Schedule

All alumni, families, and friends of Kenyon are invited to gather on the Hill during Homecoming Weekend. Our reimagined festival for all will include bicentennial activities, the Black Student Union's 55th reunion, an LGBTQ+ alumni reunion, as well as celebrations for 40 years of women's soccer, 50 years of the sociology department, 50 years of women's volleyball, 135 years of football and more!

Homecoming events are being added regularly to the schedule. Download our event app (from both the App Store and Google Play) to plan ahead for the weekend or browse the schedule below.

1 - 5 p.m. Welcome Center Open

Stop by to receive your name badge, parking pass and additional information about the weekend, including information about our event app. New Alumni & Parent Engagement Office located at 101 Scott Lane

1 - 5 p.m. Generosity Project Book Drive at the Welcome Center

During her keynote speech at Reunion Weekend 2024, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink '91 encouraged us all to keep paying attention to the war in Ukraine. With that mission in mind and knowing that, in addition to Ukranians, there are communities across the globe in need of books, Kenyon's Generosity Project is accepting donations of books during the month of September to distribute in partnership with International Book Project. Please join in! Drop off your used books in excellent condition at Kenyon’s Homecoming Welcome Center, 101 Scott Lane

4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Former Kenyon Roommates on the Power of Relationships

Join former Kenyon roommates for an open dialogue on the importance of relationships and friendships for early and ongoing career success. The act of building relationships (or networks) is simply called “networking.” This misunderstood exercise is not only essential, but it can be deeply enjoyable and meaningful. It is built on curiosity, empathy and enhancing understanding through new perspectives. Homecoming Weekend is the perfect opportunity to give it a go. Join Jenny Mallamo ’08 (Council on Foreign Relations), Ashleigh Phillis ’08 (EdFuel), Michael Frick ’08 (Treatment Action Group) and Christopher Tucker ’08 (Wells Fargo), for a fun and light-hearted conversation around relationship-building and work. Open to all! Students earn extra credit for Career Development Office (CDO) Rewards. Peirce Hall, Room 109

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Welcome Center Open

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Generosity Project Book Drive at the Welcome Center

2 - 4 p.m. Reunion Planning

Sessions for alumni who graduated in years ending in 0 and 5. Location TBD.

3:10 - 4 p.m. Sociology Keynote featuring Jane Pryma '12

Pain (Mis)Management: How Sociology Helps Us Understand the Twin Crises of Chronic Pain and Opioid Misuse. Community Foundation Theater

3:30 p.m. Women's Soccer vs. Carnegie Mellon University

Mavec Field

4 p.m. New Residence Hall Ribbon Cutting

President Julie Kornfeld and the Generosity Project invite you to the dedication and open house of the South Campus residence halls. Tour the new suite-style building, opening in January, and sign the Bicentennial Book. Refreshments from Birds of a Feather Bakery will be provided. Outside the new South Campus residence hall, east of Middle Path

4 - 6 p.m. Sociology 50 Reception

Oden Atrium and Patio

4:10 - 5 p.m. Getting Past Platitudes in Resolving High Conflict Situations: Three Lessons from My Experience

Jim Tull '85, an experienced practitioner and consultant in international conflict management, will give a talk on how to have hard discussions in contested times, based on his experience having negotiated hostage releases and mediated in many high-level international conflicts. Chalmers 320

4:10 - 5:30 p.m. Open Workshop: Gyal Time

Open to all! Stacy Letrice Smith ’09 will offer a beginner friendly female dancehall (Jamaican Cultural Dance) class, an empowering experience designed to celebrate and enhance your confidence, sensuality and body ownership through the art of dance. Participants will explore sensual movements and rhythms in a supportive environment, learning classic and contemporary dancehall steps that emphasize self-expression and body awareness. This class fosters a positive, uplifting atmosphere where women can embrace their inner strength, cultivate self-love, and feel empowered through the dynamic expressive language of dancehall. Bolton Dance Studio

5 - 6 p.m. Career Networking Reception

Returning alumni and current students are invited to take part in a speed networking reception facilitated by the Career Development Office. Alumni and students will discuss their career trajectories, career interest, industry trends, as well as internship and job opportunities. Hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine (for those of age, with a legal ID) will be served. Open to all alumni and students. Peirce Pub

5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Happy Hour with Queer Faculty and Staff

Join LGBTQ+ Kenyon faculty and staff for a happy hour at the Village Inn! Connect with former mentors, meet new employees, enjoy great conversation and build a stronger community in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're a regular or new to Kenyon, this is the perfect opportunity to unwind, make new friends and celebrate our vibrant LGBTQ+ community. See you there! The Village Inn

6 p.m. Alumni Happy Hour at The Flats

Join founding members to help christen The Flats, a new student-run bar that opened this semester, at this alumni-only happy hour. Please note: This special happy hour is intended just for alumni to experience The Flats, which is otherwise a student-only space. The Flats (located behind the Bookstore)

6 p.m. Black Student Union 55th Anniversary Dinner

7 - 9 p.m. Athletics Hall of Fame and Celebration

Help celebrate the induction of former standout student-athletes. MAC, Lowry Center

