student Center, Front Lawn
We have transformed Strebel Lawn into our own midway, complete with rides, games, cotton candy, popcorn and snow cones! All ages are welcome. (Free)

7:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Men's Lacrosse Alumni Game and Reception
Charles A. Gaetano Stadium
Catch the alumni game, and stick around for the 2022 Men’s Lacrosse Awards Ceremony and Alumni Reception in the newly dedicated John A. Donohue, Sr. ’57 and Valerie F. Donohue Concourse. This is one of the longest-running and most popular Homecoming traditions. (Reception: $20 pp)

7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Utica University Cabaret
Ralph F. Strebel Student Center, Auditorium
Come see the Cabaret! Join Utica University students as they sing, dance and perform for students, alumni and families attending Homecoming 2022. This event is very family friendly! (Free)

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Swimming and Diving Alumni Meet
Harold T. Clark, Jr. Athletic Center, Pool
Join the swimming and diving alumni for a meet at 7:00 p.m. in the pool at Clark Athletic Center. A reception is planned following the meet in the Pioneer Pub. ($15 pp)

8:30 - 10:00 p.m.
Utica University Football Alumni Reception
Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse, 147 North Genesee Street, Utica, NY
All Utica University Football alumni are welcome to attend. Appetizers and drink tickets are included. ($30 pp)

9:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Esports Arena Open House
Bull Hall, Carbone Auditorium
Join members of Utica University in open play and for an enjoyable meet and greet! Refreshments will be provided. ($15 pp)

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Registration and Information Station
Cynkus Family Welcome Center
Pick up your official nametag that serves as your weekend pass for pre-registered events.

8:00 a.m.
Construction Management Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) Closed Meeting
Thurston Hall, Collins Conference Room
IAC Members only

8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Trax Snack Station
Ralph F. Strebel Student Center, Pioneer Pub
Hungry for a snack? Check out the Trax Snack Station and see what’s on the menu!

9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Various Utica University Advisory Closed Meetings

Utica Alumni Council Meeting
Sherwood Boehlert Hall and Conference Center, Conference Room
The Raymond Simon Institute for Public Relations and Journalism Advisory Committee Meeting
Hubbard Hall, Simon Baker Seminar Room 106

10:00 a.m.
Women’s Resource Center Open House
Francis A. Wilcox Intercultural and Student Organization Center
Stop by to celebrate the new location of the Women’s Resource Center and catch up on what’s happening in the Center. (Free)

10:00 a.m.
Women’s Lacrosse Alumnae Game and Lunch
Pioneer Track and Field Complex and Pioneer Pub
Play in or watch the alumnae game. Connect with women's lacrosse alumnae, parents, and friends, and meet the current team and coaches. Lunch will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the Pioneer Pub. (Lunch: $15 pp)

10:30 a.m.
The President's Golden Pioneer Reception - Classes of 1950-1972
Frank E. Gannett Memorial Library, John A. Donohue, Sr. ’57 and Valerie F. Donohue Concourse
Begin the festivities with a Bloody Mary or Mimosa and mingle with other Golden Pioneers. (Free with the Luncheon - see below)

10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Construction Management Tailgate Event
Outside Thurston Hall
Guests are encouraged to attend this popular annual tradition and enjoy home-style BBQ, gumbo, live music, and more.

11:00 a.m.
The President's Golden Pioneer Luncheon
Frank E. Gannett Memorial Library, John A. Donohue, Sr. ’57 and Valerie F. Donohue Concourse
Join our host, President Laura Casamento, for an early lunch. Celebrate with the Classes of 1972 and earlier. The classes of 1972, 1971, and 1970 will be welcomed as our newest Golden Pioneers. Lunch is complimentary for members of the Classes of 1972, 1971, and 1970. (Guests: $40 pp)

