Homecoming Schedule 2025

Homecoming and Reunions 2025— All-alumni Schedule (reunion schedules at the bottom of overall schedule)

Homecoming and Reunions 2025—
All-alumni Schedule

The registration desk at McGriff Alumni House on Georgia Avenue will be open

• Thursday, 1–6 p.m.

• Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Saturday, 8 a.m.–noon

Homecoming events are open to all registered guests. Individual class reunion events are listed after the weekend schedule.

Parking: Visitor parking is available in the lot behind Fulford Hall, along Georgia Avenue, behind duPont Library, and in designated spaces along University Avenue. Tennessee state code prohibits parking in bike lanes. Vehicles parked in the bike line on University Avenue will be cited for violation.

Thursday, Oct. 30

8:30 a.m. Morning prayer at St. Augustine’s Chapel, inside All Saints’ Chapel.

9 a.m.–4 p.m. Are you in the midst of the college search for one of your students? Do you need some assistance navigating the financial aid process (at Sewanee or FAFSA in general)? The Office of Financial Aid is available to answer your questions. Appointments are not necessary; stop by Fulford Hall, second floor.

9:15 a.m. Information session and campus tour for prospective high school students and families. As a Sewanee alumnus or alumna, you know a great deal about the University, but if you have college-bound children attending Homecoming with you, plan to attend one of the information sessions and campus tours sponsored by the Office of Admission. Registration required, new.sewanee.edu/admission-aid/visit.

1–5 p.m. Exhibit. Artifacts of Extinction: Untold Stories from the University Archives Collection (curated by Introduction to Museum Studies students, Easter 2025). The Museum Gallery of University Archives and Special Collections. William R. Laurie University Archives, next to duPont Library.

1–6 p.m. Hospitality center at McGriff Alumni House. Hang out between events or just drop in to relax during the day. We’ll have refreshments, restroom facilities, and a great atmosphere to make you feel right at home.

1–6 p.m. Registration at McGriff Alumni House on Georgia Avenue. Make this your first stop on the Domain for Homecoming and Reunion weekend. Pick up your registration packet with your nametag, a schedule of events, and Homecoming and Reunion gift!

1:15 p.m. Information session and campus tour for prospective high school students and families. As a Sewanee alumnus or alumna, you know a great deal about the University, but if you have college-bound children attending Homecoming with you, plan to attend one of the information sessions and campus tours sponsored by the Office of Admission. Registration required, new.sewanee.edu/admission-aid/visit.

4 p.m. Evening prayer at St. Augustine’s Chapel, inside All Saints’ Chapel.

5–6 p.m. A conversation with award-winning author Sheri Joseph, C’89, and Jennifer Davis Michael, C’89, at the University Bookstore. Sheri will also be available to sign her new book, Angels at the Gate.

7–9 p.m. Class of 1975 reunion kick-off party. Convocation Hall.

5:30 p.m. Class of 1985 reunion kick-off party. At the Assembly home of Mary Louise and John Clark, C’85. #82 Lagniappe and co-hosted with Robbi and Mark Balte, C'85. 221 Boxwood Avenue in the Assembly. Parking in the Assembly is limited, which is why we recommend parking outside the rear gate. Park behind Assembly - turn first on North Central Avenue (turn by fire station). Then, turn left turn onto Sunset Rock Road, which leads behind the Assembly to the parking area. Walk through the rear gate and continue straight up the street and then turn left onto Boxwood.

8 p.m. Domain after Dark Sewanee walking ghost tour. Meet at All Saints’ Chapel (if you dare!).

9 p.m.–midnight Phi Gamma Delta aka Fiji invites alums to stop by 55 Mitchell Ave. to catch up and hear the band 3rd Generation.

Friday, Oct. 31

8 a.m.–noon Back to class. Check the classes that are open to alumni and sit in on your favorite class. No blue books required!

