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Students, families and alumni to gather for Homecoming and Family Weekend

September 2, 2026
By: Lexi Jones

Homecoming and Family Weekend returns Sept. 25–26, bringing students, families and alumni together for a weekend filled with engaging programs, campus traditions and opportunities to reconnect. Alumni from across the years are invited back to campus, while families and students can enjoy activities for all ages.

The weekend kicks off Friday, Sept. 25, with a special presentation by Megan Marshall, a Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer and former president of the Society of American Historians. Marshall will explore the power of biography and the stories of women who have shaped American history and culture in her talk, “Why We Need Hero(ines): The Power of Biography.” The presentation will take place at 12:30 p.m. in the Blue Lounge.

On Saturday, families, students and alumni will come together for a full day of activities, culminating in the Homecoming football game at 1 p.m. against Westfield State. From campus traditions to opportunities to connect with friends and fellow alumni, there’s something for everyone throughout the weekend.

Here is the complete lineup of events:

Family Day, Saturday Sept 26

Family Day at Worcester State

Parents, guardians, siblings and grandparents of Worcester State students are invited to enjoy a day of fun at Worcester State hosted by

Student Affairs. Register here if you plan to attend.

Family Day Brunch – From 10:30am-noon in the Sheehan Dining Hall! Free brunch tickets are limited to first-come, first-served.

Family Fun Fair – From 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.. Activities, photo ops, and food trucks.

Student Center Showcase – From 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Pumpkin decorating, fall arts and crafts, games, and novelties throughout the Student Center!

Family Day Bingo – Two times, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and again from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. A campus favorite. Play bingo, win prizes!

Homecoming Football Game – 1:00 p.m. John Coughlin Memorial Field vs. Westfield State

Homecoming Weekend Friday Sept. 25 – Saturday, Sept. 26

Alumni and their families are invited back to campus for a variety of family-fun activities and social events.

Pulitzer-Prize Winning Author with Megan Marshall – Friday, Sept. 25 at 12:30 p.m., Blue Lounge in the Student Center. Open to all students and alumni.

Don’t miss this chance to listen to an award winning author. Megan Marshall will give a talk followed by a reception. Sponsored by the Worcester State Foundation. Marshall will share about the power of biography and the stories of women who have shaped American history and culture.

Athletic Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony – Friday Sept. 25, DeFeudis Wellness Center,  Cocktail Reception 5:30 pm -6:30 pm. The program and dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m.  This signature event honors alumni, honorary, and team inductees who have made outstanding contributions to WSU Athletes. Read more about this year’s inductees, first five alumni inductees, Olivia Antonelli ’20 (Field Hockey), Graham Asum ’12 (Football), Sydney Despres ’18 (Softball), Amari King ’19 (Volleyball), AJ Scerra ’17 (Football), followed by Gerry Creamer ’72 (Honorary Contributor) and the 2007 Women’s Soccer Team inductee with 20+ players. Registration is required.

Homecoming Experience – Saturday, Sept. 26 in the Student Center lot from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Alumni are invited to enjoy a festive mix of activities for all ages, including a bouncy house, classic games, and food trucks. 

Former classmates reunite at Homecoming

Harvest and Blooms Flower Bar and Beverages – Saturday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Student Center lot. Join Worcester State alumna Samantha Paradis, owner of the floral boutique Sam’s Stems, for a hands-on session in creating your own fall-inspired floral arrangement in Lancer blue and gold. Complimentary drinks will be available while you create. Please note, supplies are limited—so be sure to stop by early to participate. Hosted by the Office of Alumni Relations, this workshop is open to alumni and limited guests. 

Homecoming Game and VIP Endzone Tent – Saturday, Sept. 26, 1:00 p.m., Coughlin Field. The VIP Endzone Tent, sponsored by Pepsi and by invitation only, honors athletics donors with an exclusive gameday experience featuring alumni-owned Courthouse Brew’s signature craft beer and seltzer, paired with complimentary food.

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