This is an early glimpse of what Homecoming 2026 has in store — keep checking this list, as more events will be added!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Alumni & Friends Registration & Welcome
Hermann Fine Arts Center, Lobby
Be sure to reserve your spot! Alumni and friends who register for Homecoming will receive a themed t-shirt and special gift, access to the All-Alumni Welcome Friday evening, a tailgate lunch and ticket to the football game, and access to the All-Decades Reunion on Saturday evening. Registration: $40
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Bags & BBQ: Hosted by MCAA-C and Pioneer Activities Council
Legacy Library Lawn (Rain location is DBRC Court 1)
Join fellow Pioneers and meet the next generation of The Long Blue Line. Share your experiences, catch up with the MCAA-Council and learn more about PAC and our 2026 Homecoming candidates.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Alumni & Friends Registration & Welcome
Hermann Fine Arts Center, Lobby
Be sure to reserve your spot! Alumni and friends who register for Homecoming will receive a themed t-shirt and special gift, access to the All-Alumni Welcome Friday evening, a tailgate lunch and ticket to the football game, and access to the All-Decades Reunion on Saturday evening. Registration: $40
11:00 a.m. – Noon
Phi Beta Kappa Social Hour
Legacy Library, Lower Level
Catch up with fellow members of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society.
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
More History to Make: Presidential Update
Fenton Court
Join President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty for an engaging update on the exciting momentum shaping 911±¬ÁÏÍø. Learn about progress on strategic initiatives, campus enhancements, student success, and the many ways our community is advancing the College's vision for the future. Attendees will also be the first to hear a significant announcement marking a defining milestone for Marietta and signaling that, together, there is even More History to Make.
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
All-Alumni Welcome
Hermann Fine Arts Center
Gather with alumni and friends at the official Homecoming kickoff. Enjoy the camaraderie and nostalgia among the 911±¬ÁÏÍø community. A special performance by Marietta’s Theatre Department and a greeting from Alumni Director Gi Smith.
5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Marietta Delt Alumni: Brotherhood Celebration Dinner
Marietta Delt Alumni, spouses and friends of Epsilon Upsilon Chapter are invited to have cocktails and dinner with the Undergraduate Delts. We will be reconnecting and celebrating our Marietta Delt family and its successes over the past year. In addition to a cash bar, there will be a pasta buffet with alfredo or marinara sauce, grilled chicken, broccoli salad, garlic bread, sweet tea, lemonade and dessert.
**Please RSVP separately by October 9 at
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Alpha Sigma Phi's Just Desserts Gathering
Band Rehearsal Hall, 3rd & Butler streets (former Moose Lodge)
Join your Alpha Sima Phi brothers during this social gathering, which includes desserts, drinks and plenty of great conversations! This event is free, thanks to the support of the Delta Alumni Association. Please RSVP via the registration form or by emailing alumni@marietta.edu so we can have an accurate head count.
7:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Live Band: Michael Weber Show and Friends
—Hosted by Don Ritter ’81 and Bruce Kinney ’78
The Gathering Place
Don’t miss the exhilarating live band performance at the Homecoming celebration, where alumni and students come together to enjoy an evening of great music and festive spirit. Join us for a memorable night of dancing, singing, and reconnecting with dear friends. Cash bar and snacks. Registration: $15 (MC students may attend for free).
8:00 p.m.
ATO Beta Rho Homecoming Social
ATO's Harmar House, 4th Street
The chapter is hosting a Homecoming social to celebrate the previous semester and connect with brothers from past years of Beta Rho. This event is casual with punch and cookies provided.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
All-Alumni Breakfast
Gilman Dining Hall
Pre-registration price: $10; $12 at the door.
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Alumni & Friends Registration & Welcome
Hermann Fine Arts Center, Lobby
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Campus Tour: All Alumni and Friends
Admission House
Take a guided tour of 911±¬ÁÏÍø’s picturesque campus.
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
911±¬ÁÏÍø Alumni Association Awards & Athletic Tribute Ceremony
McDonough Auditorium
Celebrate excellence at the 911±¬ÁÏÍø Alumni Awards & Athletic Tribute Ceremony, when we honor distinguished alumni and outstanding students and student-athletes for their remarkable achievements and contributions, along with recognition of the MCAA Council Adkins Society members. Join us for inspiration and pride as we recognize those who exemplify the spirit and legacy of 911±¬ÁÏÍø.