8 a.m.–6 p.m. Registration at McGriff Alumni House on Georgia Avenue. Make this your first stop on the Domain for Homecoming and Reunion weekend. Pick up your registration packet with your nametag, a schedule of events, and Homecoming and Reunion gift!

Gown library collection. The Order of the Gown has started a “gown library” for members who cannot afford the gowns sold at the bookstore. The OG is also looking for alumni willing to hand down their gowns and pass on one of Sewanee’s best traditions! If you want to put your old gown to good use, please donate it to the gown library. Feel free to include a note with your contact information or share what your gown means to you, so that the student who receives it will be able to thank you directly. The donation drop will be at the Homecoming registration desk all weekend in McGriff Alumni House.

8 a.m.–6 p.m. Hospitality center at McGriff Alumni House. Hang out between events or just drop in to relax during the day. We’ll have refreshments, restroom facilities, and a great atmosphere to make you feel right at home.

9 a.m.–noon Exhibit. Artifacts of Extinction: Untold Stories from the University Archives Collection (curated by Introduction to Museum Studies students, Easter 2025). The Museum Gallery of University Archives and Special Collections. William R. Laurie University Archives, next to duPont Library.

10 a.m. Portrait unveiling and dedication to honor Professor Emeritus of Religion Herbert Wentz. Remarks by John Reishman, Jon Meacham, C’91, and Rob Pearigen, C’76. McGriff Alumni House.

10 a.m.–3 p.m. Pop-up alumni business tent. Peruse the products by Joseph Riley Land, C’98, whose products have been featured in Southern Living Magazine, and award winning book, Unrivaled: Sewanee 1899 by Norman Jetmundsen, C’76. McGriff lawn.

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Exhibit. Nalani Stolz, soft bones, tender body, University Art Gallery. Working with organic materials and processes, Stolz considers our conceptions of—and experience of inhabiting—our bodies. The University Art Gallery is celebrating its 60th anniversary in Guerry Hall! What do you remember about the UAG and its exhibitions over the years? Maybe you met a visiting artist who inspired you, a show surprised you, you showed your own work, or you worked as a gallery attendant. We would love to know about your experience. Stop by and visit with the attendants while you’re on campus and share your memories.

11 a.m. Abbo’s Alley hike, led by Louis Rice, C’73, superintendent of Abbo’s Alley. Meet at the ticket booth by the football field for the tour.

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Chemistry Department Halloween party. Join current chemistry students and faculty at their first annual Halloween party for Jeopardy and light snacks. Halloween costumes are optional! Blackman Auditorium.

1 p.m. Chemistry seminar. Dr. Isabel Smith, C’20, will be presenting “Mercury Exposure and Health Risks in a Warming Arctic: Linking Hydrology, Chemistry, and Ecology.” Blackman Auditorium.

1–2:30 Alumni Hike on the Caldwell Rim Trail along the upper reaches of Lost Cove. Meet at the trailhead at the end of Bob Stewman Road. (Turn left on Lake O’Donnell Road, turn right on Bob Stewman Road, and go to the end for parking). Guided by Mary Priestley, C’72. Stay for the optional extended hike to Point Disappointment.

1–3 p.m. Office of Global Citizenship open house. Did you study or volunteer abroad? Were you an international student? Do you currently live and work abroad? Do you consider yourself a global citizen? Did you join a service trip abroad or domestically? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this reception is for you! The Office of Global Citizenship staff, current international students, and study-away returnees would be excited to hear your stories! We also hope this might be a great networking opportunity for some of our current students to learn more about the world that awaits them beyond the gates! Torian-Watson House, 143 South Carolina Ave.

1–3 p.m. Aviation at Sewanee Homecoming reception. Fly the simulator at the Sewanee-Franklin County Airport. 262 Airport Rd.

1–5 p.m. Carlson Listening Room open house. Come listen to your favorite songs or let the curators surprise you. Enjoy the world’s finest audio components surrounded by thousands of LPs and CDs from the personal collections of Father William Ralston and Dr. Charles Harrison. Second floor, duPont Library.

