Welcome + Giving Center
Hours: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Office of Admission, Stewart M. Reid House
All weekend attendees should check in to pick up your meal tickets and packets.
Please note the schedule is subject to change, check back for the latest updates.
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Drift/Loop S24-hour Music Installation Project
12 p.m. Friday-12 p.m. Saturday
More on the 24-hour Music Installation Project
Olin Library, Campbell Reference Room and adjacent balconiesCome hear tones drift in and out of Olin Library throughout Homecoming Weekend. Over the course of twenty-four hours, the stacks will ring vibrantly with reverberated tones, shimmer in small noises, and become perforated with musical exclamations. This ambitious installation/performance/large-scale happening is part of DRIFT / LOOP, an expansive multi-tiered space for sonic engagement and reflection, involving distributed performance, sound installation, audio streaming and radio transmission, community participation, and group contributed performances and scores.
The project began in 2020 and was initiated and commissioned by Metropolis Ensemble and Andrew Cyr, conductor/producer, in collaboration with composer and Weslyean Professor of Music Paula Matthusen, visual artist Olivia Valentine, poet and media scholar Tung-Hui Hu, with original audio interpretations by Singularity Saxophone Quartet, Metropolis Ensemble, and Matthusen. This realization marks the first time that the entire project has been presented for the length of a full day. Audience and participants are encouraged to wander in and out throughout the day. -
Men’s Basketball Events
8:30 – 10:30 a.m. Intrasquad Scrimmage
Silloway Gymnasium
11:30 a.m. Tailgate on Andrus Field -
Men’s Ice Hockey Events
8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Spurrier Snyder Rink
After practice join the team tailgate on Andrus Field -
Men’s Lacrosse Events
9 a.m. Scrimmage
Citrin Field
12:30 p.m. Ring Ceremony + Tailgate on Andrus Field -
Women's Lacrosse Events
9 a.m. Alumnae + Friends Breakfast
10 a.m. Instrasquad Scrimmage
Smith Field
Tailgate on Andrus Field -
Softball Events
9 a.m. Breakfast + Warm-up
10 a.m. Alumnae Game
Softball Field -
Women’s Ice Hockey Events
9 a.m. Breakfast + Meet & Greet in Spurrier Snyder Rink
9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Alumnae Game
Followed by a team tailgate on Andrus Field -
Panel discussion with the Class Deans
9-9:45 a.m.
Frank Center for Public Affairs, Room 100
Informal coffee reception to follow in the Pruzan Art Center Lobby More on the Panel Discussion with the Class DeansHear from the class dean’s and learn how our class deans help students develop educational goals and complete graduation requirements. Our class deans work with faculty to facilitate academic and non-academic support services; and support student transitions from high school through the undergraduate years. An informal coffee reception in the Pruzan Art Center Lobby to follow which will allow for individual conversations. -
Latine Alumni Celebration Breakfast
9-10:30 a.m.
Daniel Family Commons, Usdan University Center, 3rd floorPlease register for the breakfast within the Homecoming + Family Weekend registration form. Space is limited.
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50th Reunion Planning Meeting Party
9-11 a.m.
Room 108, Usdan University Center More on the meetingThis year the class of 1975 is celebrating their 50th milestone reunion. Members of this class are invited to learn more about being an ambassador for the 50th Reunion. Pre-50th Reunion alumni—1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979—are also invited to begin planning for their milestone reunion early.
Visit your class pages for more information and contacts. Please RSVP through the Homecoming + Family Weekend registration form. -
Wrestling Alumni, Parents, and Friends Breakfast
9-11:30 a.m.
Biddiscombe Wrestling Room, Freeman Athletic Center More on the Wrestling Alumni, Parents, and Friends BreakfastStart your day with coffee and a continental breakfast, watch practice then meet the team before heading over to Corwin Stadium to cheer on our football Cardinals versus Williams. -
Tailgating + Parking
Important tailgating note: due to extremely high fire danger in our area, and our proximity to one of Connecticut’s largest wildfires, all open burning is strictly prohibited in Middletown until further notice. This includes outdoor grilling.
