For many students Homecoming is only a reminder of the hockey game that comes at the end of the week. For others, including returning alumni, Homecoming is an opportunity to connect with students and the campus.

From Nov. 9 to 13, the Oswego State campus will be filled with both students and alumni as the school brings back Homecoming, an event that hasn’t taken place in 30 years. For returning alumni, it is an opportunity to see the strides that the campus had made, from academics to new buildings. It is also a time for building new relationships and maybe rebuilding old ones.

With hundreds of alums expected to return to campus, a committee of both students and faculty members have planned events that allow students to interact with alumni. From the Scholar Breakfast, to the Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) reception, students will have many opportunities to meet with former students and even do a little networking.

“I think it’s a great way for students to network,” junior Josh Catrine said. “I know especially being a business major that finding a job outside of college… a lot of it is networking and finding people who can open the door for you. I think it’s a great way for students to just meet alumni.”

Many other activities are set to highlight the talent and hard work of students on campus. The music and theatre departments will be having a showcase and multiple athletic games will be going on before Friday. On Friday, the school will come together to show their pride by wearing Oswego State’s colors, green and gold, then quickly changing into white for the annual Whiteout hockey game.

Edward Gosek, the head coach of the men’s ice hockey team, sees Homecoming as not only a lead up to the huge rival hockey game on campus, but as a positive for both the school and students.

“I personally think it’s a great idea,” Gosek said. “I enjoy seeing, not just hockey alums but alumni of the school returning to campus to see the vision that Deborah Stanley has.”
On Saturday, Nov. 14, alumni will have the opportunity to visit their old residence halls and see the progress that has been made. They will also get to speak to staff members of those buildings and even possibly visit their old rooms.

Many of the activities don’t require registration, but rather encourage students to stop by and participate and have fun during the week. For the Alumni Office, Homecoming means bringing back something that was formerly a tradition and making it into an even bigger experience for the Oswego community.

“We hope to grow stronger ties between all members of the Oswego community, and we hope that this tradition will be one students look forward to while they’re here, then look forward to participating is as alumni once they graduate,” said Laura Kelly, Director of Alumni and Parent Relations.