1:15–3 p.m. Information session and campus tour for prospective high school students and families. As a Sewanee alumnus or alumna, you know a great deal about the University, but if you have college-bound children attending Homecoming with you, plan to attend one of the information sessions and campus tours sponsored by the Office of Admission. Registration required, new.sewanee.edu/admission-aid/visit.

1:30 p.m. Meet the Deans. Hear the vision of the new administrators. Jennifer Cooley, dean of the college; Chris Epperson, dean of All Saints’ Chapel and University chaplain; and Nicky Campbell, C’99, dean of students and vice president of student activities. Naylor Auditorium, Gailor Hall.

2 p.m. The Sewanee Herbarium will host an open house for alumni in Spencer 171 (the Herbarium).

2–4 p.m. Reception for Math and Computer Science alumni. At the home of Professor Catherine Cavagnaro. 482 Wiggins Creek Dr.

2–5 p.m. Sewanee yearbook surplus giveaway. Lost your yearbook? Grab a replacement from the yearbook surplus rack. duPont Library.

2:30 p.m. A retirement community in Sewanee? Arcadia at Sewanee, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Sewanee, invites University alumni and friends to hear about Arcadia’s recent progress. The dream of an Arcadia in Sewanee is decades old and now closer to becoming a reality. Learn about Arcadia’s vision and plans, share your ideas, and consider with us how such a community could enrich life on the Mountain. Naylor Auditorium, Gailor Hall.

3 p.m. Eighth annual frisbee golf tournament. Meet at the 19th hole, McGriff Alumni House, to play the Manigault Park course.

3 p.m. Phacelia sewaneensis! Jon Evans, professor of biology, will share the news about the discovery of a new species of plant found in Shakerag Hollow. Come learn about the Sewanee purple Phacelia. Spencer Hall 172.

3–5 p.m. Biehl Commons open house. Come check out the new gathering space for faculty and students. Mingle over refreshments and light snacks.
685 University Ave. (across from All Saints’ Chapel).

3–5 p.m. Sewanee author showcase. Celebrate our alumni authors—Kirk Battle, C’25; Leigh Anne Couch, C’90; Mark Elberfeld, C’00; Sheri Joseph, C’89; James T. Matthews, C’75; Jennifer Davis Michael, C’89; and Kelly Smith Trimble, C’00. Meet the authors, hear the stories behind their books, and get a signed copy if you want! The Social Lodge (corner of Georgia and Mississippi Avenues). Refreshments available.

3–5 p.m. Open house. The Webb Greenhouse/Woods Labs will have open hours for visitors and alumni to come and see the diverse collection. Jonathan Ertelt, C’78, will be on hand to point out special plants and answer questions. Woods Labs.

3:30–5 p.m. Friends of the Ralston Library reception. Friends of Father Ralston, Dr. Harrison, and Tam Carlson, and former Ralston Library volunteers and staff are welcome to join us to share memories and music over light refreshments. Charles Harrison Reading Room, second floor, duPont Library.

3:30–5:30 p.m. Wine and cheese reception for Snowden alumni, family, and friends hosted by the Department of Earth and Environmental Systems. Snowden Hall lobby.

4 p.m. Tour Sewanee’s historic cemetery. Dr. John Willis, duPont Professor of History, will lead a tour through Sewanee’s historic cemetery. Meet at the gates across from Stirling’s Coffee House.

4 p.m. Cartoon Day. “Jimmy Durante Caricatures in Warner Brothers and MGM Animation, 1942–1948,” with Dr. Greg Clark, professor emeritus of art history. Alums of a certain vintage will remember these highly educational and very sober in-class events, each one organized around a different animation theme, offered just before Homecoming weekends. “Jimmy Durante” was last offered in 2005; if you didn’t catch it then, come catch it now. Naylor Auditorium, Gailor Hall.

4 p.m. Evening prayer at St. Augustine’s Chapel, inside All Saints’ Chapel.

