“My favorite part of homecoming is being able to see everybody coming back and getting to see the reaction to how everything looked and how Sacred Heart has grown,” said Rob Gilmore, executive director of Alumni Engagement and Events.
Homecoming will take place on Nov. 7 and Nov. 8. Over the course of the weekend, attendees will have the opportunity to attend sporting events, award ceremonies, go on a campus tour, and reconnect with fellow alumni and their families.
Contributed by Jaimie DeSisto, Associate Director of Alumni Engagement and Events
“Homecoming is a big reunion—you can’t get that same rush or excitement from an Instagram story or a post,” said Jaimie DeSisto, associate director of Alumni Engagement and Events. “It’s about feeling that shared spirit and being part of something bigger again.”
DeSisto is an alumnus of the class of 2004. She also described homecoming as “bringing the band back together.”
Anthony Smith is an alumnus of the class of 2020. This year, he is attending his third homecoming, having attended twice prior in 2021 and 2022.
“One of my favorite parts about coming back to campus is seeing what has changed since my last visit,” said Smith. “It amazes me when I think back on what campus was like when I was a freshman in 2016 versus what it is like now.”
In the past, homecoming took place in September or October, so November’s date is a change.
“In previous years, we’ve seen anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 alumni and guests attend, and we’re on track for similar participation this year,” said DeSisto. “It’s exciting to see that level of enthusiasm and engagement from our alumni community, even with the later date.”
Given that homecoming is happening close to Veterans Day, Gilmore and DeSisto worked to tailor some events to honor alumni who served in the military.
“This year’s homecoming theme is ‘Pioneers. Heroes. Legends.,’” said DeSisto. “We’re highlighting and honoring our alumni who have served in the military through special programming, including our Heroes with Heart breakfast, where veteran alumni will be recognized and invited to participate.”
DeSisto said that the veteran alumni will also receive a special recognition during the football game to “celebrate their service and their lasting impact on the Pioneer community.”
Prior to the football game against Virginia University of Lynchburg, the “Pioneer Fest,” a pregame tailgate, a staple event of homecoming, will take place on the William Pitt Athletic & Convocation Center Lawn.
“This event is the big way to get all the alumni together for the weekend,” said Gilmore.
Although many of the events throughout the weekend are reserved for alumni, students are still able to go to both the football and hockey games.
“Going to the games are great opportunities for current students to show their Pioneer pride and be part of the Homecoming spirit,” said DeSisto.
Sophomore Alysa Feldman is a member of the marching band and played at the homecoming game last year.
“Playing for the alumni during the game was so much fun. They show so much support and appreciation for the work and effort we put into our show,” said Feldman.
Homecoming is also an opportunity to recognize how far the alumni have gone in their lives since graduating.
“The Young Alumni Awards,” taking place for the first time this year, will “honor many of our alumni from the last 15 years who have made professional and personal achievements,” said Gilmore.
“Back with Heart: Campus Connections” will be held on Nov. 8.
“All our colleges will be represented in Linda’s, so once alumni check in, they can reconnect with their academic homes, whether that’s the Welch College of Business & Technology, the College of Health Professions, or any of SHU’s other schools,” said DeSisto.
“I am a huge advocate for keeping and continuing to develop the relationships and friendships made during undergrad,” said Smith. “Four years is a long time to spend with people, and homecoming gives us the chance to meet back up where it all began.”
“It’s so special to see alumni reconnecting with friends, professors and the place that shaped so many of their memories,” said DeSisto.
