By Steve Seepersaud
Homecoming is an occasion for the University to celebrate the bonds that Binghamton graduates have with their alma mater and classmates. This year's Homecoming was also a celebration of alumni generosity which is felt across the entire campus and propelling the University into its next level of excellence.
More than 1,000 people returned to campus Sept. 27-29, to enjoy a variety of events that brought alumni and students together for fun and professional networking.
"Homecoming is a tremendous weekend for Binghamton and its alumni," said Cara Treidel '16, Alumni Association president. "[We] recognize all of Binghamton and its many accomplishments and growth. It's also time to reconnect and reminisce over our shared memories."
Signature events included a block party in downtown Binghamton, TIER Talks speaker event featuring four alumni who are network TV producers (), Fall Festival and the annual Homecoming men's soccer game. Groups including the First-Year Research Immersion, Sigma Gamma Rho sorority and 20:1 Programs held gatherings in honor of their milestone anniversaries.
Alumni also attended events to celebrate the enormously successful EXCELERATE comprehensive gifts campaign, which concluded June 30, after raising a total of $261.6 million ( on the campaign's impact). Commemorative lapel pins were given to alumni who supported the campaign at all levels.
"The University is indebted to each of you for all you do to support our beloved alma mater [and] the students who come behind you and benefit from your time, talent, treasure and testimony," said Matthew Winston, Jr., executive director of alumni engagement, at a luncheon for EXCELERATE's closest supporters. He led luncheon attendees in a singing of "Happy Birthday" as Homecoming Saturday was the anniversary of the University's first day of classes on Sept. 28, 1946.
Bing pride could also be felt at the , at which four athletes and one team were inducted.
"A premier public University has to have a lot of pride," said President Harvey Stenger. "As I look around and I see people whom I've known for a long time, I can see pride as [they] think about the accomplishments [they've] had and the accomplishments that we've had."