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
More on Tailgating
Celebrate game day! Wesleyan Athletics teams will coordinate team tailgates and parking. Parking is $5 per space. Visitors are permitted to tailgate beginning at 9 a.m. Please review the tailgating rules and expectations provided by Wesleyan Athletics.Wesleyan Football vs. Williams College starts at 1 p.m. The game can also be watched live on NSN Sports.
Open Container Policy: University policy and NESCAC regulations state that alcohol is not allowed at any sporting event with the exception of the tailgate area on Andrus Field. Open containers are not allowed near the football field. -
WESeminar: The Bailey College of the Environment's 21st Annual Robert F. Schumann Where on Earth Are We Going symposium
9:00-11:30 a.m.
More on The Bailey College of the Environment's 21st Annual Robert F. Schumann Where on Earth Are We Going symposium
Exley Science Center, Room 150
Hosted by the Bailey College of the EnvironmentAgency and Improvisation: Exploring Modes of Individual and Collective Power to Make Change
As climate change renders everything more unpredictable, organisms of all kinds seem to be turning to improvisation. Can a dialogue across disciplines reveal where our current ideas about agency come from and help transform our understanding of who and what can act to meet the challenges of a changing climate? Join the 2024-2025 Bailey College of the Environment Think Tank fellows in an exploration of the theme of agency: sociopolitical, cultural, artistic, and biological.
9:00-10:15 amExley Science Center Room 150
Sociopolitical, Cultural and Biological Agency & PowerStudent fellows Maryam Badr '25 (Neuroscience & Behavior), Nic Galleno '25 (English), and Hannah Podol '25 (Anthropology) will discuss their work in progress on sociopolitical, cultural, and biological influence and power, joined by Wesleyan faculty Garry Bertholf (African American Studies), Justine Quijada (Religion/Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies/Environmental Studies), and Sonia Sultan (Biology/Environmental Studies).
10:30-11:30 amExley Science Center Room 150
Distinguished Visiting Scholar Roxy Coss: Artistic Agency & Musical ImprovisationJoin Grammy–award winning musician, composer, educator, and activist Roxy Coss for a lecture-recital featuring a discussion of her background in artistic agency with live jazz improvisation. A renowned jazz saxophonist, Coss is the 2024-2025 Menakka and Essel Bailey ‘66 Distinguished Visiting Scholar, a Bailey College of the Environmental Think Tank fellow, and the founder and president of the Women In Jazz Organization.
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Psi Upsilon Fraternity Alumni Chapter Meeting + Football Tailgate
9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Xi of Psi Upsilon, 242 High Street + Andrus Field
9:30 a.m. Coffee and Breakfast
10 a.m. Chapter Meeting
11a.m. Bishop Welch Lifelong Leadership Award Presentation
12 p.m. Annual Xi Tailgate Led by Brother Chip Nottingham '88 on Andrus Field -
WESeminar - Wesleyan Family Academy: Critical Consumption: Exploring the World of Documentary Films
10-11 a.m.
Frank Center for Public Affairs, Room 001 More on Wesleyan Family Academy: Critical Consumption: Exploring the World of Documentary FilmsJoin us for a special WESeminar titled Critical Consumption: Exploring the World of Documentary Films, instructed by Tracy Heather Strain, Corwin-Fuller Professor of Film Studies. Through compelling case studies of thought-provoking documentary films like Miss Americana, The Thin Blue Line, and Madonna: Truth or Dare, Professor Strain will guide participants through the complexities inherit to documentary filmmaking and viewing, touching on ethics, storytelling, and representation.
This WESeminar will be the first session in a four-part online mini-course exploring documentary film with a focus on narrative control, led by Professor Strain this fall and winter for Wesleyan parents. Attendance at all sessions is encouraged, but not required.