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Pre-Game Tailgate Party and Family Fun Tent
Tents (Burrstone Road Entrance)
Join in on family fun and activities listed below. Sponsored by the BSU, BAA, BOND, WIND, and the Divine Nine including the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Kid-friendly activities: face painting, coloring table, balloons, Trax selfies, etc.
Family-friendly food and beverages available for purchase.
Members of BSU, BAA, BOND, WIND, and the Divine Nine including the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., will host tables under the tent
The menu is simple, all beef hot dogs (with all the fixins), veggie burgers (available upon request), some sides and beverages by our sponsor The Matt Brewing Company. WPNR 90.7 FM will provide music and on-air shout-out opportunities.
Everyone is welcome to attend this party hosted by the Utica Alumni Council. Saranac 1888 root beer included; $2 Utica Club drafts or $2 wines for those over 21. ($10; free for meal-plan students. Valid I.D. required)

11:00 a.m.
Volleyball vs. Wells
Harold T. Clark, Jr. Athletic Center, Gym
(Free)

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Utica Football Alumni Gathering
Charles A. Gaetano Stadium, End Zone Tent
All Football Alumni are welcome to join us for food and conversation before the game. Food and drink tickets will be provided along with a small gift. Season pass will be provided with registration. ($40 pp)

1:00 p.m.
Football Game: Utica University vs. Hartwick College
Charles A. Gaetano Stadium
Cheer on your Pioneers! Wear your blue and orange and arrive early to get a seat! $5 Adults; $2 non-Utica students at the gate; admission is free if you bring a non-perishable food item for Feed Our Vets. Look for the blue food bins!

1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Build Your Own Sundae
Ralph F. Strebel Student Center, Back Lawn
Stop by the Registrar's table for a meet and greet and make your own sundae! (Free)

3:00 p.m.
Young Scholars’ Annual Potluck Gathering
Outside the Faculty Center, Back Lawn
Current Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program (YSLLP) students, alumni, families, and friends are invited to gather for this annual event. (Free)

3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Carnival and More!
Ralph F. Strebel Student Center, Front Lawn
Enjoy the midway, complete with rides, games, cotton candy, popcorn and snow cones! All ages are welcome. (Free)

4:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Pioneer 5^thQuarter Party
Ralph F. Strebel Student Center, Pioneer Pub, Ellen Knower Clarke Lounge and Back Lawn
Fun activities and food for purchase for all alumni, students, families, and friends.

Play and ride outside at the carnival. (Free)
Music by WPNR 90.7 FM!

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Student Senate/Student Government Association Reunion
Bull Hall, Petralia Lounge and Terrace
Join current and former SGA members for a get-together and reminisce about your time at Utica. ($15 pp)

5:30 p.m.
Women's Field Hockey vs. Elmira College
Charles A. Gaetano Stadium
(Free)

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
“For the Culture” Reception
Francis A. Wilcox Intercultural and Student Organization Center, Lobby
Join us for a reception honoring the Divine Nine, the Black Student Union, the Black Alumni Association and other clubs and organizations. All are welcome. ($5 pp, student admission is free)

6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
All Reunion Party
Ralph F. Strebel Student Center, Pioneer Pub
Join the celebration of the Classes of 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012, and 2017. All alumni class years are welcome! Cash bar with beer, wine and soda available (valid I.D. required) inside the Pioneer Pub. Snacks will be provided, as well as music requests by WPNR. ($15 pp)

7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Tangerine/Raymond Simon Institute Celebration
Thurston Hall, Hislop Auditorium
Celebrate with members of the Tangerine and Raymond Simon Institute. Reconnect with public relations and journalism faculty and fellow alumni. ($10 pp)

8:00 p.m.
Orientation Mentors Reunion
Ralph F. Strebel Student Center, Pioneer Pub
Join other former Utica University Orientation Mentors as they gather together and celebrate their time on campus. ($15 pp)

10:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
"For The Ages" Dance Party
Ralph F. Strebel Student Center, Ellen Knower Clarke Lounge
Dance party with music across the decades, hosted by the Black Student Union and the Black Alumni Association. Advance pre-registration required by 5:00 p.m. on October 1, 2022. (Alumni and friends: $5 pp; students: free with advance registration)

