Back to Where It All Began: Alumni BBQ Welcomes You Home for Homecoming 2025
There’s nothing like coming back to the place where it all started. We invite our alumni and their guests to the annual Alumni BBQ at Homecoming, a heartwarming gathering that brings Red Hawks of all generations together to celebrate memories, community and school spirit.
Posted in: Alumni News and Events, Homecoming
Homecoming 2025 Puts the Spotlight on the Alumni BBQ
Homecoming is more than just a weekend—it’s a celebration of our shared history, a chance to reconnect with old friends and an opportunity to return to the place that helped shape who you are today. We welcome you to the alumni main event: the Alumni BBQ.
Join fellow Red Hawks for the signature alumni event of the day, held just outside Cole Hall. Dig into a savory BBQ lunch, sip on craft beer and cider, enjoy music, lawn games and plenty of fun for the kids. It’s the perfect place to see familiar faces, make new connections and show off your Red Hawk pride before the big game. Featured local breweries include: Cricket Hill, Montclair Brewery. Seven Tribesman and Burnt Mills Cider.
The Alumni BBQ will welcome special gatherings for milestone classes and affinity groups. These reunions are more than just a walk down memory lane, they’re an opportunity to reconnect with the people who shaped your college experience and celebrate the impact our alumni continue to make in their communities and professions.
“I’m thrilled to welcome my fellow class of 2010 alumni to Montclair for our 15th Reunion at the Alumni BBQ! It’s the perfect chance to reconnect, reminisce and see how far we’ve all come — and how much the campus has grown with us. I can’t wait to catch up and celebrate everything that made our time at Montclair so memorable,” said Ian Honauer ’10 ’18 MBA.
A Time to Reconnect and Reflect
More than just a fun afternoon, the Alumni BBQ is a meaningful way to stay connected to Montclair State and be part of its ongoing story. As an alum, your presence reinforces the strong sense of community that defines our university. It’s a chance to network with fellow graduates, share your journey with current students and see firsthand how Montclair continues to grow and thrive. Whether you come back every year or are visiting for the first time in a while, attending the BBQ is a powerful reminder that you’re always part of the Red Hawk family.
“It was more than just a reunion, it was a chance to reconnect with the spirit of community, mentorship and pride that helped shape my professional journey. From catching up with fellow alumni to seeing today’s students lead with energy and purpose, it reminded me why investing in the next generation matters,” said Cynthia Watson ’99, Foundation Board Member.
Reserve Your Spot Today
With a wide range of events and opportunities to engage, Homecoming 2025 is expected to draw a large crowd. All alumni, students, faculty and community members are welcomed and encouraged to RSVP and reserve their spot today!
- $25 Alumni BBQ Ticket includes: food, two drink tickets and a $5.00 donation to The Fund for Montclair State University supporting future generations of students.
- $15 Child Ticket: Ages 3-12.
Please note: this event is rain or shine but as Domonique Walker ’09 said, “The rain never stops a Red Hawk! We had a blast reuniting and networking with friends from near and far and I can’t wait for this year’s Homecoming!”
Visit the Homecoming website to view the full schedule of events and plan your day! Parking for Homecoming is free for all visitors in the Red Hawk Parking Deck.