Homecoming & Family Weekend
Nov. 7–9, 2025
Schedule of Events
The Welcome Center
The Welcome Center is on the main floor in the Holland Union Building (map No. 16). Please make this your first stop upon arrival, so you may check in.
Welcome Center Hours:
Friday: 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday: 7:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 7
All Day
Select Friday Classes: Open to Families and Alumni
Select Friday classes will be open for Dickinson families and alumni to attend.
Stay tuned! A list of classes will be posted here when it is finalized.
2–4 p.m.
House Divided 20th Anniversary Open House
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Dickinson’s House Divided Project, and you're invited to attend an open house at the House Divided studio. Feel free to drop by and view engaging, student-produced exhibits about Carlisle and the Civil War era and about Dickinson and slavery. House Divided is an innovative effort led by Matthew Pinsker, Pohanka Chair in American Civil War. It’s designed to create an array of multimedia resources for K-12 and college classrooms studying 19th-century U.S. history.
House Divided Studio (61 N. West St.)
2–4 p.m.
Landis House Open House
Hosted by the LGBTQ+ Center, the Women’s and Gender Resource Center, and the Center for Spirituality and Social Justice. Come to Landis House to meet our new campus chaplain, learn more about the three offices that operate here, and enjoy doughnuts and special programming.
Landis House—map No. 51
2–3 p.m.
Navigating the College Admissions Process
Members of Dickinson's Office of Admissions will lead an informative and engaging one-hour session designed to demystify the college admissions process for families with high school students. This session will offer valuable insights and practical tips to help you and your child navigate the college journey with confidence.
Waidner Admissions House, info session room—map No. 53
3–4 p.m.
Admissions Campus Tour
Check in at Waidner Admissions House–map No. 53
3–4 p.m.
From College to Career: For Families of New Students
The world of work is rapidly changing, buffeted by automation, artificial intelligence, globalization and the effects of the pandemic. Positive family involvement—in academic choices, career planning and opportunity searches—is helpful in supporting a graduate’s successful transition from classroom to career. Join the Center for Career Development to learn about Dickinson’s career development model and understand how you can help support your student throughout the career planning process.
Location TBD
3–4 p.m.
The Burgess Institute Impact: Preparing Students for the Global Economy
Join Steve Riccio, executive director of the Burgess Institute for the Global Economy and senior lecturer in international business & management, for a discussion about resources available to students through the Burgess Institute. Mengnan Zhu, assistant professor of international business & management, will lead a demonstration of the Bloomberg Terminal, which provide real-time financial data, news, analytics and trading tools used by professionals to make informed investment and business decisions.
Garden Level Lounge, Althouse Hall—map No. 13
3–4:30 p.m.
Petals & Pastries with Women of Color
Make flower bouquets and enjoy delicious pastries with some of the talented Women of Color student leaders on campus.
Allison Community Room—map No. 34
3–5 p.m.
Hands-On Science: Geosciences Rock!
Come “dig" into our rock, mineral, and fossil collections, play with our interactive virtual reality sand table, make seismic waves, and check out some of the cool tools geoscientists use to study our awesome planet Earth. Stop by anytime from 3-5 pm to explore and chat with a geologist — and don’t miss the volcanic eruption demo at 4:30 pm outside in front of the Kaufman Greenhouse.
Room 129, Kaufman Hall-map No. 33
5–7 p.m.
Celebration of International Students
The Office of Global Studies invites the Dickinson community to come together with international students at this heartwarming and inclusive gathering. The event will offer multicultural activities and culinary delights and will provide a unique opportunity to forge and strengthen connections within a welcoming, international atmosphere. This celebration fosters unity in diversity, and it's a chance to cultivate bonds that transcend borders.
Room 102 & Great Room, Stern Center—map No. 5
5–7 p.m.
Arts Award Opening Reception
Wendy Red Star: Her Dreams Are True
All are invited to celebrate the exhibition Wendy Red Star: Her Dreams are True.
