One doesn’t have to be an alumnus of the College of William & Mary to enjoy the celebration this weekend.
For many, Homecoming is the time to make the pilgrimage back to their alma mater. For locals, it means the College’s campus is bustling with activity and parking might be a challenge, but there’s no lack of things to do.
“Homecoming is a time the entire William & Mary community looks forward to with great anticipation,” said Karen Cottrell, executive vice president of the Alumni Association, in a William & Mary news release Oct. 22. “Everyone is welcome. And this promises to be the best Homecoming in recent memory.”
Here are some of the highlights for the weekend:
Spirit
Homecoming Parade, Friday Oct. 25, 4:30 p.m.: Millie Barrett West grand marshals this year’s parade, which takes a shorter route than it has in past years. The parade will step-off at the corner of N. Boundary and Prince George St. Floats and marching groups will go south on N. Boundary, turn onto Richmond Road, then head back to William & Mary Hall via Dillard St. The map, a list of alumni viewing locations, and live streaming can be found at www.wmhomecoming.com/#parade. (The parade will also be streamed live on William and Mary’s YouTube Channel.)
Pep Rally, Friday Oct. 25, 5:30-6 p.m., Zable Stadium End Zone near Randolph Gate: Coach Laycock and the Tribe football team will gather with special guests to get fans excited for the game.
Friday Night Block Party, Friday Oct. 25, 6-11 p.m., Alumni House and Richmond Road: Streets will close to make way for food, beer and wine, and two live bands. There will also be activities for children. Pay as you go.
Sunrise Service, Sunday Oct. 27, 7 a.m., Wren Chapel: For those looking for a quieter moment, experience America’s oldest academic building in the early morning light during a non-denominational service.
Sports
Sandy Kelly Alumni Tennis Tournament, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Millie West Tennis Facility (formerly Busch Courts): Athletes of any skill level are welcome to join in mixed doubles play. $15 per person, which includes a box lunch.
Football Game vs. James Madison University, 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Zable Stadium: Cheer on the Tribe as the take on the JMU Dukes. Purchase tickets through the W&M Athletics Ticket Office at 757-221-3340 or on their website.
Music
Botetourt Chamber Singers Homecoming Concert, 8:30 p.m. Friday, Wren Chapel: Known colloquially as the “Bots,” this small ensemble presents their annual Homecoming concert under the direction of Dr. Jamie C. Bartlett. Free.
W&M Bands Present Bandemonium!, 8 p.m. Friday, Sadler Center Commonwealth Auditorium: The Wind Ensemble and the Pep Band will join forces under the direction of Dr. Paul Bhasin in a program featuring classics for band and W&M spirit selections. Current student musicians will be joined by alumni of the band program. Free for students and alumni, $3 general admission.
Spotlight Show Choir Homecoming Concert, 10 a.m. Saturday, Campus Center Little Theatre: The show choir will sing and dance to Broadway tunes, Disney songs and popular ballads. Free.
A Cappella Homecoming Concerts, all held Saturday for free:
- Gentlemen of the College—10:30 a.m., Sadler Center Commonwealth Auditorium
- One Accord—11 a.m., Tucker Hall Room 127A
- Passing Notes—noon, Barrett Hall Porch
- The Intonations—1 p.m., Tyler Hall Room 201
- Reveille—1 p.m., Wren Great Hall
- Christopher Wren Singers—2 p.m., Wren Chapel
- DoubleTake—3 p.m., Wren Great Hall
- Cleftomaniacs—4 p.m., Wren Chapel
W&M Choir Homecoming Concert, 8 p..m. Saturday, Williamsburg United Methodist Church: The Choir, a co-ed group of 65 singers directed by Dr. James Armstrong, will perform a diverse program including one with former members from the group’s 91-year history. Thomas Marshall will join the ensemble as a guest artist on the organ, performing a newly commissioned work. Free.
Learning
Chancellor’s Forum, 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sadler Center Commonwealth Auditorium: Attend for casual conversation with William & Mary Chancellor Robert Gates ’65, former U.S. Secretary of Defense.
Behind-the-scenes tours of Swem Library’s Special Collections, 3 to 4 p.m. Friday, Special Collections Research Center on the first floor: See the rare treasures housed out of public view in Special Collections. Reserve one of the limited number of spots by emailing [email protected].
Remembrance
Sunset Ceremony, 6 p.m. Friday, Wren Courtyard (rain plan: Sunken Garden tent): Honor alumni and friends of the College who have passed away during the past year at this touching service.
Road Closures
The following is a list of road closures to be aware of during the parade and Friday Night Block Party:
- North Boundary Street will be closed from 3:15 to 5 p.m.
- Richmond Road from College Corner (Confusion Corner) to Dillard Street will be closed from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- College Corner (aka Confusion Corner) will be closed from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- Scotland Street from Braxton Court to Richmond Road will be closed from 4:30 p.m. to midnight
- Richmond Road from Armistead Avenue to Scotland Street will be closed from 4:30 p.m. to midnight
For a complete list of events, including lectures, receptions for offices and individual academic departments, reunion mixers and more, click here.
