Homecoming to celebrate Binghamton pride and milestones Oct. 2-4

A reimagined fall festival, celebration of the University's 80th anniversary, and a return to campus by one of Binghamton University's most notable alumni are expected to make this year's Homecoming the biggest and best ever.

The campus community is welcome at the weekend-long celebration planned for Friday-Sunday, Oct. 2-4. Homecoming will be preceded by inauguration events for President Anne D'Alleva. A number of inauguration events are open to all. Eight events will take place over a period of eight days in honor of the University's 80th anniversary and D'Alleva being the eighth president. 

"Homecoming is a wonderful time to celebrate your bonds with lifelong friends and with the University that fueled your success in life," says Matthew Winston, Jr., executive director of alumni engagement. "Since 1946, Binghamton has held a strong reputation as an institution that produces leaders. This Homecoming will be historic as we celebrate the University's 80th anniversary, as well as many campus milestones. Whether you've been to a previous Homecoming or have not yet had the chance to do so, if there was ever a year for you to be here, this is it!"

Campus media have been a part of Binghamton's culture for decades, and Homecoming will honor two major anniversaries: The Colonial News/Pipe Dream (80 years) and WHRW (60).

Fall Festival, which has been relocated from the Events Center lots to the Peace Quad, will be the centerpiece of the weekend with food, rides, pumpkin painting, live demonstrations, and activities for all ages.

"Homecoming is such a special time because it gives us a chance to come back to the place that brought so many of us together," says Alumni Association President Felicia Moreira '01, MA '02. "I'm a two-time Binghamton alumna, former softball student-athlete, and met my husband here, so I’ve experienced Binghamton from many different perspectives and one thing that never changes is the pride we have in this University. We have new traditions and excitement to share, while holding onto traditions and experiences that make Homecoming feel like coming home."

The headliner on Saturday night will be Paul Reiser: An Evening of Standup & Stories at the Anderson Center for the Performing Arts. A limited number of tickets are still available. The comedian, actor, television writer, author, musician, and 1977 Binghamton graduate is one of Hollywood’s most prolific creatives.

A fireworks display will close out the festivities at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. The fireworks can be viewed from anywhere on campus.

"I hope alumni come back this year to celebrate 80 years of Binghamton, reconnect with the people they love and, most importantly, be part of the Bearcat community we get to celebrate together," Moreira says.

View the event schedule on the Homecoming website. Registration closes Sunday, Sept. 27.  Questions can be directed to alumni@binghamton.edu.