The Wesleyan Family Academy is in its first of a three-year pilot program aiming to provide Wesleyan families with the opportunity to engage with Wesleyan faculty in a classroom type setting, while highlighting Wesleyan’s commitment to access, launch, and activate possibilities in a way that resonates on campus, across distance, and through generations. -
Remember When…: Unique Collections open house
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Olin Memorial Library More on Remember When…: Unique Collections open houseDo you have a favorite childhood book? A lullaby you always listened to? How about a doll or stuffed animal that went with you everywhere? Come see, hear, and interact with objects from around the world for children of all ages (especially those young at heart). On display will be items such as pottery, children’s clothing, and dolls from the Archaeology & Anthropology Collections and East Asian Art & Archival Collections; recordings of lullabies and play songs from the World Music Archives; and early education books, photos of Wesleyan undergrads playing games, and versions some of your favorite childhood stories from Special Collections & Archives. -
Alumni Family Photo
10:15 a.m.
North College steps More on the Alumni Family PhotoAlumni parents and grandparents and their current students are invited for a group photograph with President Michael S. Roth ’78. The photo will be taken at 10:30 a.m. sharp. -
Children’s Morning Story Time
10:30 a.m.
Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore, 413 Main Street More on Children's Morning Story TimeSettle in for a fun and interactive children’s story time at the bookstore! Story time will include a mix of new picture books and classic tales! No registration required. -
32nd Annual Dwight L. Greene Symposium: “Latine Voters and Their Role in Shaping the 2024 Presidential Election”
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
More on the 32nd Annual Dwight L. Greene Symposium
Memorial ChapelThis timely conversation will explore key issues such as voter turnout patterns, the impact of economic and social issues on the Latine electorate, and the influence of Spanish-language and social media on political engagement.
Throughout 2024, Wesleyan will gather thought leaders, provide engagement opportunities, foster discussions, and galvanize learning through political participation. Learn about Wesleyan’s Democracy 2024 initiative.
Now entering its 32nd year, the Dwight L. Greene Symposium honors Dwight L. Greene '70 as a memorial and tribute to his life and work as a professor of law, mentor and friend. Each year, presenters are selected from among Wesleyan's alumni, faculty, and friends who have distinguished themselves in their professions, to share on topics of importance for Black alumni, alumni of color, and the Wesleyan community at large.
This symposium provides an opportunity to hear from a diverse set of voices while facilitating networking and reconnecting with members of the Wesleyan community. with each other and ensures that diversity remains an important part of the Wesleyan experience.This year’s featured speakers are Maria Santana Guadalupe ’98, a New York-based anchor and correspondent for CNN En Español, Charlotte Castillo ’94, co-chair of Wesleyan’s Latine Alumni Network and Managing Director of Poderistas, an organization that expertly leverages modern media platforms and in-culture content to empower Latinas and drive civic engagement, Diego Ibarguen ’97, Senior Counsel in The Hearst Corporation Office of General Counsel, specializing in First Amendment and Media Law issues, and Jose Enrique Calvo Elhuage ’14, an independent political consultant working in electoral campaign plans. Lucria Ortiz ’97, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Opportunity Network, a national college and career access organization, will moderate.
Historically sponsored by the Black Alumni Council and Alumni of Color Council, the symposium serves as a long-standing campus tradition and a time to reflect on where we were, where we are, and most importantly…where we are headed. -
Homecoming Day Lunch
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Usdan University Marketplace, 2nd floor More on the Homecoming Day LunchParents, families, friends, and guests are invited to join students for lunch at Usdan University Center. Sample a variety of fresh, local, and made-to-order options from Bon Appetit, Wesleyan’s on-campus dining service. Enjoy salad bars, carving stations, hot entrees, numerous side dishes, beverages, and desserts. Vegetarian, vegan, and Kosher-style options are available and you do not need to specify your meal preference in advance.
