Whether it was laughing at a theatre performance, touring historic neighborhoods on bicycles, taking in the glow of a bonfire, catching up with friends and classmates or enjoying the fall festival, Detroit Mercy’s Homecoming had something for everyone.
Hundreds of people — alumni, students, faculty and staff, family and friends — gathered on the McNichols Campus for nearly two dozen events from Friday through Saturday, Sept. 29-30.
“Homecoming was a fabulous success with lots of energy around campus all day and fun for everyone,” said Peggy Pattison, director for Alumni Relations at Detroit Mercy. “A record number of alumni and students were treated to a glorious evening of food, fun and fellowship. It was exciting to see so many people enjoying the activities and each other’s company.”
The annual Spirit of Detroit Mercy Alumni Achievement Awards kicked off Homecoming on Friday, Sept. 29, as seven individuals who have been leaders in their field were honored. The evening also included a McLean Lecture on the topic “Back to the Future and into the Chemistry-Verse.”
Saturday’s daylong activities were headlined by the fall festival, which featured hayrides, bubble soccer, a rock wall, food trucks, a petting zoo and more at the Fisher Fountain.
The annual Tour de Titan bike ride opened the day and was followed by a number of reunions, including the KBG reunion lunch, Mexican American program and the Golden Jubilee reunion for the Class of 1973.
Indoor events on Saturday included a discussion on healthcare education and tours of the Simulation, Technology and Research (STAR) Center, networking events for entrepreneurs and Health Services Administration alumni and students, and the Titan Retirement Series.
Alumni and others took part in a new Homecoming kickball game at Buysse Ballpark, a taping of “Ask the Professor” and Mass in the St. Ignatius Chapel. A bonfire and stroll off competition capped the Homecoming festivities on Saturday night.
Titan Athletics was also active during Homecoming on Saturday. The men’s and women’s basketball teams hosted open practices at Calihan Hall, while the softball team played University of Michigan-Dearborn at Buysse Ballpark. At Titan Field, the men’s lacrosse program held its annual alumni game before men’s soccer faced IUPUI in a Horizon League battle.
Stay tuned for updates on Detroit Mercy’s Homecoming for 2024.
