Photo of College Hall Bell Tower
University News

Montclair State Celebrates Homecoming 2017

Posted in: University

Photo of Montclair State University alumni

Montclair State University welcomed thousands of students, alumni, families and friends to campus on Saturday, October 14 as everyone gathered together to celebrate Homecoming 2017.

The full day of events and activities kicked off with two sold-out family pancake breakfasts for first-year students and their families. Between the two events, more than 500 people enjoyed breakfast, student entertainment and an update on what’s happening at the University from President Susan A. Cole and University officials.

Open houses and reunions around campus followed, with Colleges and Schools, as well as the Educational Opportunity Fund Program holding events for their alumni. The School of Communication and Media held special events at their brand-new facility including Room Naming Unveilings and an exclusive conversation with alumnus Michael Price ’81, executive producer and writer for The Simpsons and co-creator of F is for Family.

Over at the Center for Environmental and Life Sciences, the College of Science and Mathematics’ “Science in Action” program drew large numbers of eager visitors to participate in the many science demonstrations and learning opportunities. Visitors learned about black holes and gravitational waves, reptiles and amphibians, the brain, the environment, computers, and much more – all capped off with the big chemistry finale, an epic explosion of ping pong balls.

The always-popular Campus Carnival, with food, games, rides and other activities took place in the Historic Quad and along College Avenue, and the Kiddie Zone featuring carnival rides, a toddler play center and a petting zoo was in full swing nearby.

Students, families and alumni took over the Amphitheater for the annual Student Showcase where members of campus student organizations showed off their talents while alumni enjoyed craft beer from six New Jersey-based breweries at the Alumni Beer Garden next door on the Kasser Theater veranda.

Added by popular request this year to the Homecoming activities was a car show, held near The Heights, where hundreds of visitors enjoyed checking out the more than 50 vehicles on display. Prizes were awarded for the best vehicles in each category and all proceeds went to the Red Hawk Pantry, Montclair State’s food and supply pantry for students.

Always a highlight of the day, the Homecoming football game drew a crowd of enthusiastic supporters to Sprague Field where they cheered the Red Hawks on. Although Montclair State lost to Salisbury University 28-10, they had plenty of support from the hometown crowd. Half-time festivities included a rousing performance by the Drums of Thunder and recognition of Athletic Hall of Fame alumni.

It was another terrific Homecoming for everyone who came to reunite with friends, enjoy great entertainment and fun, get reacquainted with the campus and show their Red Hawk pride!

Photo Gallery