Inauguration & Homecoming Weekend

Get Ready For A Weekend To Remember

Save the Date | September 29 - October 1, 2023

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

Join us for the inauguration of Utica's Tenth President, Dr. Todd Pfannestiel, plus 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: Women's Tennis, Volleyball, and this year's Football Game as the Pioneers take on Hartwick.

Video Message from President Pfannestiel

Join Us!

COUNTDOWN TO HOMECOMING:

Get Social | #CUatU23:

Spread the word on Social Media. We can’t wait to see you as we celebrate Homecoming 2023!

Schedule of Events

(This schedule is subject to change, additions, etc.)

Note: A small portion of your event registration fees will be considered a donation to The Fund for Student Success. Thank you for supporting Utica University!

2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Information Station
Cynkus Family Welcome Center, Burrstone Road Campus Entrance
Got questions? Stop by to get Homecoming information or directions to the events. Make your own name tag for the weekend!

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION
DR. TODD PFANNESTIEL
TENTH PRESIDENT OF UTICA UNIVERSITY
Charles A. Gaetano Stadium; Rain Location, Harold T. Clark, Jr. Athletic Center, Gym

Take part in the formal installation of President Todd Pfannestiel, Utica University’s 10^th president. Inaugural celebration will immediately follow the proceedings (see below). (Open to all guests; registration is recommended. For details and registration, please visit our Inaugural Site.)

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The Inauguration of Dr. Todd Pfannestiel Post - Ceremony Celebration
Connie Gaetano Plaza (Outside Main Entrance of Stadium)
Please join us following the inauguration as we celebrate President Todd Pfannestiel. (Celebration is free; registration is recommended.)

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Utica University Cabaret
Ralph F. Strebel Student Center, Auditorium
Come See the Cabaret! Join Utica University students as they perform for students, alumni, and families attending Homecoming 2023. (Free: Arrive early to get a seat)

7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Utica University Football Alumni Reception
Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse, 147 North Genesee Street, Utica, NY
All Club and Varsity Football alumni and their guests are invited. Reception includes hearty hors d’oeuvres and two drink tickets. (Reception cost: $30 per person)

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

7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Men’s Lacrosse Alumni Game and Reception
Charles A. Gaetano Stadium and John A. Donohue, Sr. '57 and Valerie F. Donohue Concourse
Catch the alumni game and stick around for the 2023 Men’s Lacrosse Awards Ceremony and Alumni Reception. This is one of the longest-running and most popular Homecoming traditions. (Reception: $20 per person)

7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Men’s Soccer Alumni Game and Reception
Laura M. Casamento Track and Field Complex and Ralph F. Strebel Student Center, Pioneer Pub
Calling all Soccer alumni! Join in on a fun game of soccer and then celebrate with fellow alumni and students with a reception in the Pioneer Pub! (Reception: $20 per person)

7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
National Pan-Hellenic Council (aka the Divine Nine) Table Displays
Ralph F. Strebel Student Center
Members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, also known as the Divine Nine, will have informational tables set up in and around the Strebel Student Center. Stop by to learn more about these historically Black fraternities and sororities and how the organizations have been a catalyst for change while they represent the collective purposes of scholarship, service, and the power of community.

10:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
“Rep Ya Flag Party”
Ralph F. Strebel Student Center, Ellen Knower Lounge
Join students, alumni, and the Utica University community for a dance party! Hosted by the Black Student Union, we want all attendees to bring a flag from the country you or your family is from – the event is about bringing together and celebrating all the different cultures of Utica University. Leading the entertainment for the night will be our very own DJ BIGBOY (a.k.a Timothy Kirkland ’06). (Students: Free | Alumni and Parents: $10 per person) Pre-Registration is required - space is limited. Registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 29, at 5:00 p.m.

8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Information Station
Cynkus Family Welcome Center, Burrstone Road Campus Entrance
Got questions? Stop by to get Homecoming information or directions to the events. Make your own name tag for the weekend!

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Construction Management Industry Advisory Committee Meeting
Thurston Hall, Collins Conference Room
This is a members-only meeting.

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
The Raymond Simon Institute for Public Relations and Journalism Advisory Committee Meeting
Hubbard Hall, Simon Baker Seminar Room 106
This is a members-only meeting.

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

THE PRESIDENT'S GOLDEN PIONEER AND ALUMNI AWARDS
RECEPTION AND BRUNCH
Donohue Concourse

Begin the festivities with a Bloody Mary or Mimosa and mingle with other Utica Alumni. Then join our host President Pfannestiel for brunch as we celebrate the Golden Pioneers and the 2023 Alumni Award Recipients. We will be inducting the new Golden Pioneers from the Class of 1973 (50th), Class of 1953 (70th), Class of 1958 (65th), Class of 1963 (60th), and Class of 1968 (55th). Brunch is complimentary for members of ’73, ’68, ’63, ’58, ’53, and ’49 classes. The Utica Alumni Council will also honor the 2023 Alumni Award Recipients during this celebration. (Reception and Brunch: $35 per person)

