Alvernia's Homecoming & Family Weekend 2025 will take place from Oct. 10 to 12, with pre-weekend activities running from Oct. 6 through 9.
Schedule of Events
- Monday, October 6
Homecoming Kickoff – Quad (Pavilion) – Noon to 3 p.m.- Our students kick off Spirit Week with fun and activities on the QUAD – Photo License Plates, Cupcake Display, Photos with/ Bernie.
Virtual Bingo – Online (Zoom) – 7 p.m. (Register for the event here)
- You didn’t think we would start the week without bingo, did you? Our most popular virtual event is a great way to bring the Alvernia community together nationwide. Last year, we had alumni and family members from 11 states join us. This is a FREE event for all students, alumni, parents, families, AU faculty, and staff. We will have a lot of gift card prizes: Alvernia Bookstore, Athletics Team Store, and a big Amazon card for the final game! Once you register, you will receive an email with the link to create your Bingo card and the Zoom link for the evening. Registration is required.
- Our students kick off Spirit Week with fun and activities on the QUAD – Photo License Plates, Cupcake Display, Photos with/ Bernie.
- Tuesday, October 7
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.
- 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 8
Paint with Bernie – Student Center Seminar Rooms – 5 to 7 p.m.- Alvernia students, learn how to paint Bernie, our Golden Wolf mascot. Supplies are limited; sign up in Campus Commons 204.
- Thursday, October 9
Pottsville CollegeTowne Celebration – 9 a.m. to Noon- Pottsville students, faculty and staff experience Homecoming & Family Weekend with their own catered breakfast and swag for the weekend. No registration required.
Maroon & Gold Night – PEC – 9 to 10:30 p.m.
- Alvernia students, faculty and staff celebrate the beginning of the winter sports seasons. The teams are announced, student contests are hotly contested and giveaways are to be had.
- Pottsville students, faculty and staff experience Homecoming & Family Weekend with their own catered breakfast and swag for the weekend. No registration required.
- Friday, October 10
Field Hockey vs. Messiah – Turf Field – 4 p.m.- Cheer on the Golden Wolves as they take on the Falcons.
Young Alumni and Alvernia Student Happy Hour – Holleran Patio – 5 to 7 p.m.
- Entering its third year, 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 - the link will be available the week of 8/11/2025.
Golden Hour – Francis Hall, President’s Patio – 5 to 7 p.m.
- A special gathering for the Families of our first-year students. Join us for snacks and refreshments, including a themed mocktail for the weekend.
Class of 2025 Gift Dedication & Blessing - New permanent seating on the Quad – 7 p.m.
- Due to the work of our most recent graduates, we have a new casual seating area on campus. Please stop by for this dedication and enjoy the other class gifts in this same area. Have a few pints with some of your favorite professors, who look forward to welcoming you back to campus.
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.
- Cheer on the Golden Wolves as they take on the Falcons.
- Saturday, October 11
Alumni Games and SocialsAlumni from the teams have received outreach about participating in the games. For questions, please reach out to Dan Hartzman at Dan.Hartzman@Alvernia.edu.
- Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse
- Men’s and Women’s Basketball
- Club Ice Hockey
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 2 p.m.
- Join us to socialize and enjoy your favorite pre-game meals and snacks before the 1 p.m. 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! Please be sure to check out the guidelines around tailgating.
Maroon & Gold Tailgating Package – Lot C – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Register for the package here)
- This VIP area features pizza from Nonno Alby’s - owned by Massimo Grande ’07 - and a beer garden. The VIP package costs $35 and includes:
- Access to the Nonno Alby’s food truck pizza
- 1 drink ticket to be redeemed at the featured Beer Garden
- A Custom Homecoming & Family Weekend T-shirt
- Beverages and refreshments
- The People’s DJ, Nick Talarico ‘03
Rosary with the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters – The Grotto – 10 a.m.
- Pray the rosary with Alvernia's foundresses.
Pack the Lot: First-Year Family Tailgate - Grass Area next to F Lot and Campus Commons - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- First time tailgating at AU? We’ve got you covered! Swing by for gameday bites, show off your Golden Wolf pride with fun spirit DIYs, and connect with fellow Wolves during this exciting weekend
Heritage Center Tours – 11 a.m. and Noon
- Tour the Heritage Center with the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters.
Family Fun Zone – 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 (from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), hands-on science projects, build your own popcorn bucket, airbrush tattoos, a photo booth, and a decorate your Homecoming & Family Weekend T-Shirt.
Total Experience Learning® – Quad - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Join Total Experience Learning under the Family Fun Tent for hands-on, creative fun.
- Community Mural Paint Session: Help bring the latest TExpL Community Art Studio mural to life alongside artist Mike Miller. No prior art experience needed — just your enthusiasm!
- Sustainable Natural Dye Workshop: Try your hand at natural dyeing with indigo and other plant-based dyes. Your designs will help create unique pieces to support scholarships for students in our Fashion & Sustainability Momentum Makers Summer Camp.
- Send Love to a Teacher: Share your appreciation for a current or former teacher by recording a short video message or writing a heartfelt notecard. Your words can inspire and uplift the educators who shape our community.
Football vs Albright – Turf field – 1 p.m.
- Be there as the Golden Wolves take on their arch rivals. Alumni, check your email for directions on how to get your free ticket to the game.
Club Ice Hockey – Body Zone – 4 p.m.
- Check out Alvernia's club ice hockey team in action at Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex, 3103 Paper Mill Road, Reading.
The Great Dubois Circus Act – Quad – 4 to 5 p.m.
- A fast-paced, high-energy circus show for all ages showcasing incredible feats of juggling, hula hoops, unicycle riding, aerial tricks, circus stunts, contortion, magic and audience interaction all wrapped up in a blanket of comedy. It's the most unique two-person circus show you will ever see! Recently featured in Hugh Jackman’s hit movie “The Greatest Showman”, the Great DuBois Circus Act has amassed an impressive list of credits, including the Tony Award-winning “Pippin” on Broadway, Britney Spears World Circus Tour and the movie “Burlesque."
Men’s Soccer vs York – Turf field – 5 p.m.
- The men's team will be the first to take on the Spartans. (The women's team will follow at 8 p.m.)
Student Leader Social - Campus Commons Living Room - 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Join us for an evening designed to honor current and alumni student leaders while enjoying fall flavors and Golden Wolf pride.
Casino Night – Student Center – 7 to 10 p.m.
- We are going to have blackjack, Texas hold'em, and a roulette wheel. Participants will have chances to win raffle prizes at the event such as a flatscreen TV, gift cards and more!
Sunset Tours of Francis Hall – FH Atrium – 7 and 8:15 p.m.
- Tour our iconic Francis Hall with our Sr. Rosemary Stets and friends at sunset. Learn about the history of the building and hear the stories of those impacted by it. We will even check out the tower! You do not want to miss this unique opportunity.
Women’s Soccer vs York – Turf field – 8 p.m.
- The women's team closes out the day by battling the Spartans.
- Sunday, October 12
Pack Dash 5K – Flynn PLEX – 9 a.m.- Get in step with the newest addition to Alvernia's Homecoming and Family Weekend: the Pack Dash 5K. Starting and finishing at the Flynn PLEX, the race offers a running tour of the university's gorgeous grounds. For more information and to register, visit the Pack Dash page.
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.
- Get in step with the newest addition to Alvernia's Homecoming and Family Weekend: the Pack Dash 5K. Starting and finishing at the Flynn PLEX, the race offers a running tour of the university's gorgeous grounds. For more information and to register, visit the Pack Dash page.
