Lycoming College Homecoming fulfilled its tradition of uniting alumni, students and friends the weekend of Oct. 23-25. More than 800 visitors to campus gathered to reconnect, network, honor alumni accomplishments, celebrate philanthropy, and cheer on Warrior athletic teams.
The weekend kicked off with the Thomas B. Croyle ’70 memorial golf tournament held at the Williamsport Country Club the morning of Oct. 23. The day also offered opportunities in the arts and sciences, with Dr. Philip Levesque '00 presenting “Around the World: The Global Evolution of BioManufacturing” at the annual Barbara Haller Endowed Lectureship. Emeriti faculty Jon Bogle and Roger Shipley showcased a retrospective art show at Lycoming’s downtown art gallery. The evening included affinity happy hours, a scavenger hunt co-sponsored by the alumni association and student senate, and culminated with what has become the signature Homecoming event: the Beer & Pretzel Tent. In its first year on the Main Quad, the sixth annual event featured Rusty Rail Brewing Company, owned by alumni Paul John ’85 and Eric John ’90. Williamsport’s own Black ‘N Blues provided musical entertainment and a blazing bonfire on the Quad with s’mores rounded out the night on campus.
Saturday morning provided opportunities to relive a Lycoming education. Emeritus professor Dr. Robert Larson presented an alumni class on Eisenhower and Rommel, while assistant professor of political science Dr. Caroline Payne taught a class centered on “The Politics and Power of Coffee,” coinciding with the release of Warrior Blue, Lycoming’s newest coffee variety. The alumni association executive board honored four individuals at their annual awards ceremony and brunch: Adam Makos ’05, David Oot ’66, Dr. Patrick Carey, and Jim Tkach ’78. Logjam, an outdoor classroom inspired by Williamsport’s logging history, was dedicated as the Class of 2015 gift to Lycoming College.
Many Warrior Athletics teams saw incredible successes with victories for men’s and women’s soccer, football, and women’s swimming. Alumni tailgating before the competitions provided a lively atmosphere and included affinity gatherings for political science graduates, clergy, and Greek life alumni. The evening featured gatherings for choir alumni, fraternities and sororities, the annual President’s Dinner and an “Around the World” mug party featuring food and drinks from different countries.
On Sunday, Lycoming College recognized the philanthropy and support of its donors at two events. The Heritage Club and Tower Society breakfast at the Peter Herdic House in Williamsport recognized alumni celebrating 50 years or more since graduation and those who have supported Lycoming College through a planned gift or their estate intentions.
Lycoming also celebrated the generosity and support of Doug ‘68 and Dawn Keiper for their philanthropy and commitment to Lycoming Athletics and early childhood education in naming the Keiper Recreation Center. The weekend closed with a Lycoming Baroque Choir and Orchestra concert in Clarke Chapel, featuring alumni, students, and members of the Williamsport community.
More photos are available on the Alumni Association Facebook page.
Lycoming College Alumni and Reunion Weekend will be held May 20-22, and will provide another opportunity for alumni to return to campus for events centered on lifelong learning, reconnecting, celebrating and networking. Homecoming 2016 has been scheduled for Sept. 30-Oct. 2.