Homecoming & Family Weekend

Homecoming & Family Weekend

Francis Hall 100th anniversary logo

Save the Date

Alvernia's Homecoming & Family Weekend 2026 will take place from Oct. 9 to 11. As Alvernia celebrates the 100th anniversary of Francis Hall, we invite alumni to share their favorite memories, stories and experiences from this iconic campus landmark. Help us honor a century of history by adding your voice to the celebration. Email your reflection and photos to alumni@alvernia.edu.

Schedule of Events

Event schedule is subject to change. Check back for additional events and registration forms.

Spirit Week

Monday, October 5

Homecoming Kickoff: Bernie's Birthday – Quad (Pavilion) – 1 to 4 p.m.

Kick off Spirit Week with fun and activities on the Quad, including cupcakes and photos with Bernie.

Virtual Bingo – Online (Zoom) – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Our most popular virtual event is a great way to bring the Alvernia community together nationwide. This is a FREE event for all students, alumni, parents, families, AU faculty, and staff. Registration is required; registration link to come.

Maroon & Gold Night – Physical Education Center – 9 to 11 p.m.

Alvernia students, faculty and staff celebrate all of our athletes. The teams are announced, student contests are hotly contested and giveaways are to be had.

Tuesday, October 6

Golden Wolf Cash Cab - Hill Campus – Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Alvernia students, catch the Cash Cab as it makes its way around campus. Properly answer several questions and leave with gift cards to area restaurants and other attractions.

Wednesday, October 7

Spirit Water Bottles - John R. Post Center – 2 to 4 p.m.

Decorate water bottles with custom stickers.

Thursday, October 8

Pierogis and Prizes – Quad - Noon to 2 p.m.

Enjoy some Mrs. Ts Pierogis and try your hand at Spin-the-Wheel Prizes.

Homecoming & Family Weekend (Register*)

* Even if you're not purchasing a Homecoming T-shirt, Maroon and Gold Package or football ticket, please use this form to sign up for programs.
 

Friday, October 9

Alvernia Athletics Inaugural Golf Outing - Reading Country Club - 11 a.m.

This special event will bring together alumni, friends and supporters of Alvernia Athletics for a day of golf, connection and school spirit. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with coaches, student-athletes, athletic leadership, and fellow alumni while supporting the continued success of Alvernia Athletics and our student-athletes. If you have any questions or would like more information on sponsorships, please contact Peter Jordan at 610-796-8288 or peter.jordan@al​vernia.edu.

Golden Hour First-Year Welcome – Francis Hall, President’s Patio – Time TBD

A special gathering for the Families of our first-year students. Join us for snacks and refreshments, including a themed mocktail for the weekend.

Alumni and Alvernia Student Happy Hour – Holleran Patio – Time TBD

This new tradition has quickly become one of the most popular weekend activities. It connects our current Alvernia students with our under-35 young alumni. Enjoy food and drinks while networking with young professionals. All attendees must be 21 to enter. Registration is required; registration link to come.

Women's Soccer vs Stevenson – Turf field – 7 p.m.

The men's team takes on the Mustangs.

Trivia Night – Student Center – 7:30 p.m.

Build a team and compete for prizes in your knowledge of music, movies, pop culture, sports and other topics. Registration is required; registration link to come.

Saturday, October 10

University Bookstore – Student Center

Stop by the Bookstore to get your latest AU gear. Be sure to take advantage of your alumni discount! You can also check out what they offer online.

Football Tailgating – Lot C – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join us to socialize and enjoy your favorite pre-game meals and snacks before the noon kickoff. This growing Alvernia tradition has quickly become a popular place to gather with fellow Golden Wolves. Please be sure to stop by the alumni tent to say hi!

Maroon & Gold Package (Register)

Includes a Homecoming 100th Anniversary of Francis Hall T-Shirt, pizza from Nonno Alby's and a beverage from the Pop Up Truck. Tickets are $35 - register here.

