The University of Findlay will host Homecoming and Family Weekend 2025 from October 9 to 12, inviting all alumni, friends, families, and community members to be part of the celebration.

“For many generations, a phrase commonly heard around campus has been: ‘Findlay just feels like home’,” President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., said. “It might be the lifelong friendships, the supportive faculty and staff, the dynamic community, the learning environment, or our culture of caring for others that makes UF a special place.”

“And no matter how long you’ve been away – perhaps just a few months or maybe quite a few years – Findlay will always be your home,” she added.

Homecoming and Family Weekend 2025 activities will feature many beloved Findlay traditions, along with some new activities this year.

“Please join us, wearing your favorite Orange and Black apparel, for a variety of exciting, entertaining events throughout the long weekend,” Fell said. “The unity and commitment of our friends, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and students to UF are what make the Oiler Family strong.”

Additional information and registration for events can be found on the Homecoming and Family Weekend webpage: www.findlay.edu/homecoming.

Among the events open to the public:

THURSDAY, OCT. 9

Pop by the Rock

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Spirit Rock in front of Morey Hall
The Spirit Rock is ready and waiting for students, alumni, and friends to make their mark. Pop by for a selfie, treats, and bring a marker to leave an Oiler Nation Homecoming message. Cost is free.

College of Education Speaker

7 – 8:30 p.m. | Old Main, Ritz Auditorium
Clifton Core MAE ’06, Bellefontaine High School principal, will share his experiences as a social studies teacher, intervention specialist, associate principal, and head principal. Cost is free.

Mazza Museum – A Storm of Horses

6 p.m. | Mazza Museum, Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion

Visiting artist Ruth Sanderson is returning to the Mazza Museum for a free presentation and exhibit

featuring original artwork from her extensive career as an illustrator. She is well-known for her inspiring book, “A Storm of Horses,” about Rosa Bonheur, a famous French painter from the 1800s. Watch for an equine visit to the museum, as well.

Bonfire Bash: Flames, Festivities, and Fun

7:30 – 10 p.m. | DeHaven Soccer Stadium

Kick off Homecoming weekend at the Bonfire Bash with live music from student DJs. Sports teams will be introduced, and free T-shirts will be handed out to the first 250 people. Revive Worship Band will close out the night with a worship service. Cost is free.

FRIDAY, OCT. 10

Class of 1975 50^th Reunion

4 – 7 p.m. | Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion
Members of the Class of 1975 and their guests are invited to a special reunion gathering with dinner, Golden Diploma presentation, and campus tour. Fee and registration required.

Oiler Palooza Battle of the Bands

7 – 9 p.m. | Lawn in front of Center for Student Life & College of Business (CBSL)
A student, family, and community event with live music in the Battle of the Bands featuring student, faculty, staff, and alumni  performers, plus games, inflatables, and food for purchase. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Cost is free.

SATURDAY, OCT. 11

Heart Healthy 5K and 1.5-mile Fun Walk

7 – 8:45 a.m. Check-in | In front of Old Main

9 a.m. shotgun start | Griffith Memorial Arch

American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists is hosting the 10th annual 5K and 1.4-mile fun walk. A portion of event proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association. Fee and registration required.

Alumni Association Annual Awards Breakfast

9 a.m.| Winebrenner Building, TLB Auditorium

Enjoy breakfast with alumni from all over the nation while congratulating the 2025 Distinguished Alumni, and recipients of the Old Main Award, the Gold Medallion, and the Arch Award. We’ll also honor the Class of 1975 for their Golden Anniversary (50 years). Fee and registration required.

Open House and Gift Shop

10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Mazza Museum and Conda STEAM Center

The museum and gift shop are open with family-friendly activities.

Oiler Tailgate

Noon – 1:30 p.m. | Donnell Stadium

Enjoy a casual, family-friendly tailgate with picnic food, games, and live music by Tongue n’ Groove before the football game. Cost is free.

Football Game – Findlay Oilers vs. Hillsdale Chargers

2 p.m. | Donnell Stadium

Cheer on the UF football team at the annual Homecoming game. The 2025 Homecoming Court will be announced, along with the 2025 Distinguished Alumni awardees. The Oiler marching band will welcome back UF band alumni to perform with them. Also, the 1995 NAIA National Championship football team will be recognized. Tickets can be purchased at the gate.

Rieck Center Night Hike

8 p.m. | Rieck Center for Habitat Studies

A night hike will take participants through the nature trails at the Rieck Center to look for owls. Ultraviolet lights will be set up around the nature center to attract moths and other nocturnal invertebrates.

Oiler Movie Night Under the Stars

8:30 p.m. | DeHaven Soccer Stadium

A special outdoor showing under the stars will feature “High School Musical.” Bring a blanket and favorite snacks.

SUNDAY, OCT. 12

Worship Service

10 a.m. | Winebrenner TLB auditorium
Students, alumni, and friends are invited to a special time of worship to celebrate faith heritage and God’s hand of blessing through the years.

Fall Open House

1:30-3 p.m. | Rieck Center for Habitat Studies

After an informative program, attendees are welcome to hike the property and walk along the story trail. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

ATHLETIC EVENTS

Women’s soccer vs. Northwood, 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9, DeHaven Soccer Stadium

UF Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, 6:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 10, Winebrenner TLB Auditorium, advance reservations required

Women’s lacrosse alumni game, 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, Russ & Peg Armstrong Sports Complex

Swimming & diving alumni meet, 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, Sink Natatorium

Men’s soccer vs. Northwood, 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, DeHaven Soccer Stadium

Football vs. Hillsdale College, 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, Donnell Stadium

THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND

Star Gazing at the Newhard Planetarium

Friday: 5 & 6 p.m.; Saturday: 10, 10:45, 11:30 a.m.

Brewer Science Center

Stop by the planetarium to discover what to look for in a fall-winter evening sky. Take a quick fly through the universe and experience our awesome solar system in this exciting and informative 45 minute experience. No admission fee.

To learn more about specific events and speakers, or to register to attend any of the events, visit the Homecoming webpage. Homecoming events and information are also available on the Oiler Mobile App, which is free to download in the App Store and Play Store.

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