Montclair State University

Photo: Mike Peters

Tom Hazen '84 signs a yearbook as fellow 1984 graduate Dan Lindner looks on. The Class of 1984 celebrated its 25th anniversary at Homecoming 2009.

The threat of rain didn’t dampen the Red Hawk spirit of those who attended Montclair State University’s 2009 Homecoming on October 3 as hundreds of people came to campus for a fun-filled day of activities.

The day got under way with student groups and organizations showcasing their Homecoming Parade performances to an enthusiastic crowd in Memorial Auditorium. Whether indoors or out, the Homecoming Parade skits and performances are always a highlight of the day and this year was no exception.

Many students, alumni, faculty, and staff brought their families to campus for the Homecoming Carnival, which featured games, face painting, music by faculty and student bands, a barbecue, ice cream, caricature drawings, giveaways, inflatable rides and more. The campus was also a site for the Township of Montclair’s “Little Read,” which was a hit with the youngest members of the Montclair State family.

Earlier in the day, nearly 500 students and their families enjoyed a Homecoming family brunch and heard from Montclair State President Susan A. Cole and Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life Karen Pennington. Special guests Rocky the Red Hawk and Little Rocky stirred up some excitement by giving away tickets to the Homecoming football game at which the Red Hawks claimed victory over the William Paterson Pioneers 24-17.

In the afternoon members of the Class of 1984—celebrating their 25^th anniversary—and other alumni and friends gathered at the Alumni Beer Garden in the Red Hawk Deck and enjoyed traditional Oktoberfest fare and music from a live D.J.

Other activities throughout the day included Welcome Centers sponsored by the College of the Arts and the College of Science and Mathematics; a tree planting at the Children’s Center; a memorial service honoring faculty member S. Marie Kuhnen, chair of the Biology Department; a women’s soccer match at which the Red Hawks defeated Rutgers-Camden, 3-1; an alumni swim meet; an open house at the newly renovated Panzer Athletics Center; and a performance of “Kurtag’s Ghosts” at the Alexander Kasser Theater. Visitors also attended the George Segal Gallery to view the exhibit, “Andy Warhol: Through a Glass Starkly.”

See more photos from Homecoming 2009.

Article Entered Into News System: Monday, October 5 2009
Article Last Edited: Monday, October 5 2009