9 - 11 p.m. Bonfire, presented by Social Board

Social Board is bringing back its traditional Homecoming bonfire. Only, this time, bigger than ever! Come enjoy complimentary s'mores, food, beverages and giveaways. Gund Commons

8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Welcome Center Open

Stop by to receive your name badge, parking pass and additional information about the weekend, including information about our event app. Lowry Center, located at 221 Duff Street in Gambier in the purple tent

8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Generosity Project Book Drive at the Welcome Center

During her keynote speech at Reunion Weekend 2024, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink '91 encouraged us all to keep paying attention to the war in Ukraine. With that mission in mind and knowing that, in addition to Ukranians, there are communities across the globe in need of books, Kenyon's Generosity Project is accepting donations of books during the month of September to distribute in partnership with International Book Project. Please join in! Drop off your used books in excellent condition at our Lowry Center Welcome Center, located at 221 Duff Street in the purple tent

9 - 11 a.m. Reunion Planning

Sessions for alumni who graduated in years ending in 0 and 5. Location TBD

10 - 10:30 a.m. Football Team Walk

Meet at the Middle Path Gates to cheer on the football team as they make their traditional walk to the field prior to playing Wooster at 1 p.m. Start at Middle Path Gates, end at the Lowry Center

10 - 11:30 a.m. LGBTQ+ Reunion Circle Discussion

Join current LGBTQ+ students, staff and faculty for a meaningful circle discussion focused on strengthening our LGBTQ+ community. This gathering will explore how we find and foster a sense of queer belonging at Kenyon and beyond. Topics will include discovering community on campus, building connections after graduation and creating supportive networks in new places. Whether you're looking to share your experiences or seek advice, this discussion is a great opportunity to connect and grow together. All are welcome! Cheever Seminar Room, Finn House

11 a.m. Volleyball vs. Oberlin College

Tomsich Arena

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Homecoming Block Party

Head down to our third annual Homecoming Block Party where you can enjoy live music, field games, inflatables, face painting, an all-campus lunch and more! Lowry Center Lawn

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Generosity Project Book Drive at the Homecoming Block Party

Noon. Kenyon Field Hockey vs. Denison University

Field at Benson Bowl

Noon. Kenyon Swim and Dive Alumni Gathering

Kenyon Swim and Dive alumni are hosting a get-together for the current team at the home of Brett Holcomb’s mother. All Swim and Dive alumni are invited to join a lunchtime pig roast, with chicken and vegetarian options too! 19150 Baker Road, Gambier

1 p.m. Kenyon Football vs. College of Wooster

Halftime will feature Hall of Fame introductions and a local marching band. McBride Field

2 p.m. In Memoriam: A Walking Tour of Kenyon’s Latin and Greek Inscriptions

What can Kenyon’s Latin and Greek inscriptions tell us about the College’s two-hundred-year history? Join us for a one-hour walking tour in which we will tell the tales of these fascinating texts from the past that seek to speak to us in the present. Part of a project commemorating Kenyon’s bicentennial, the tour will be led by Professor of Classics Adam Serfass and two classics majors, Ellis Copley ’25 and Chiara Nevard ’25. Meet at the College Gates

2 p.m. Mystery Novelist Andrew Welsh-Huggins ’83 Book Signing

Andrew Welsh-Huggins ’83 will sign copies of his new book, "Sick To Death." Kenyon Bookstore

3 p.m. Men’s Alumni Lacrosse Game

Connect with your fellow alumni, as well as members of the current team. We hope to see you there! Benson Field

3 - 4 p.m. Hauntings & Histories of Kenyon: Over the Hill and Under the Hill to Philander's College We Go

Community Foundation Theater, The Gund

3 - 4:30 p.m. Rhythm & Roots Line Dance Workshop

Kenyon alumna Stacy Letrice Smith ’09 will lead an engaging and rhythmic exploration of traditional and contemporary line dances rooted in Black cultural heritage. Participants will learn a variety of line dances that celebrate the rich history and vibrant spirit of Black communities, from classic steps to modern grooves. The class emphasizes fun, community and cultural connection, providing a welcoming space to move, groove, and connect with the dynamic rhythms and traditions of Black dance. Mt Vernon Woodward Opera House (107 S. Main Street, 2nd Floor)

3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Friends of DISCO Meet and Greet

Members and alumni friends of the Disabled Chronically Ill Student Committee Organization (DISCO) invite you to come meet members of DISCO. Denniston Reading Room, Chalmers Library 303

4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Black Student Union 55th Anniversary and LGBTQ+ Reunion Keynote featuring Karen Williams

Oden Auditorium, Oden Hall

6 - 8 p.m. Black Student Union 55th Anniversary Banquet

Alumni Dining Room, Peirce Hall

10:30 a.m. Harcourt Parish Services

Church of the Holy Spirit, 102 College Park Street, Gambier

11 a.m. BSU 55th Anniversary Farewell Brunch

11 a.m. Men's Soccer vs. Christopher Newport

Mavec Field