Homecoming 2023, slated for Oct. 20 to 23, marks the 60th anniversary of the Department of Geology, the 20th anniversary of the 1970s Reunion Jazz Ensemble, honored classes’ celebrations — and great theatre and athletic contests, along with a host of other special events.
SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus Thomas Regelski, ʼ62 (Music Education), composer, musician, and former School of Music faculty member; and Reginal Spiller, ʼ74 (Special Studies/Geology), who is President and CEO of Azimuth Energy LLC, CEO of subsidiary Azimuth GIS-E, and former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Gas and Petroleum Technologies at the U.S. Department of Energy, will be honored for their outstanding achievements at the Homecoming Recognition Reception, on Friday, Oct. 20 at 5 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
Other Friday events with no admission charge are a special exhibit in the Marion Art Gallery, “Not Gay;” a tour of the beautiful 1981 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center in the afternoon, and the 1970s Reunion Jazz 20th Anniversary Concert at 7 p.m. Also offered throughout the weekend will be performances of “Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812,” by talented SUNY Fredonia students.
There will be a Homecoming Pep Rally in Steele Hall Fieldhouse on Friday at 7 p.m. for current students. The event will include performances by dance and a cappella groups as well as fun games for the crowd. Prizes and refreshments are provided by the Alumni Affairs Office.
A new lunch/theatre event will be offered on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the new Main St. Studios, 50 W. Main St., Fredonia, featuring, “Stories and Dreams,” written by alumnus and former School of Music faculty member Dr. Frank Pullano ’56. The theatre is handicapped accessible (use entrance facing Main Street) and parking is free behind the theatre. It is a special invitation to all graduates from 1972 and before. Reservations are recommended.
Special Class Reunions have been organized for Saturday. The Class of 1973 will hold a 50-year reunion buffet luncheon in the Williams Center. Reservations may be made online. A dedicated group of 1993 classmates, including Brett Warren and Scott Mekus, have put together a great package of 30-year reunion events at $75/person. Those interested should contact either Brett or Scott for more information and for payment.
At the University Bookstore on Saturday afternoon, Timothy “T.R.” Sherlock, ’07, will be signing copies of his book based on his true story, “A Song for Kalen: Lessons Learned from the Life and Death of My Son.”
The Residence Life Office is hosting a reunion at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Blue Lounge in the Williams Center. Also, alumni who met their significant other at Fredonia should plan to attend the third Sweetheart Soiree, which is free but alumni are asked to register in advance. The annual Alumni Get Together will again be held in Dods Grove from 2 to 4 p.m.
And finally, the 60th anniversary of the Geoscience Department will be celebrated on Saturday. Alumni and friends are invited to check out the newly renovated, state-of-the-art Houghton Hall. There will be tours as well as student and faculty presentations beginning around 3:30 p.m., with a reception with Western New York fare slated to follow. Reservations may be made online.
Other great events rounding out the weekend will be a Biology Health Professions Panel, off-campus jazz groups at the opera house, and departmental get-togethers.
