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Homecoming

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Homecoming 2023

Registration form at bottom of the page

September 29 – October 1

We are celebrating 100 years of Western becoming a four-year institution. We will celebrate the 1973, 1982, 1983, and 1998 classes. Plus, the Boxing Clubs’ 50th anniversary.

Events you can register for include:

Thursday:

TICtalks: These Wild Lands | 7:30 PM (Doors 7:15 PM) | University Center Theater

The Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley and Western Colorado University are enthusiastically partnering to present TICtalks: These Wild Lands. In this, the fourth installment of TICtalks, we will hear from Western faculty, alum, students and collaborators who all have deep ties to and unique knowledge of the lands that surround us. Four speakers will take the stage individually to present their TICtalks, following which there will be an extended conversation happy hour with the speakers in the University Center Lobby.

Friday:

Back to Class Day  |  8 AM – 3 PM  |  Locations Coming Soon

Rediscover the Joy of Learning! Join us for a day of nostalgic academia as alums are welcomed back to our campus. Immerse yourself in a series of engaging classes scheduled for Friday. The class schedule is coming soon.

Western Welcome  |  2 – 4 PM  |  Quigley Hall & Art Gallery

Join us for a Western Welcome in Quigley Hall. Enjoy light refreshments while you peruse old yearbooks, get the weekend’s schedule of events, and pick up swag. Plus, you can register and pick up your Homecoming lanyard early to avoid the lines at the lighting of the W party.

Hard Hat Mountaineer Bowl Tour  |  3 & 4 PM  |  Paul Wright Gymnasium Parking Lot

Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Journey: Explore the Transformation of Mountaineer Bowl Football Stadium with a Hard Hat Tour! Space is limited.

Homecoming Parade  |  5 PM  |  Main Street

Join us on Main Street for the Homecoming Parade, a Homecoming tradition you don’t want to miss.

Lighting of the W Party   |  7 – 9 PM  |  Paul M. Rady Building & Lawn

Groove to the Tunes of Salida Din, a Timeless Classic Rock Band! Indulge in light appetizers and drinks on us! Plus, food for purchase featuring Gunnison’s Newest food truck, Vegan AF and Log Dawgs hot dog stand. Salida Din has played in Gunnison many times, from The Ramble Inn in the ’70s to The Trough in the ’80s and Last Chance many times, and is returning to the valley to celebrate Western’s Homecoming!

Don’t miss out on John Randall’s new book release from 7 PM to 8:15 PM, High and Mighty; A Century of Mountaineer Football and book signing during the Lighting of the W Celebration. A pre-paid option is available. Books will be available for purchase and pickup during this event.

Saturday:

Class Reunion Breakfast celebrating 1973, 1982, 1983, 1998, and the Boxing Club’s 50-year Reunion  |  9:30 – 11 AM  |  West Wing of the Library (Harry Potter Room)

Attention all esteemed Western Colorado University boxing club members and the cherished classes of 1973, 1982, 1983, and 1998, along with our esteemed neighboring classes! Kick start your day by joining us for a breakfast buffet and mimosas as we celebrate a remarkable half-century of the Boxing Club’s legacy. This vibrant occasion also serves as a platform to honor the Golden 50-Year Anniversary of the Class of 1972/1973, to commemorate the enduring Ruby 40-Year Anniversary of the Class of 1982/1983, and to shine a spotlight on the remarkable Silver 25-Year Anniversary of the Class of 1997/1998.

Alumni Rugby Game | 9:30 AM | Whipp Rugby Field

The Men’s Rugby Team will be hosting the Alumni for their annual Alumni match.

Alumni Lacrosse Game | 7 PM | Katy O. Rady Field

Western’s Lacrosse Team will be hosting their annual Homecoming Alumni game.

Homecoming Tailgate  |  11 AM  |  Paul Wright Gymnasium Parking Lot

Come together to show your support as we rally behind our Mountaineers in their thrilling football game against the Colorado Mesa University Mavs! The tailgate festivities kick off at 11 AM in the Paul Wright Gymnasium Parking Lot, setting the stage for an exciting kickoff at 1 PM.

Class of 1982 & 1983 Dinner at Almont Resort  |  7:30 PM  |  Almont Resort

Get ready to reminisce about the good old days, catch up with old friends, and create new memories. With its charming ambiance, the Almont Resort is the perfect setting for this special occasion.

Indulge in a delicious buffet dinner including prime rib and crab legs (and two drinks with dinner) at the Almont Resort restaurant, followed by an epic after party where you can dance the night away to your favorite Gunnison late ’70s and 80s tunes. Let’s relive the spirit of our Western State College years and make this reunion one for the books!

Separate RSVP Required – After registering for Homecoming, you will receive a confirmation email; the separate RSVP will be in the email. 

Register below:


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