Tickets: $20/adults. (Wesleyan students use their meal plans; no ticket purchase). Purchase tickets when you register before October 24. A limited number of meals may be available on-site at the Marketplace cashier (2nd floor).
Note: A select menu of a la carte food and beverages will also be available for purchase on-site at the Usdan Café, some athletic teams may be selling concessions on Andrus Field, or you can visit one of the many restaurants in downtown Middletown. -
President’s Reception Honoring Leadership Donors
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Forum, Frank Center for Public Affairs
By invitation only More on the President's Reception Honoring Leadership DonorsPlease join President Michael S. Roth '78 at a reception celebrating members of the Wesleyan Leadership Societies. Wesleyan Leadership Societies recognize the extraordinary commitment and support of Wesleyan leadership donors. By invitation only. -
John Griffin '94 Memorial Tree Dedication
12 p.m.
Shapiro Patio
Join us in celebrating and honoring the memory of Wesleyan Lacrosse & Football teammate and DKE brother, John Griffin ’94.
Register Here -
Student Academic Resources Open Office Hours
12–2 p.m.
North College, various offices More on open office hoursAn opportunity for parents to have brief informal meetings with Student Academic Resources staff:
Laura Patey, Dean for Academic Advancement, North College room 218
Crystal Rose Hill-Farrell, Director of Student Academic Resources, North College, room 024
Khai Tran, Academic Support Specialist, North College, room 023 -
Zilkha Gallery Exhibitions Open
12- 5 p.m.
Ezra and Cecila Zilkha Gallery
Visit the current exhibitions by Justin Caguiat and Grant Mooney More on the exhibitsZilkha Main Gallery: Justin Caguiat: Triple Solitaire
Catch the first institutional solo exhibition by artist Justin Caguiat, whose Triple Solitaire immerses the viewer in a theater of perception combining lush abstract paintings and soundworks.
North Gallery: Grant Mooney: calcis
Witness the alchemical assemblages of Grant Mooney’s sculptures, which respond to the materials and processes embedded in the Ezra and Cecile Zilkha Gallery’s building, specifically the limestone bricks that are the building blocks of the entire Center for the Arts. -
Exhibit: Reading Signs: Jasper Johns and Glenn Ligon in Print
12:30-4:30 p.m.
Pruzan Art Center, Goldrach Gallery
Located between Olin Memorial Library and Frank Center for Public Affairs More on the exhibitReading Signs: Jasper Johns and Glenn Ligon in Print
Throughout their printed works, Glenn Ligon '82, Hon. '12 and Jasper Johns demand and disrupt the act of reading. Both artists frequently discompose the visual elements of language and communication: targets drip and letters smudge. Johns and Ligon exploit the processes of printing—which entail contact and separation, mirroring and reversals—to parse the distances between signs and their meanings, and also to address the mechanics of looking on the part of the spectator. This exhibition will feature etchings and lithographs by both artists as well as screenprints by Johns in the Davison Art Collection.
Curated by the Donald T. Fallati and Ruth E. Pachman Curator of the Davison Art Collection Miya Tokumitsu. -
Dedication of the Health Advisor’s Office in honor of Hess Haagen, PhD, GP’03.
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Boger Hall, Room 115Join family members and Wesleyan staff to celebrate the naming of the Health Advisor’s Office in honor of Hess Haagen PhD, GP ’03. Dr Haagen was Wesleyan’s first Health Advisor whose dedication to counseling students led many to careers in the medical field. Naming of the office is through the generosity of Dr. Dave Muegge ’73.
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WESemiar: Tracking Political Advertising: Behind the Scenes with the Wesleyan Media Project
1-2 p.m.
More on Tracking Political Advertising: Behind the Scenes with the Wesleyan Media Project
Frank Center for Public Affairs Room 001In its 14th year of real-time analysis of election ads, the Wesleyan Media Project is navigating a much more complex media environment than it did a decade ago. Join us to hear about the work we’ve been doing in 2024, our latest tools and innovations and how our student researchers make it all possible. Presenters include Breeze Floyd ’22, Program Manager of Wesleyan Media Project, Julia Armeli ’25, Saul Ferholt-Kahn '27, Nat Welsh ’25; and Kelleigh Entrekin ’25.