4–5:30 p.m. Theta Pi Open House. Mississippi Ave.

4:30–6 p.m. Friends of the Babson Center for Global Commerce open house. All are invited to come by and learn more about our activities and programs. Main Quadrangle. Refreshments provided.

5:30 p.m. Welcome home all-alumni reception. Come see friends and professors at this gathering that kicks off the weekend. Alumni tent next to McGriff Alumni House. Hosted by the Alumni Executive Board.

6 p.m. C’70, C’65, C’60, and Exornati reception and dinner. Centennial House, 49 Roarks Cove Rd.

6 p.m. Red Ribbon Society homecoming celebration. Red Ribbon members only. Sewanee home of Joe Delozier, C’77.

Class reunion parties. See the individual reunion schedule (below) for times and party information.

Class of 1960, Centennial House
Class of 1965, Centennial House
Class of 1970, Centennial House
Exornati (over 50th reunion), Centennial House
Class of 1975, Chen Hall
Class of 1980, Eaves home
Class of 1985, Sewanee Inn
Class of 1990, Patrick home
Class of 1995, Golf Lodge
Class of 2000, Judith Tavern
Class of 2005, Convocation Hall
Class of 2010, Sewanee Inn
Class of 2015, Shenanigans

9 p.m.–midnight Mixer with Phi Gamma Delta, ADT, and KD. Fiji House, 55 Mitchell Ave.

9:30–11:30 p.m. All-alumni Halloween band party with live music by Entice, McGriff Alumni House tent. Dance the night away! Bring your ID if you look under 21.

10 p.m. Sewanee ghost stories by Annie Armour, C’77. Author of Haunted Sewanee, Annie will help us celebrate Halloween with the tales of haunted places in Sewanee. Ever heard of the Headless Gownsmen? the ghost that plays the organ? Get spooked on Halloween with this special offering. William R. Laurie University Archives, next to duPont Library.

Saturday, Nov. 1

8 a.m. Fun run for alumni beginning at McGriff Alumni House. Start the day with a 5K to the Cross and back.

8–10 a.m. Breakfast, McClurg Dining Hall. Join fellow alumni for a drop-in breakfast. Your nametag serves as your ticket. Enjoy breakfast as the students do!

8 a.m.–noon Registration at McGriff Alumni House on Georgia Avenue. Make this your first stop on the Domain for Homecoming. Pick up your registration packet with your nametag, a schedule of events, and a Homecoming gift! Pick-up for pre-registered alumni will be self-serve in the afternoon.

8 a.m.–noon Book and product sale. Unrivaled: Sewanee 1899, the beautiful coffee table book authored by Norman Jetmundsen, C’76, P’16, about the remarkable story of the undefeated football team of 1899. Joseph Riley Land, C’98, will showcase his popular home decor line featured in Southern Living Magazine. Alumni pop-up tent (library side of McGriff Alumni House).

8 a.m.–9 p.m. Hospitality center at McGriff Alumni House. Hang out between events or just drop in to relax during the day. We’ll have refreshments, restroom facilities, and a great atmosphere to make you feel right at home.

8–9:30 a.m. Breakfast honoring members of the Charlotte Manigault Society, Order of the Purple, and Sewanee Fund and reunion volunteers. By invitation. Volunteer photo at 9 a.m. Chen Hall, 607 University Ave.

9:30 a.m. All-alumni celebration in All Saints’ Chapel. Join fellow alumni for the presentation of alumni awards and class reunion gifts and to hear remarks from Vice-Chancellor Rob Pearigen. Meet this year’s award winners: Distinguished Alumnus Award, Halsey Cook, C’85 and Mary Hance, C’75; Distinguished Young Alumnus Award, Trey Reliford, C’10; Distinguished Faculty Award, Sid Brown, professor of religion, and David Haskell, professor of biology; and John R. Crawford Distinguished Service Award, Greer Broemel, C’75, and John Baar, C’75.