Wendy Red Star (Apsáalooke [Crow], b. 1981) is this year’s recipient of the prestigious Dickinson College Arts Award. Her artwork is featured in the exhibition Wendy Red Star: Her Dreams Are True, on view at The Trout Gallery through Feb. 7. Wendy Red Star provides a new perspective on the role of archives, museum collections and personal memory in her prints and photographs. Throughout her career, Red Star has reconsidered and liberated archival photographs and materials from a fixed historical moment. This exhibition provides visitors with an opportunity to see the artist’s recent works, which recontextualize hand-painted illustrations of Indigenous artifacts. Red Star juxtaposes these cultural belongings with her own photographs of the Crow Nation’s annual fair in Montana. More than a meditation on the past, Red Star’s archival work looks to the future and offers a new perspective on rematriation.
Weiss Lobby & The Trout Gallery, Weiss Center for the Arts—map No.55
5:30–8 p.m.
Asbell Center for Jewish Life Shabbat Service & Kosher Dinner
Students, families and alumni are invited to join us for a musical Shabbat service led by Dickinson students. The service will be followed by a kosher dinner (6:30 p.m.). Attendees do not need to attend the service to join us for dinner.
Asbell Center—map No. 54
5:30
Men’s and Women’s Swimming vs. Arcadia
Kline Athletic Center—map No. 35
6 p.m.
Men’s Squash vs. St. Lawrence
Kline Athletic Center—map No. 35
7–8 p.m.
Arts Award Lecture: Wendy Red Star
President John E. Jones '77, P'11, will present the Dickinson College Arts Award to Wendy Red Star in the Rubendall Recital Hall, Weiss Center for the Arts. This public presentation will include a welcome by Amanda Cheromiah (KawaiKa-Laguna Pueblo), executive director of Dickinson’s Center for the Futures of Native Peoples, and an interview between the artist and Assistant Professor of American Studies Darren Lone Fight (proud member of three affiliated tribes, Citizen Mvskoke Nation). The Arts Award events are co-organized and cosponsored by the Department of Art & Art History.
Rubendall Recital Hall, Weiss Center for the Arts—map No. 55
7–8 p.m.
Hands-On Science: A Journey Through the Solar System
During this show, we will talk about opportunities at Dickinson for those with a strong interest in astronomy. We'll highlight the ways students use the planetarium and the observatory. We’ll conclude with a student-led planetarium show that takes you through the solar system.
Tome entrance, Rector Science Complex (343 W. Louther Street, Carlisle)—map No. 18
8–9:30 p.m.
Fallin’ for Jazz With the Faculty Jazz Ensemble
Celebrate a Homecoming tradition with the Dickinson Faculty Jazz Group (Jeff Wohlbach, trumpet; Greg Strohman, trombone; Tom Strohman, winds; Jim Miller, bass; Gavin Wes Horning, guitar; and Dave Zygmunt, drums). The ensemble will perform a program of jazz tunes by a variety of composers from the past and present.
Social Hall, Holland Union Building—map No. 16
Saturday, Nov. 8
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Presidential Leadership Panel & Breakfast
Join President John E. Jones III '77, P'11, and members of his leadership team to hear updates about current initiatives and upcoming opportunities for your student. He will be joined by George Stroud, Vice President of Student Life & Dean of Students, Renée Cramer, Provost and Dean of the college, and members of their teams. Moderated by Parents Leadership Council Chairs Linda P’26 and Jack Cioffi P'26, this active dialogue about student academic and extracurricular experiences will be tailored to your questions. Continental breakfast will be provided. Remarks will begin at 8:45 a.m.
Social Hall, Holland Union Building—map No. 16
9–10:00 a.m.
Latinx Homecoming Celebration: Café Con Pan
Join in our celebration of Latino/a/x heritage and community at Dickinson! Connect with alumni, students and organizations as they honor their community accomplishments.
Location TBD
9–10:30 a.m.
