Amidt all of the events here at Waynesburg, nothing shows the importance of community more than Homecoming. Although Homecoming each and every year brings out the joy in both current and former students, the preparations also bring out their own sense of community amongst the faculty and staff on campus.

Homecoming is far from an exclusive tradition at Waynesburg University, but many Alumni of the university attest to the special atmosphere here. Despite events for Alumni being hosted throughout the year, both virtually and in person. Homecoming holds a special place in many Alumni’s hearts. 

This sentiment is held by many, as the name would suggest, it means Alumni returning to a place that they would call home.

“To me, homecoming at Waynesburg means the chance to – quite literally – ‘come home,’ in the sense that I get to reconnect with lifelong friends, mentors, and colleagues whom I was fortunate enough to meet at Waynesburg University. Ever since I have graduated and matriculated into medical school, I have gained greater appreciation and gratitude for the time I spent at Waynesburg; homecoming is a great way for me to relive those good memories and recharge for the long journey ahead!”Andrew Gordon, graduate of the class of 2022 said.

“It is such a blessing to be able to reconnect with friends each and every time I get to return to campus,”  Heidi Walton, graduate of the class of 2008 said.

David Floyd, director of Development and Alumni Relations, has a special place in his heart for Homecoming. Being an Alumni himself, Homecoming is not only a part of his job, but also a passion project. Floyd understands what Homecoming means to current students and Alumni.

“It’s just a really good opportunity to catch up with people that we’ve grown to know and had conversations with over the course of the years and so it’s definitely a fun one to plan and put together,” Floyd said.

It’s just a really great opportunity to catch up with people that we’ve grown to know and had conversations with over the course of the years and so it’s definitely a fun one to plan and put together.

Dave Floyd

For the Alumni Relations office, as soon as the tents and decorations are taken down for Homecoming, the planning immediately starts for next year. Despite the quick turnaround for planning, Floyd treasures the community built among the faculty and staff. Homecoming is not only run by Alumni Relations but many departments across campus. Many groups and academic departments arrange reunions and athletics are involved with many former athletes returning to see their teams play games. 

“You know it’s probably a cliché answer I would think, since it’s the same with a lot of schools, but I just think we’ve got such a close-knit campus community and the ability for us [to work with] with so many different areas of campus and having students and alumni that are just so integrally involved in really a lot of different activities at Waynesburg. And just that sense of being able to come together and celebrate as what we always say is the past, present, and future of Waynesburg is certainly something that is something pretty special here for sure.” said Floyd. Homecoming is by no means a job only done by Alumni Relations, and as Homecoming weekend comes closer, Waynesburg University will be eagerly anticipating the celebrations.

Although Alumni Relations holds many events throughout the year, Homecoming not only allows Alumni to get together but also to experience campus as it has both changed and stayed the same.