Class of 1975 photo immediately following the all-alumni celebration. Nave altar, All Saints’ Chapel.

10 a.m. Alumni softball game. Alumni softball game. Join other former members of the Sewanee softball team for a fun game. Tiger softball field, Old Farm Road.

10 a.m.–2 p.m. Carlson Listening Room open house. Come listen to your favorite songs or let the curators surprise you. Enjoy the world’s finest audio components surrounded by thousands of LPs and CDs from the personal collections of Father William Ralston and Dr. Charles Harrison. Second floor, duPont Library.

10:30 a.m. Volleyball vs. Oglethorpe, Juhan Gymnasium.

10:30 a.m. All-alumni pre-game tailgate party. Come gather before the game for shrimp and grits, brunch food, and Bloody Marys. Alumni tent, McGriff Alumni House.

10:30 a.m. Gathering of the Alumni Greek Council volunteers. Lawn of McGriff near duPont Library.

11 a.m.–1 p.m. ADT alumni welcome home reception. ADT House, Mississippi Avenue.

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Phi Kappa Epilson invites PKE alums to stop by their tent next to the football field for light refreshments.

11 a.m.–5 p.m. Tiger Student Ventures custom T-shirts and Sewanee merchandise. Harris Stadium. Made to order Sewanee-themed T-shirts, tiger hats, and more.

11:30 a.m. Homecoming parade. Join the walk with other alumni from the tailgate party to the football field. Line up by reunion class or group (banners provided for you) and follow the bagpipes to join this tradition! Begin in front of McGriff Alumni House.

noon Homecoming football game vs. Trinity University, Hardee-McGee Field.

The concession stand at the football field is run by Housing Sewanee Inc.—Sewanee’s version of Habitat for Humanity. Proceeds go directly to purchase building materials for client homes. Please stop by during Homecoming to purchase a delicious hot dog and a refreshing drink.

Pop-up University Book and Supply Store. Harris Stadium, tent near Texas Avenue. Get Sewanee merchandise and a signed copy of Unrivaled: Sewanee 1899 book by author Norman Jetmundsen, C’76.

Football halftime tailgate party celebrating members of the 1858 Annual Giving Societies, including the Breslin Society and the 25 Years of Giving Society. Invitation only. Centennial House Lawn, 49 Roark’s Cove Road.

Football halftime Class of 1990 tailgate party. The Sewanee home of Jodie Ames Williford, C’90. Texas Avenue.

Football halftime ADT tailgate party. Harris Stadium, ADT tent.

Immediately following the football game Class of 2020 5th reunion party at Shenanigans, upstairs party room.

2–4 p.m. Cider pressing. The Farm Club will be making fresh apple cider this weekend. Come and help with the pressing and taste a free cup of cider. There will also be hot beignets. University Farm on Breakfield Road.

2–4 p.m. Mixer with Phi Gamma Delta, ADT, and KD. Fiji House, 55 Mitchell Ave.

3–5 p.m. Open house. The Webb Greenhouse will have open hours for visitors and alumni to see the diverse collection. Jonathan Ertelt, C’78, will be on hand to point out special plants and answer questions.

3 p.m. Women’s soccer vs. Centre College, Puett Field.

4 p.m. Open house in Breslin Tower, with the Sewanee Guild of Change Ringers, Tower Captain John Solomon, C’70, and students. Please go up the Breslin Tower stairs to the bell-ringing room.

5 p.m. Post-game all-alumni barbecue, McGriff Alumni House. Live music by Broad Mountain Band. Alumni band members include David Michaels, C’95, and Peter Keeble, C’74.

5 p.m. Carillon tours and open house, Shapard Tower. Get a bird’s-eye view of the Sewanee campus while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the carillon. Please meet inside All Saints’ Chapel at the iron gate in the front of the nave.

5:30 p.m. Men’s soccer vs. Centre College, Puett Field

6 p.m. Carillon concert, by carillonneur Ray Gotko, Shapard Tower.