About The Wesleyan Media Project: The Wesleyan Media Project was established in 2010 to track advertising in federal elections, and it is a successor to the Wisconsin Advertising Project, which tracked political advertising between 1998 and 2008.
The Wesleyan Media Project is directed by Professors Erika Franklin Fowler (Wesleyan University), Michael M. Franz (Bowdoin College) and Travis N. Ridout (Washington State University). Breeze Floyd is the Program Manager. An outstanding group of students from all three institutions support the project through ad coding, data management, and other activities.
Throughout 2024, Wesleyan will gather thought leaders, provide engagement opportunities, foster discussions, and galvanize learning through political participation. Learn about Wesleyan’s Democracy 2024 initiative. -
Alumni of Color Football Watch Party
1:30- 3:30 pm
Daniel Family Commons Lounge, Usdan University Center More on the Watch PartyJoin us for a relaxing gathering with complimentary beer, wine, and snacks. Visit with friends and enjoy a great view of the game from the balcony. -
Family Swim Open Hours
3-5 p.m.
Webster Family Natatorium, Freeman Athletic Center
Bring your suit, towel, and goggles to enjoy open swim hours. -
Integrative Arts Lab Tour
2 p.m.
Meet at 44 Hamlin Street More on the Integrative Arts Lab TourTour the new multi-disciplinary art spaces at 56 Hamlin Street, which is comprised of the Integrative Arts Lab. This 17,500 square-foot project will give students the opportunity to connect visual, performing, and studio arts together through its lab spaces and common areas. The building will also offer students space for artistic collaboration and conversation across disciplines. Please note that limited parking is available at 44 Hamlin Street. Additional street parking is available, as well as at the Univeristy owned parking lots behind 37 and 45 Broad street. The Hamlin tour will be a leisurely 30-40 minutes, with some stairs; and the elevator may not be operational by November 2. The tour will be given by Joseph Banks, Director of Construction. -
GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) Gathering
2-3 p.m.
Zelnick Pavilion More on the GOLD GatheringAlumni in the classes 2014-2024 are invited to connect with each other. Beer, wine, and snacks will be available. -
Freeman Asian Scholars Reception
2-3:30 p.m.
Russell House, 350 High Street More on the ReceptionJoin Freeman Asian Scholars along with faculty and administrators at a reception honoring the Freeman Asian Scholars Program. -
Joe Webb Peoples Museum Open House
2-4 p.m.
Exley Science Center, 4th floor More on Joe Webb People's Museum Open HouseThe Joe Webb Peoples Museum of Natural History (4th floor, Exley) invites you to share our amazing collections of fossils and minerals, including many specimens from Connecticut. Our student curators have developed exhibits, restored specimens, worked on teaching activities with children, made posters and brochures, and digitized our collections (including photography). They will inform you about our museum, its natural history collections and the work they do. -
WESeminar: Campus Governance and Rights: Exploring Litigation, Regulation, and Academic Freedom
3-4 p.m.
More on Campus Governance and Rights: Exploring Litigation, Regulation, and Academic Freedom
Frank Center for Public Affairs Room 100
A discussion with Joyce Jacobsen and David M. Rabban ’71Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Mary-Jane Rubenstein, Dean of Social Sciences at Wesleyan University. The event features Joyce Jacobsen MA'01 and David Rabban ’71, both authors exploring the intersection of law, academia, and higher education.
Joyce Jacobsen MA'01, Professor of Economics at Hobart and William Smith Colleges and Andrews Professor of Economics Emerita at Wesleyan University, will discuss her book (joint with Louis H. Guard) All the Campus Lawyers: Litigation, Regulation, and the New Era of Higher Education, which examines the growing role of legal professionals on university campuses and the impact of legal oversight on academic life.