Rosary with the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters – The Grotto – 9 a.m.

Pray the rosary with Alvernia's foundresses.

Heritage Center Tours – Noon to 1 p.m.

Tour the Heritage Center with the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters.

Party on the Quad - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fun and games on the Quad for the entire Alvernia community. No need to sign up; stop by and check everything out while you are on campus. Activities will include a petting zoo, hands-on science projects, airbrush tattoos, a photo booth, and a decorate-your-own Homecoming & Family Weekend T-Shirt.

Football vs Misericordia – Turf field – Noon (Register)

Be there as the Golden Wolves take on the Cougars. Register to receive your free ticket.

100th Anniversary of Francis Hall Tour – FH Atrium – 3 to 4 p.m.

Tour our iconic Francis Hall, which turns 100 this year, with Sr. Rosemary Stets. Learn about the history of the building and hear the stories of those impacted by it.

Men’s Soccer vs Stevenson – Turf field – 4 p.m.

The men's team takes on the Mustangs.

Francis Hall Bricks

Brick Building Competition - Location TBD - 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Build a miniature replica of Francis Hall. The quickest to do so will win a $200 Amazon gift card.

Sunset Tours of Francis Hall – FH Atrium – 7 p.m.

Tour our iconic Francis Hall with Sr. Rosemary Stets and friends at sunset. Learn about the building's history and hear the stories of those impacted by it.

Field Hockey vs Hood College – Turf field – 7 p.m.

The women's team closes out the day by battling the Blazers.

Sunday, October 11

Mass – Sacred Heart Chapel – 9 a.m.

Join the Alvernia community in worship for Mass in the Sacred Heart Chapel (460 Saint Bernardine St., Reading, PA) to close out a week of Homecoming events.

Champagne Brunch with President Fitzgerald – Francis Hall - 10 a.m. to Noon

Enjoy a brunch with Alvernia President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D., after Mass in the Francis Hall Atrium for one of our final Homecoming events. Unwind, enjoy some food, and talk with Alvernia community members.

Pack Dash 5K – Quad – 10 a.m. (Register)

Get in step with the newest addition to Alvernia's Homecoming and Family Weekend: the Pack Dash 5K. Starting and finishing at the Quad, the race offers a running tour of the university's gorgeous grounds. For more information and to register, visit the Pack Dash page.

Catch Up on Prior Celebrations

Pack Dash 5k

2025: Mixing tried-and-true with new

The Pack Dash 5K race and a first-year family tailgate were among the events joining old favorites.

Homecoming 2024 Class of 1969

2024: Faithful show up and show out for picture-perfect event

Members of the Class of 1969 reunited to mark their 55th anniversary and congratulate their classmate.

Chase Whaley proposed to fellow 2020 graduate Taylor Dorrin, his girlfriend of seven years, beside the athletic field where they both spent countless hours competing during their time as Golden Wolves.

2023: Damp Homecoming doesn't dampen enthusiasm

Golden Wolves past, present and future braved the rain for an event-packed weekend. There was even an Alvernia alumni marriage proposal.

Young Alumni social happy hour

Alumni

Whether it’s on campus or regionally, your Alumni Engagement team is here to help you connect with your Alvernia family.

Hotel Information

Courtyard by Marriott Reading/Wyomissing


150 N. Park Road, Reading, PA 19610

Homewood Suites by Hilton Reading


2801 Papermill Road, Reading, PA 19610

DoubleTree by Hilton Reading


701 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601

Residence Inn Reading


45 Berkshire Court, Wyomissing, PA 19610

Fairfield Inn & Suites Reading


21 Meridian Blvd., Reading, PA 19610

Hampton Inn Reading/Wyomissing


1800 Papermill Road, Wyomissing, PA 19610

Best Western Plus Reading Inn & Suites


2299 Lancaster Pike, Shillington, PA 19607