Waynesburg University wrapped up its Homecoming festivities on Saturday, Oct 4. The two-day celebration kicked off Friday, Oct. 3, with Alumni Golf at the Greene County Country Club and lasted until the Dedication of the Porter Pavilion, which was held immediately after the Waynesburg University Football game against Allegheny College.

At halftime of the football game, the annual Homecoming king and queen were named. Hudson Pincavitch was crowned king, and Aubrey Burns was crowned queen. 

“I was very excited, a little shocked to be honest. I knew that it was going to be close between myself and the other nominees. Those guys are great people, and every single one of them deserved it,” Pincavitch said. 

Pincavitch took a moment to thank some people who helped him get to this point in his personal life.

“I want to give thanks to my family for always supporting me. I am also thankful for my friends. They were very vocal about voting for me, and some made flyers to hang around campus,” Pincavitch said. “Lastly, I would like to thank my professors. There were multiple there at that game that came to congratulate me and support me.”

Burns seemed to be very selfless when she heard her name called to be crowned, but was nonetheless, like Pincavitch, very excited.

“Honestly, I was more excited to hear Hudson’s name than mine,” Burns said. “It felt great to be with those girls in front of the crowd. I’m just happy I got to experience being on the Homecoming court and all the fun festivities we got to do.”

Burns then took the time to thank the people who were close to her in this moment.

“I’m thankful for all my friends, teammates and peers who voted. I am thankful for Hudson for running with me. I am grateful that my parents were excited I won. It’s not a giant thing, but I know they like to see their girl doing things.”

She gave one big thank you to her teammate, peer and even roommate, Tori Wesolowski.

“Tori did all of our campaigning. I am especially thankful for her and the support that she gave to me and my king.”

Beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, the Wiley Family Field Fest was held for Waynesburg University alumni at John F. Wiley Stadium’s back gate. According to waynesburg.edu, under the Alumni and Giving heading and then the Homecoming section, you were able to “stop by for complimentary gifts, snacks, drinks, games, and more!” 

Alumni who were celebrating a reunion year were also gifted a special ribbon commemorating their reunion at the Wiley Family Field Fest. 

David Floyd, the director of development and alumni relations, gave a few words on the Homecoming event.

“I thought it went really well,” Floyd said. “The events were set up perfectly by our event staff in the days leading up to Homecoming. All the feedback was really supportive. Attendance-wise, we had a great turnout from multiple classes; the best turnout was our class of 1975 for their 50-year anniversary.”

Following the Waynesburg football game was the Dedication of the Porter Pavilion at John F. Wiley Stadium. The pavilion is meant to commemorate the generosity of William “Bill” and Mary Porter to the town of Waynesburg. Because of this, the pavilion was named after Bill’s father, Ralph Porter. Former alumni, friends and family attended the dedication to Ralph “Jake” Porter.

“It was absolutely beautiful and was a great way to end just such a special weekend,” Floyd said. “I think that this dedication and words said about Ralph Porter really meant a lot to the family and the people that were there for Bill and Mary.”

The Porter Pavilion was not the only dedication happening this weekend. On Friday, the Porter family, friends and alumni attended the Dedication of The Margaret “Peg” Porter Business Office, located on the second floor of Miller Hall. On Saturday, Education faculty members, Institutional Advancement staff, members of the Crockard family, friends and alumni attended the Dedication of the Enid Hope (Waters ‘46) Crockard Classroom, located in the education department on the third floor of Miller Hall. 

Other events that occurred over the weekend included alumni reunions for several sports and departments, donuts and coffee in the newly renovated Benedum Dining Hall, a baseball alumni game and the Class of 1975 50th Reunion Brunch with President and Mrs. Lee at the President’s House. 

With the Homecoming spirit starting to fade away until the same time next year, Floyd mentioned other upcoming events for the rest of this year.

“The annual Day of Giving is coming up. I think a lot of people around campus are excited for that, especially because it is the tenth anniversary,” Floyd said. “The other big event that my department is keeping their eyes on is the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Brass Spectacular, that is something that we all really get excited to go to.”

The Day of Giving will be held on Nov. 6, and the Brass Spectacular will take place on Dec. 10.