Worcester State Homecoming, Sept. 17 and 18, brought hundreds of alumni, friends, family, and students to campus on a spectacular weekend of fun and celebration.
Friday evening kicked off a jam-packed weekend with the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony honoring four remarkable alumni. The honorees were: Michael J. Mills ’72 (Outstanding Volunteer Service to the Community Award), Beverly A. George ’72 (Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Education Award), Charlotte (Zitowitz) Klein ’75, posthumously, (Outstanding Service to Alma Mater Award), and Derek E. Canton ’15 (Outstanding Young Alumnus Award).
The campus was bustling Saturday morning with games, music, and food trucks. Our softball and baseball alumni each participated in alumni games while the Men’s Soccer team hosted a home match with MCLA. The morning was capped off with our Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony in which inductees and their families gathered to recognize the incredible achievements of our alumni athletes. The honorees were: Lauren E. (Burke) Novick ’02, women’s basketball; Brien A. Cullen ’77, M.Ed. ’85 football; Shannon M. (Feeley) Buczek ’09, women’s soccer & lacrosse; Derrick E. Murphy ’15, football; Lauren E. (Saylor) Kastrenos ’10 MOT, OTR/L ’12, women’s volleyball; Sharon Pike, Posthumously, contributor, women’s basketball and the 2001 men’s soccer team.
Later in the afternoon, the stands at Coughlin Field and the alumni football concierge tent were standing room only during the epic battle between WSU and Fitchburg State University. While the game started slowly, the Lancers dominated the second half, overcoming a halftime deficit to defeat the Fitchburg State Falcons with a final score of 38-35. The Homecoming victory marked the first career win for Head Coach Adam Peloquin, and cheers could be heard from the nearby WSU president’s residence, where President Barry M. Maloney and the Office of Multicultural Affairs hosted an early evening ALANA reunion event.
Those who were not in attendance over the weekend were still engaged in the fun as many friends, family, and alumni took part in a virtual 5K at various times throughout the weekend. All funds raised for the 5k supported The Worcester State Fund.