'All Roads Lead Home' for Alumni at Buffalo State Homecoming
A tailgate and football game Saturday conclude a week of Buffalo State Homecoming programming, with a theme of “All Roads Lead Home,” especially for alumni returning to campus.
The Alumni Engagement Office has aimed for a heightened alumni experience this year. About a thousand people are expected at the Homecoming football game, which kicks off at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, September 30, against the University of Rochester. Fans will begin filing in around 3:00 p.m. for the Homecoming Tailgate.
“We’re building tradition in the campus community,” said Katelyn Brickhouse, interim director of alumni engagement. “We want alumni to be involved and continue to attend events that students identify with.”
Alumni were part of the Homecoming planning, as well. The Homecoming logo was designed by Natalie Tombak, ’23; the alumni Homecoming T-shirts were printed by Buff-a-logo, cofounded by Erik Westfield, ’11; and entertainment at the tailgate will be provided by DJ Jett, ’19.
At the tailgate, a Greek life tent will host alumni engaging with fraternity brothers and sisters as well as current students. Other groups represented at the tailgate will be the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and the Honors Program, which will have tents at the tailgate for current students and alumni to connect.
“The goal is for alumni to have an identifiable place to go back and engage with the community that they built when they were here,” said Alexis Arth, alumni communications manager. “Members of these affinity groups build a strong bond that continues even after they graduate.”
This is the first year Buffalo State is hosting a Homecoming tailgate since before the pandemic. Entry to the tailgate and football game is free. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
“It’s a great way to reconnect with the campus community at a fun, casual event,” Brickhouse said. “If you haven’t been back to campus, a lot has changed.”
Other Homecoming events Saturday include free showings at the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium between 10:00 a.m. and noon, a women’s volleyball game at 1:00 p.m. vs. New Paltz, and a women’s soccer game at 1:00 p.m. vs. SUNY Cortland.