9:30 a.m.
Alumni Awards Breakfast
Frank E. Gannett Memorial Library, John A. Donohue, Sr. ’57 and Valerie F. Donohue Concourse
All are welcome to join the Utica Alumni Council in honoring the 2022 Alumni Award Recipients. Seating is limited, please register early. ($40 pp)

11:00 a.m.
Women’s Water Polo Alumnae Scrimmage and Reunion
Harold T. Clark, Jr. Athletic Center, Pool
Play in or watch the alumnae game. Light refreshments available poolside. ($15 pp)

12:00 p.m.
Continue the Conversation “For the People”
Sherwood Boehlert Hall Conference Room, Duffy Plaza
Continue the conversation with current Utica University students and alumni from the BSU, BAA, Divine Nine, and other groups. Conversation will be facilitated by Dr. Anthony Baird ’91, Utica’s Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Student Transitions. (Free)

1:00 p.m.
Women’s Tennis vs. Oswego
Tennis Courts
(Free)

More About Homecoming

2022 Alumni Award Recipients

Outstanding Senior

Isabella Gilbert ’22

Alumni Memorial Scholarships

Jaydy Hernandez ’23
Mickale Thompson ’23

Outstanding Service Award

Dr. Denise McVay, DPT ’07

Young Leadership Awards

Geoffrey Brandt ’07

Honorary Alumni Award

Fred Vivacqua

Distinguished Alumni Award

Dawn Chmielewski ’83

University Key Award

Ricardo Cumberbatch ’83

Pioneer Legacy Award

Linda Romano, Esq.
John A. Donohue, Sr. ’57 (posthumously)

BEST WESTERN GATEWAY ADIRONDACK INN
175 North Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502
(315) 732-4121

BURRSTONE INN, ASCEND HOTELS COLLECTION, BY CHOICE HOTELS
1777 Burrstone Road, New Hartford, NY 13413
(315) 797-2131

DAYS INN BY WYNDHAM
150 North Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502
(315) 797-8743

DELTA HOTELS BY MARRIOTT UTICA
200 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502
(315) 797-8010

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL UTICA
102 Lafayette Street, Utica, NY 13502
(315) 724-7829

HAMPTON INN UTICA
172-180 North Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502
(315) 733-1200

HAMPTON INN & SUITES NEW HARTFORD
201 Woods Park Drive, Clinton, NY 13323
(315) 793-1600

HAMPTON INN ROME
1352 Floyd Ave, Rome, NY 13441
(315) 709-0000

HAMPTON INN VERONA
5186 Route 365, Verona, NY 13478
(315) 363-3801

HERKIMER RED ROOF INN & SUITES
Exit 30 off NYS I-90, 100 Marginal Road, Herkimer, NY 13350
(877) 656-6835

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS AND SUITES
23 Wells Avenue, Utica, NY 13502
(315) 724-2726

HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON NEW HARTFORD UTICA
185 Woods Park Drive, Clinton, NY 13323
(315) 801-7200

HOME2 SUITES UTICA
119 North Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502
(315) 733-1000

RED ROOF INN
20 Weaver Street, Utica, NY 13502
(315) 724-7128

THE FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT UTICA
71 North Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502
(315) 798-9600

THE INN AT TURNING STONE (off-site of resort)
5218 Patrick Road, Verona, NY 13478
(800) 771-7711

THE HOTEL AT TURNING STONE
5218 Patrick Road, Verona, NY 13478
(800) 771-7711

TOWNEPLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTT NEW HARTFORD
4760 Middle Settlement Road, Whitesboro, NY 13492
(315) 732-2500

WINGATE BY WYNDHAM ROME – GRIFFISS BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY PARK
90 Dart Circle, Rome, NY 13441
(315) 334-4244

Contact Us

Office of Advancement

Clark City Center

(315) 792-3053

advancement@utica.edu

Volunteer Register Now Campus Map