6 p.m. Class of 1970 reunion gathering. The home of George Bishop, C’70, 174 Carpenter Circle.

6 p.m. Class of 1975 reunion banquet. Sewanee Inn.

6 p.m. Carillon concert, by carillonneur Ray Gotko, Shapard Tower.

8–11 p.m. All-alumni dance with live music by Savage Gulf at the alumni tent next to McGriff Alumni House. Band members include John Greer, C’83, Drew Jones, C’86, Jim Startz, C’85, Fred Shepard, C’85, and David Turnbow, C’86. Dance the night away at this popular event! Bring your ID if you look under 21.

Don’t forget to “fall back” by setting your clocks back one hour.

Sunday, Nov. 2

8 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I at All Saints’ Chapel.

11 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II at All Saints’ Chapel, with music led by the University Choir. Prayers will be offered for alumni who died during the past year.

noon Volleyball vs Berry College, Juhan Gymnasium.

noon-4 p.m. Exhibit. Nalani Stolz, soft bones, tender body, University Art Gallery. The University Art Gallery is celebrating its 60th anniversary in Guerry Hall! What do you remember about the UAG and its exhibitions over the years? Maybe you met a visiting artist who inspired you, a show surprised you, you showed your own work, or you worked as a gallery attendant. We would love to know about your experience. Stop by and visit with the attendants while you’re on campus or share your memories.

1:30 p.m. Carillon tours and open house, Shapard Tower. Get a bird’s-eye view of the Sewanee campus while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the carillon. Please meet inside All Saints’ Chapel at the iron gate in the front of the nave.

6:30 p.m. Growing in Grace. All Saints’ contemporary worship service with an informal Eucharist in All Saints’ Chapel. The theme for the semester is “The Joy We Share,” and tonight’s speaker is Kayla Deep, C’15, former lay chaplain.

REUNION EVENTS

Exornati

Friday, 6 p.m. C’70, C’65, C’60, and Exornati reception and dinner. Centennial House, 49 Roarks Cove Road.

Friday, 9:30–11:30 p.m. All-alumni Halloween band party with live music by Entice, McGriff Alumni House tent. Bring your ID if you look under 21.

Friday, 10 p.m. Sewanee ghost stories by Annie Armour, C’77. Author of Haunted Sewanee, Annie will help us celebrate Halloween with the tales of haunted places in Sewanee. Ever heard of the Headless Gownsmen? The ghost that plays the organ? Get spooked on Halloween with this special offering. William R. Laurie University Archives, next to duPont Library.

Saturday, 8–10 a.m. Breakfast, McClurg Dining Hall. Join fellow alumni for a drop-in breakfast. Your nametag serves as your ticket. Enjoy breakfast as the students do!

Saturday, 10:30 a.m. All-alumni pre-game tailgate party. Come gather before the game for shrimp and grits, brunch food, and Bloody Marys. Alumni tent, McGriff Alumni House.

Saturday, 11:30 a.m. Homecoming parade. Join the walk with other alumni from the tailgate party to the football field. Line up by reunion class or group (banners provided for you) and join this tradition! Begin in front of McGriff Alumni House.

Saturday, noon Homecoming football game vs. Trinity University, Hardee-McGee Field.

Saturday, 5:30 p.m. Exornati reunion party. Convocation Hall.

Saturday, 8–11 p.m. All-alumni dance with live music by Savage Gulf at the alumni tent next to McGriff Alumni House. Band members include John Greer, C’83; Drew Jones, C’86; Jim Startz, C’85; Fred Shepard, C’85, and David Turnbow, C’86. Dance the night away at this popular event! Bring your ID if you look under 21.

Sunday, 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I at All Saints’ Chapel.

Sunday, 11 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II at All Saints’ Chapel, with music led by the University Choir. Prayers will be offered for alumni who died during the past year.

Class of 1960—65th Reunion