David Rabban '71, who holds the Jamail Regents Chair in Law at the University of Texas at Austin, will share insights from his book Academic Freedom: From Professional Norm to First Amendment Right, tracing the evolution of academic freedom from a professional standard to a constitutional right.
Together, the panelists will explore critical issues like litigation, regulation, and academic freedom, sparking a rich conversation on how law is shaping the future of higher education. This seminar will be recorded and livestreamed. -
WESeminar: Gamelan Workshop
3-4 p.m.
World Music Hall More on the Gamelon WorkshopDominated by colorful, bronze percussion instruments, the Gamelan ensemble features gongs, bronze and wooden xylophones, two-headed drums, a female soloist and a male chorus. Some of the instruments date back to the 12th century in Java, an Indonesian island located between Sumatra and Bali. Get some real experience playing the Gamelan in this lively, hands-on workshop.
Presenters: Professor Sumarsam and his TA, Ethan Schwartz MA’22
Please note: Space is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. This session often reaches capacity. -
WESeminar: Creating Community At the Intersection of Black Identity
3-4 p.m.
Vanguard Lounge, Center for African American Studies
Hosted by the Black Alumni Council More on Creating Community At the Intersection of Black IdentityJoin the Black Alumni Council in highlighting the importance of finding community, not just in college but also in the workplace and beyond— with an emphasis of doing so in predominantly white spaces. Alumni will reflect on how the support systems and relationships they built at WES translated into their professional lives, and what it means to "sit together" in corporate, medical, legal, educational, or creative spaces. Current Black students will share their experiences on campus (or from their lives more broadly). Panelists will explore and discuss ways in which they have pursued (or would like to pursue) creating social spaces for Black folks in predominantly white environments that effectively encourage mutual support, a sense of belonging, empowerment and that increase each other's chances for success.
SESSION MODERATOR:
Dr. Beverly Tatum '75, Hon'15, P'04 ; book author and former President of Spelman College
PANELISTS:
Dr. Judith Absalon '90
Bill Boulware ’71
Kyla Danquah '25
Amari Fontes '26 -
New Science Center Building Tour
3:30 p.m.
Meet at the FIP trailer off Church Street More on the New Science Center Building TourTour the 197,000-square-foot new Science Building which is set to be completed in Spring 2026 and ready for use in Fall 2026. The building will be home to 39 research and support labs, nine teaching labs, seven classrooms, a vivarium, a greenhouse, faculty and department offices, and conference spaces. Tour provided by Michael Rosalie, Senior Project Manager (Construction Services) -
Blast From the Past: Exploring The Argus Archives
4-5:30 p.m.
Gribbel room 202 , Olin Memorial Library More on Blast From the Past: Exploring The Argus ArchivesExplore the archives of The Wesleyan Argus, the oldest biweekly student newspaper in the country. Current student editors and writers will be present to talk about the paper in the present day and ongoing initiatives. This event is open to all, and we especially encourage alumni of The Argus to attend: We are looking for sources to interview for an article about the history of the paper, and we want to hear your story! -
Alpha Delta Phi Reception + Dinner
4:30-6:30 p.m., Reception
6:30 p.m., Dinner
Alpha Delta Phi, 185 High Street More on the Reception and DinnerAlpha Delta Phil members and their families are invited to a reception and dinner. -
Latine Alumni Celebration Dance Party
7:30-10:30 p.m.
Beckham Hall, Fayerweather More on the Dance PartyAll are welcome to dance the night away! Non-alcoholic beverages will be available. -
Film screening
8 p.m.
Jeanine Basinger Center for Film Studies More on the filmWesleyan Film Series presents a screening of: AMARACORD (1973, Italian, directed by Federico Fellini, comedy-drama, 124 min.). Free Admission
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Places to Stay
Several hotel accomodations are located convenient to campus.
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Check out Middletown
While you're here, check out the Middletown area.
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Questions?
Visit the helpful information page or email us.