WILMINGTON, Ohio — Alumni will converge on their alma mater when Wilmington College holds the annual fall tradition of Homecoming this Saturday, Sept. 21. The schedule is filled with reunions, award recognition and sports as alumni, families and friends interact with students and the campus community.
WC is bundling Family Day and Alumni Reunion Weekend with Homecoming again this year to offer an extravaganza of fun and festivities. Members of the greater Wilmington community are invited to attend.
For early arrivers, festivities get underway Friday afternoon with mud volleyball and a pep rally, and the 30-year reunion of the Class of 1994. Other class reunions occurring throughout the weekend involve the classes of 1964, 1974, 1984, 2004 and 2014. Also, alumni from Greek letter organizations, diversity groups and the Aggies will be renewing their ties with the College, along with those from several sports teams: swimming, softball and lacrosse, all of which are holding alumni competitions.
The College will recognize the 50-year reunion Class of 1974 at the Emeriti Brunch and Medallion Ceremony, along with the other milestone classes. Alumni Awards will be conferred upon Brendan Fetters, Class of 2004, Alumni Citation for Distinguished Contributions to Education; Craig Adams, Class of 1979, Alumni Citation for Professional Achievement; David Castro, Class of 1973, John Frazier Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service; and Jessica Veite-Eiser, Class of 2012, Young Alumni Award.
A special reunion of former players, coaches and fans from the late Coach Bill Ramseyer’s era as football coach (1972 to 1990) will help dedicate the walkway between Hermann Court and Williams Stadium designated “Ramseyer Way.” The ceremony will commence around 2:30 p.m. inside the stadium. Associated activities include a silent auction of Ramseyer football memorabilia, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a tent on Elm St. for gathering and greeting Ramseyer family members from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Prior to the 3 p.m. kickoff for the Quakers’ football game with Muskingum, a walking tour of Hazard Arboretum, titled “The ‘T’ in Industry Stand for Trees” and led by alumnus Brad Schwamberger, will begin at noon at the arboretum entrance and the annual Greek Bed Races will be held on Elm St. at 1 p.m. Family-friendly activities featuring inflatables, yard games and “extreme attractions” like zip lining, mechanical bull and Dizzy X Maze. Admission for the special attractions is $10 for adults and $5 for those aged kindergarten through college. WC students will be admitted free of charge.
Food Truck Alley will offer a variety of refreshments on Elm St. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. During halftime, the Homecoming king, queen and court will be announced and the 2024 class of the Athletic Hall of Fame will be introduced. They include Terry Rupert, athletic director from 1996 through 2022; Sam Hood Rohrbacher, Class of 2007, women’s basketball; Dee Vaughn, Class of 1990, men’s soccer; Curt Clifford Class of ’77, football; and Christian Patterson, Class of 2014, track and field and basketball.
The Peace Resource Center and Meriam R. Hare Quaker Heritage Center (QHC) will be open from noon to 5 p.m. and its director, Dr. Tanya Maus, will host a program highlighting the International Day of Peace, from 1 to 2 p.m., at the QHC.
The day’s formal activities conclude with the undefeated men’s soccer team taking on Earlham College in the Quaker Bowl Rivalry Game with the kickoff pending the conclusion of the football game, likely about 8:30 p.m. at Williams Stadium.