10:00 a.m.
Women’s Lacrosse Alumnae Game
Laura M. Casamento Track and Field Complex
Celebrate over 20 years of Varsity Lacrosse by playing in or watching the alumnae game. (Free)

Women’s Lacrosse Alumnae Lunch
Ralph F. Strebel Student Center, Pioneer Pub
Immediately following the lacrosse game, connect with women’s lacrosse alumnae, parents, and friends and meet current team members and coaches. Enjoy lunch and friendly conversation. (Reception: $20 per person)

10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Construction Management Tailgate Event
Thurston Hall, Lawn
Attendees are encouraged to attend the CM tailgate gathering for home-style BBQ, gumbo, live music and more. (Free)

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Pre-Game Tailgate
Large Tent, Ralph F. Strebel Student Center, Back Lawn
Get ready for Pioneer football! Join us in the huge tents on the back lawn of Strebel Student Center. Food is available for purchase. WPNR 90.7 FM will provide music and on-air shout-out opportunities. (Reception: $15 per person; FREE for Utica University students on a meal plan - be sure to bring your Utica I.D.)

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Family Fun Tent
Small Tent, Ralph F. Strebel Student Center, Back Lawn
Fun under the tent! Kid-friendly activities: face painting, coloring table, balloons, Trax selfies, etc. (Free)

11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
National Pan-Hellenic Council (aka the Divine Nine) Table Displays
Ralph F. Strebel Student Center
Members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, also known as the Divine Nine, will have informational tables set up in and around the Strebel Student Center. Stop by to learn more about these historically Black fraternities and sororities and how the organizations have been a catalyst for change while they represent the collective purposes of scholarship, service, and the power of community.

12:00 p.m.
John Paul “JP” Ramel Memorial Patio Dedication
Thurston Hall, Side Lawn
Join us as we celebrate the memory of John Paul “JP” Ramel by dedicating a Pergola designed and built by his former Construction Management classmates. John Paul “JP” Ramel passed away from a sudden illness on April 10, 2022. JP was a Construction Management major from Pipersville, Pennsylvania.

1:00 p.m.

FOOTBALL GAME
UTICA UNIVERSITY VS. HARTWICK
Charles A. Gaetano Stadium

Wear blue and orange and cheer on the Pioneers! ($5 Adults; $2 non-Utica students at the gate. Free admission if you bring a non-perishable item for Feed Our Vets).

2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Carnival and More!
Ralph F. Strebel Student Center, Front Lawn
Join us for rides, games, cotton candy, popcorn, and snow cones! All ages are welcome. (Free)

3:00 p.m.
Young Scholars’ Annual Potluck Gathering
Outside Faculty Center, Back Lawn
Join current Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program (YSLPP) students, alumni, families, and friends for this annual event. (Free)

4:00 p.m.
Women’s Soccer vs Houghton University
Laura M. Casamento Track and Field Complex
Cheer on the Pioneers as they take the field against Houghton. (Free)

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Pioneer 5th Quarter Party
Large Tent, Ralph F. Strebel Student Center, Back Lawn
Keep the party going and join us for music and some post-game food and beverages. (Food and beverage tickets available for purchase)

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Alumni Social Gathering at 1888 Biergarten, F.X. Matt Brewing Company
Brewery Courtyard, 811 Edward St., Utica, NY
Recent graduates, friends, and family join with the Classes of 2013 and 2018 as they celebrate their 5 and 10-year reunions at Saranac's Octoberfest. This event is open to all classes! (Free. Food and beverages available for purchase. Note: Weather-permitting - venue is closed in event of inclement weather. Visit the 1888 Biergarten site for details.)

7:00 p.m.
Men's Soccer vs Nazareth College
Laura M. Casamento Track and Field Complex (Free)

9:00 a.m.
Pioneer Path
Utica University Campus
Ready for a run or walk? Join Utica students, faculty, staff, and alumni for an enjoyable run/walk around our beautiful campus. Runners will receive a t-shirt and light refreshments. ($25 pre-registered by September 24; $30 if registered September 25 - October 01, 2023)

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Grab and Go Breakfast
Ralph F. Strebel Student Center, Ellen Knower Clark Lounge
Enjoy a grab and go breakfast in the Ellen Knower Clark Lounge before you head home. (Breakfast: $15 per person)

More About Homecoming

2023 Alumni Award Recipients

Outstanding Senior

Isabelle LaBelle ’23

Alumni Memorial Scholarships

Nathan Rice ’24
Toni Whyte ’24

Sportsmanship Award

Jimmie Warren ’24
Abby Lillis ’24

Pioneer Legacy Award

Professor Allyn Earl ’62

University Key Award

David ’76 and Martha Lamb ’77

Distinguished Alumna Award

Kimberly Hill ’94

Honorary Alumna

Elizabeth “Betty” Eisengrein Meehan

Young Leadership Award

Erica Eckman ’08
Dr. Kenneth J. Visalli ’08

Outstanding Service Award

Dr. Leslie Corbo ’09

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

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