Dickinson Christian Fellowship/InterVarsity Coffee & Breakfast
Start the day with breakfast treats with DCF/InterVarsity students, alumni and families. All are welcome regardless of faith tradition.
Memorial Hall, Old West—map No. 6
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Going Global at Dickinson: A Student Perspective
Dickinson has been internationally recognized for high-quality, high-impact study-abroad programs. The Center for Global Study & Engagement not only follows best practices but continues to innovate and push the field of international education. More than 60% of Dickinson students study abroad for at least a semester, and many report it as the highlight of their undergraduate experiences. Come listen to a panel discussion with students and CGSE staff about what students should be thinking about as they plan for their own experiences, and why studying abroad is so impactful.
Room 106, Althouse Hall—map No. 13
9:30–11:00 a.m.
Welcome Back Brunch at the Popel Shaw Center
Celebrate accomplishments of our students and alumni during this welcome-back brunch.
The Popel Shaw Center for Race & Ethnicity—map No. 7
10–11 a.m.
Kappa Sigma Fraternity Alumni Association Meeting
McCauley Room, Old West—map No. 6
10–11:30 a.m.
Blazing New Paths: The First-Generation Dickinson College Experience
Being the first in your family to attend or graduate from college is more than an accomplishment—it is a journey filled with courage, resilience and pride. Join our first-generation community at Homecoming to honor that journey and celebrate National First-Generation Student Day with the Trendsetters.
Enjoy a networking reception followed by a special first-generation alumni panel. This gathering is designed especially for first-generation students and alumni. It is aimed at creating a dedicated space where their voices, stories and successes can be shared, celebrated and amplified.
Rector Science Complex Atrium and Stafford Auditorium—map No. 17
10 a.m.–noon
Hands-On Science:
More Than Meets the Eye: The Hidden World of Snake Behavior
In this interactive, drop-in session, Scott Boback, professor of biology, will showcase the research projects he and his students are working on this semester, using various techniques (videography, microscopy, electrophysiology and biotremology) to understand the ecology and behavior of snakes. This session will also include an optional tour of the Dickinson Vivarium, an animal facility that houses Baback’s research colony of boa constrictors.
James Hall 1202, Rector Science Complex—map No. 18
10 a.m.–noon
Playing With Electronic String Art
For five years, Professor Steve Erfle has been working on material at the intersection of art, math and K-12 education. You are invited to join him and learn how to create your own electronic string-art designs using Playing With Polygons. Open to kids K-12 who love art!
Library Learning Classroom 2, Waidner-Spahr Library—map No. 21
10 a.m.–Noon
Mock Interviews
High School students are invited to participate in a Mock College Interview with Dickinson alumni volunteers! Hone your communication skills, build confidence, and refine your answers to common questions about your experiences and goals as you prepare for your college search. Preregistration for an interview time is required.
Waidner Admissions House – map No. 53
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Fall at the Dickinson College Farm
The Dickinson College Farm invites you to come out for a tour or hayride and learn about the many farm projects underway. Just six miles from campus, the farm is a great place to take in some fresh air, visit our favorite wooly friends in the pastures and do a little shopping at the new onsite store. Tours will leave every 30 minutes. The hayride will leave at noon. Please wear appropriate footwear for uneven and possibly muddy terrain. The activities are weather-dependent. Transportation is not provided.
553 Park Dr., Boiling Springs, PA
11 a.m.–noon
Class of 1967 Vietnam Veterans Dedication
Dickinson’s class of 1967 will hold a ceremony to dedicate a framed Honor Roll to those who served in the military during the Vietnam era.
ROTC House—map No. 42
11 a.m.–2 p.m.
All-Campus Barbecue & Tailgate
Join students, families, alumni, faculty and staff for food and fun.
Preregistration is required. $20 for adults, $15 for young alumni (2021-2025), $10 for children 3-12 and free for children under 3.
