Homecoming 2023 Welcomes Alumni, Friends to Remember “Home is Where the Arch is”

The University of Findlay is celebrating Homecoming 2023 from September 29 to October 1 with a theme of “Home is Where the Arch is” to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the iconic entrance to campus.

“For many decades, our students have started and completed their academic journeys at UF by processing in and out of the Arch,” said President Katherine Fell, Ph.D. “Our graduates’ success is a cornerstone of the continued excellence of this institution. We have a lot to celebrate.”

The Griffith Memorial Arch was constructed in November 1923 and is a rite of passage for incoming and graduating students entering the next chapters of life.

Another special milestone is the 50^th anniversary of WLFC radio station 88.3 FM. Alumni DJs will be live on the air Friday afternoon and Saturday prior to the football game. Tours of the new station in Alumni Memorial Union will be offered.

The Homecoming 2023 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 the variety of events throughout the long weekend,” Fell said. “There will be many opportunities to reconnect with old friends, make great new memories, and show support for your University. 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.

Some events to look forward to include:

Pre-Homecoming Weekend

THURSDAY, SEPT. 28

Pop by the Rock

4 to 6 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 grab 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
Kelly Schooler ’16, Ed.D., Perry Local Schools superintendent, will share her experiences as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. The College of Education is celebrating the 10^th anniversary of its Ed.D. program. Cost is free.

Homecoming Weekend

FRIDAY, SEPT. 29

Music Bach’s Concert

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Alumni Memorial Union, Atrium
UF’s Student Activities Board presents Backtrack Vocals, a five-person a cappella group based in New York City. Their exciting arrangements transform familiar tunes and showcase the top-notch vocal and beatboxing abilities of all of their members. Cost is free.

Class of 1973 50^th Reunion

4:30 – 8 p.m. | Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion
Members of the Class of 1973 and their guests are invited to a special reunion gathering with dinner and campus tour. Fee and registration required.

Oiler Bash

6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | Koehler Fitness Center
A student, family, and community event featuring face painting, magic tricks, train rides, inflatables, photo booth, arcade games, food, and more. Cost is free, but registration is required.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 30

Homecoming 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 eighth annual Heart Healthy 5K and new 1.5-mile Fun Walk. A portion of the event proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association. Fee and registration required.

Alumni Association Annual Awards Breakfast

9 a.m.| Winebrenner Building, WTS Auditorium

Enjoy breakfast with alumni from all over the nation while congratulating the 2023 Distinguished Alumni, and recipients of the Old Main Award, the Gold Medallion, and the Arch Award. We’ll also honor the class of 1973 for their Golden Anniversary (50 years). Fee and registration required.

Oiler Brunch

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Alumni Memorial Union, Multi-Purpose Room

Friends, alumni, parents, and families are invited to brunch and to listen to UF President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., members of the Parents Executive Council, and the Alumni Board of Governors. Fee and registration required.

50^th Reunion, Open Mic and Open House at WLFC Radio Station

12 – 3 p.m. | Alumni Memorial Union, WLFC studios

Current students and alumni who have experienced the excitement of being a WLFC staff member will participate in various Homecoming events. All alumni who listened to or worked at the station are encouraged to stop in and see the new station location and send a greeting to WLFC listeners. Cost is free.

Tours of Old Main

10 – 11 a.m. or 12 – 1 p.m. | Meet at the Arch

Discover the secrets of Old Main, the first building constructed on campus. Led by long-time UF employee and history buff Jeff Lewis, the walking tour will highlight fun facts and fond memories of this iconic University structure and the Arch. Cost is free, but registration is required.

Women’s Volleyball Game – Findlay Oilers vs. Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers

12 p.m. | Croy Gymnasium

Fee for tickets.

Soccer Games

1 p.m. | DeHaven Field | Men’s Findlay Oilers vs. Ashland University

4 p.m. | DeHaven Field | Women’s Findlay Oilers vs. University of Mount Union

Cost is free.

Oiler Tailgate

1 p.m. | Donnell Stadium

Enjoy a casual, family-friendly tailgate with food trucks, kettle corn, drinks, music, and fun before UF takes on the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers. Cost is free, but registration is required.

Football Game – Findlay Oilers vs. Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers

4 p.m. | Donnell Stadium

Cheer on the UF football team at the annual Homecoming game. The 2023 Homecoming Court will be announced, along with the 2023 Distinguished Alumni. Tickets can be purchased at the gate.

Music on the Lawn and Fireworks

7 – 9:30 p.m. | Center for Student Life and College of Business
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy live entertainment from two local bands plus family-friendly activities before the fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Singing and dancing are encouraged.

SUNDAY, OCT. 1

Worship Service

10 a.m. | Center for Student Life and College of Business
Founded in Christian faith, the University is proud to continue the tradition of providing a Worship Service and sharing the Word. The Thursday Night Live Worship Band, Revive Worship Band, and the Anointed Worship Gospel Choir will come together to lead in worship.

Brunch after Worship Service

11 a.m. | Center for Student Life and College of Business
Fee and registration required.

Rieck Center for Habitat Studies Open House

1:30 p.m. | Rieck Center, 17311 Township Rd #166, Arlington, OH 45814

See a “wilder” side of UF at the Rieck Center for Habitat Studies. This 54-acre living laboratory focused on environmental education is used by students and faculty for classes, student organization events, and research. It includes trails, a fishing pond, bird feeders, and more. Cost is free.

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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