University Welcomes Alumni for Homecoming

This is Homecoming weekend at the University, and well over 1,200 Sewanee alumni are expected to be on the Mountain. This is a reunion year for alumni with class years ending in 2 and 7; those classes will have special events in addition to the all-alumni offerings. Reunion events also are planned for former members of the University Choir, Kappa Sigma and the rugby team.

The registration desk at the McGriff Alumni House will be open until 6 p.m., today (Friday),  and 8 a.m.–1 p.m. on Saturday. The weekend will be filled with social, educational and recreational opportunities planned to appeal to all alumni.

At 4 p.m. today, there will be a ceremonial planting of an American Chestnut tree in the Environmental Quad in front of Snowden Hall. The Sewanee Tigers football team will take on Rhodes College at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Academic offerings include the opportunity to sit in on college classes and to hear presentations on the new strategic plan by Provost John Swallow, C’89; the University farm by Gina Raicovich, farm manager; and “The Forest Unseen” by professor David Haskell.

Arts events include a reading and book signing of “Sewanee Poems” by Richard Tillinghast, C’62, and illustrated by Joseph Winkleman, C’64, and a book signing of “Hike ‘Em All” by Mary Priestley, C’72. Richard Fleming will read from his book and speak about his photographs, followed by a reception. The exhibition “Richard Fleming: Walking to Guantánamo” is on display in the University Art Gallery. 

Theatre Sewanee’s production of the off-Broadway comedy “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” will be performed at the Tennessee Williams Center. The Rainbow Ribbon Society will host a reception for alumni, families and friends at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27, at the home of Marvin Goodstein, 147 Louisiana Circle, Sewanee.

Outdoor offerings include a hike of the new Caldwell Rim Trail overlooking Lost Cove, the annual fun run for alumni and friends, a “sneak peek” tour of the golf course renovation and numerous varsity athletic events. 

Vice-Chancellor John McCardell and his wife, Bonnie, will welcome alumni at events throughout the weekend. The new Elliott Terrace in front of the McGriff Alumni House will be dedicated Saturday.

The full schedule of events can be found at <www.sewaneegateway.com/>.