Get your rumpled hoodie to the cleaners, and consider taking a shower, undergrads, because Gannon University is rolling out the maroon carpet this weekend to welcome parents and alumni.
The 2011 Alumni Homecoming Reunion and Family Weekend is a jam-packed, three-day event that will bring together old friends, honor those who graduated before us and offer fun for families.
Cathy Fresch, director of alumni services, said Gannon decided to host the event separate from the student homecoming this year because they thought the November date would be an inconvenient travel time for alumni and family.
Fresch said alumni services combined with the Activities Programming Board to put on the parent/alumni extravaganza.
A wide range of activities have been planned for the diverse population of Gannon devotees.
Celebrating a significant reunion milestone is the Class of 1961. This year’s 50th class reunion will have its own cocktail and dinner reception Saturday evening.
APB is sponsoring two less exclusive events.
The first is a hypnotist, who will be on campus from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday in Room 104 of the Zurn Science Center. Michael C. Anthony will be offering his mind-reading skills to students, parents and alumni free of charge.
The second event is Family Bingo, which is similar to Big Prize Bingo, a staple of Springtopia, Theresa Lohn, a junior physician assistant major and the APB After Hours chair, said.
It will be held from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Friday in Club LaRiccia, which is the cafeteria basement. Lohn said that the event will offer prizes, like gift cards from Starbucks and Target.
One unique event happening this weekend is a roast of the Rev. Joseph Gregorek, Ph.D., a professor in the biology department.
It will be held at 6:45 p.m. Saturday in the Yehl Ballroom of the Waldron Campus Center.
Gregorek said the idea of being roasted doesn’t bother him. He said he is especially excited for the event, because Gannon has invited his sisters and great niece from New Jersey to attend.
He also is excited to see all the students he has taught during his 35 year tenure at Gannon, he said.
“It will be nice to be able to greet them and welcome them back to Gannon,” he said.
“That’s going to be the biggest and happiest thing [about the roast].”
Students, parents and alumni will also have various chances to meet university President Keith Taylor, Ph.D., this weekend.
At the start of the weekend, the Student Government Association is sponsoring a welcome reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Friday.
If nothing else, Fresch wants students to take this weekend as an opportunity to meet alumni in a less formal way.
“Whenever you see someone with a name badge, stop and introduce yourself,” she said.
“It’s an excellent opportunity to network.”