Honoring the following Awards:
Hall of Honor: Jo Ellen Diehl Yeary ’76 & David M. Rickey ’78
Outstanding Young Alumnus: Derek Hennen ’12 & Meredith Storey ’12
Liz Tribett Service: Jim Buckwell ’61 & Brittany Metcalf ’13
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Pioneer Tailgate
Don Drumm Stadium
Join us at the Pioneer Tailgate for an unforgettable pre-game celebration filled with food, fun and Pioneer spirit! Various organizations will have tailgate setups throughout the tailgating area. A fun chance to connect with fellow alumni, current students, and faculty. Each tailgate features its own unique flair, spirit and MC pride. At 1:30, the Pioneers take on Baldwin-Wallace University. General Homecoming Registration includes the tailgate lunch & game ticket. If not registered, $15 at the door, $10 for kids 6-12 years old, Free for kids 0-5 years old.
4:30 p.m. (remarks start at 5:15 p.m.)
Pioneers of Progress: Honoring Charles Sumner Harrison and Dr. Barbara Diggs Lyles
Dr. Barbara Diggs Lyles House
911±¬ÁÏÍø honors two trailblazing Pioneers whose legacies are forever woven into the College's history: Charles Sumner Harrison, Marietta's first African American graduate, and Dr. Barbara Diggs Lyles, the College's first African American woman graduate. This special celebration commemorates the 150th anniversary of Harrison's graduation and the 75th anniversary of Lyles' graduation, recognizes their achievements perseverance, and lasting impact on generations of students who followed. Through a journey back in time, guests will have the opportunity to explore the campus and social climate these scholars experienced, reflect on the barriers they overcame, and celebrate the ways they helped pave the path for future Pioneers. Together, we honor their stories as an essential part of 911±¬ÁÏÍø's rich history, and the legacy that continues to move us forward.
5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
50th Reunion Class of 1976 and all Golden Pioneers Reunion Reception and Dinner
Reception 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
The President’s House, 301 Fifth St, Marietta
Dinner 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Andrews Hall, Great Room
Class of 1976 and all Golden Pioneers (any Pioneer who graduated prior to 1976) are invited to a reception hosted by the President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty. This is a special opportunity for the Class of 1976 and Golden Pioneers to gather and celebrate this milestone together at the President’s House. A special dinner in Andrews Hall’s Great Room will follow. Registration is $50/person.
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
All-Decades Reunion
The Gathering Place
Reconnect with classmates, relive favorite memories, and celebrate your 911±¬ÁÏÍø experience at the All-Decades Reunion. Honoring the Classes of 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016, this casual gathering is the perfect opportunity to catch up with lifelong friends and make new memories together. Join us from 5:30–7:30 p.m. on Saturday for an evening of conversation, camaraderie, hors d’oeuvres, and drinks before heading downtown to continue the Homecoming celebration. Whether it's been five years or forty, you'll find plenty of reasons to reconnect with The Long Blue Line.
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
ATO's Roger Patterson Retirement Celebration
Band Rehearsal Hall, 3rd & Butler streets (former Moose Lodge)
Join the brothers of Alpha Tau Omega as they celebrate Roger Patterson's retirement as chapter advisor. This casual gathering includes hors d'oeuvres and drinks.
Registration: $20
6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
McDonough’s 40th Celebration
Dyson Baudo Recreation Center
Celebrate four decades of the McDonough Leadership Program during the 6:30-7:30 p.m. social hour and 7:30–9:00 p.m. program with fellow Scholars, current students and administration, program supporters, and former faculty and staff. Please note that this is a family-friendly event, so children are welcome to attend!
Registration: $40
8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
19th Annual New Plays in One Day Festival
Hermann Fine Arts Center, Friederich Theater
Watch the magic as our Theatre Department continue to showcase the strength of Marietta’s performing arts! Guests are invited to a special reception that precedes the 8:00 p.m. performance.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
All-Alumni Breakfast
Gilman Dining Hall
Pre-registration price: $10; $12 at the door.