Homecoming Weekend approaching

RayLynn Chraston, Staff writer

Homecoming is approaching very fast Lakers. This year marks a first for a lot of things since the COVID-19 pandemic first began.

Sadly, last year Mercyhurst was unable to celebrate homecoming normally as in previous years due to being in the midst of the pandemic.

However, Mercyhurst is planning on getting back into the groove of things and is offering a lot of activities as well as hosting many events during this Homecoming weekend.

To get further insight on this weekend, the Merciad got in contact with Lindsay Frank, the Director of Alumni Engagement here at Mercyhurst.

“Homecoming Weekend is one of our biggest events in which we welcome alumni back to Mercyhurst. I am personally so excited because this is the first on-campus alumni event that we have been able to host since February 2020, pre-COVID of course! We hosted many virtual events since the pandemic began but Zoom simply cannot take the place or recreate the feeling for alumni to drive through the gates and feel like [they’re] HOME again,” said Frank.

In regard to the alumni, Frank later discussed how the numbers for this Homecoming Weekend are looking very good. The large number of alumni coming could be because of how long it has been since they have been able to come back to campus as well as the excitement that everyone is feeling to be able to experience homecoming this year.

“This year, in addition to all of our usual events like the Homecoming Happy Hour and Alumni Tailgate, we are also celebrating the 50th Anniversary Season of Mercyhurst Rowing, the 40th Anniversary Season of Mercyhurst Football, and the 20th Anniversary Season of Mercyhurst Water Polo,” said Frank.

The events for Homecoming Weekend begin Friday, Sept. 24 and will continue through Sunday, Sept. 26. Some of the events that you may want to join include a volleyball Game in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center at 7 p.m. on Friday, a Women in Sports Reception in the Mercyhurst Ice Center at 6 p.m. on Friday, the Homecoming Bonfire behind Old Main at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, the Football game at Saxon Stadium at 1 p.m. on Saturday, the Men’s Water Polo games at the Haggerty Family Events Center at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, Catholic mass in the Christ the King Chapel at 10 a.m. on Sunday, and a field hockey game at Saxon Stadium at noon on Sunday.

In addition to the events listed above, if you are interested in viewing the full schedule of events as well as seeing who is coming to the Homecoming Weekend, you can find further information by going to mercyhurst.edu/homecoming.

Lastly, it is important to know that Mercyhurst follows COVID-19 guidance from state and local health departments, as well as the CDC.

Mercyhurst’s goal during this time is to keep everyone healthy and safe while accommodating our wants and needs.

Mercyhurst is excited to be celebrating this Homecoming Weekend this year and is looking forward to seeing all of the familiar faces back on campus. Make sure to take part in this Homecoming Weekend, Lakers, and have fun!