Biddle Field—map No. 40
(Rain location: Dining Hall, Holland Union Building—map No. 16)
11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Red Devil Resource Fair
Biddle Field—map No. 40
Noon
Red Devils Volleyball vs. Washington College
Kline Athletic Center—map No. 35
Noon-5 p.m.
Culture Cookout
This event is sponsored by the Popel Shaw Center for Race & Ethnicity with hosts from the African American Alumni Association of Dickinson College (A4DC), Delta Sigma Theta and Kappa Alpha Psi. Alumni, students and families are welcome to join us for fabulous food and fellowship as we build community at the Popel Shaw Center.
The Popel Shaw Center for Race & Ethnicity—map No. 7
1 p.m.
Red Devils Football vs. Ursinus College
Biddle Field—map No. 40
4–5 p.m.
Phi Beta Kappa Champagne Toast–Invitation Only
Join our newly elected members, their families, PBK alumni and faculty and administrators as we toast the year ahead and celebrate the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society in the world!
Rector Science Complex Atrium—map No. 17
4 p.m.
Women’s Basketball vs. Randolph Macon
Kline Athletic Center—map No. 35
4 – 5 p.m.
Pints With Profs
Members of the classes of 2021–25 are invited for a throwback Pints With Profs at the Paz.
The John M. Paz ’78 Alumni & Family Center—map No. 58
5–6 p.m.
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity Alumni Trustees Meeting
Dining Room, Paz Alumni & Family Center
6 p.m.
Catholic Mass
Allison Interfaith Chapel—map No. 34
8:30–9:30 p.m.
A Capella Showcase
Dickinson’s talented singing groups—the D-Tones, Infernos, Octals and Syrens—present an a cappella showcase.
Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium (ATS)—map No. 19
Sunday, Nov. 9
11 a.m.–noon
Asbell Center for Jewish Life Bagel Brunch
Students, families and alumni are invited to meet the Asbell Center staff and student-leaders while enjoying New York bagels and schmear.
Asbell Center—map No. 54
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
21st Annual Run for Steph
A 5K run or two-mile walk in memory of Stephanie Kreiner ’03, who was killed by a drunk driver in October 2004. All proceeds benefit the McAndrews Fund for Athletics.
Preregistration is required. $25 for alumni, faculty and staff, friends and family; $20 for students.
Durden Athletic Training Center—map No. 76
*Dickinson College reserves the right to change locations and times as necessary. Please check this page often for any updates.
Campus Services & Offerings
Wireless Access
You will need to click on the “Guest” network when it appears on the list of available networks on your device. Register for a Dickinson account, which will allow access to web-based resources.
Archives & Special Collections
Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Waidner-Spahr Library, Lower Level—map No. 21
Dickinson Outfitters
Enjoy a 15% discount on apparel, drinkware, plush animals and general-reading books during Homecoming & Family Weekend!
Friday: 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Lower level, Holland Union Building—map No. 16
Denim Coffee
Friday: 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Quarry—map No. 12
Devil’s Den
Friday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Lower level, Holland Union Building—map No. 16
Dickinson College Farm
Saturday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
553 Park Dr., Boiling Springs, Pa.
Farm Works
Friday: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
169 W. High St., Carlisle
Goodyear Gallery
Friday: 3–5 p.m.
Saturday: 2–5 p.m.
Goodyear Building (Cedar Street entrance)—map No. 64
The John M. Paz ’78 Alumni & Family Center
Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 a.m.
The John M. Paz ’78 Alumni & Family Center—map No. 58
The Trout Gallery
Friday: 8:30 a.m. –4:30 p.m.
Weiss Center for the Arts—map No. 55
Waidner-Spahr Library
ID-card access required after 5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.–midnight
Waidner-Spahr Library—map No. 21
Emergency Information
If an emergency arises, family and friends may contact the Department of Public Safety at 717-245-1349.
It is open 24 hours a day. The public safety office is in Kaufman Hall, on the corner of W. Louther and Cherry streets. Blue-light telephones are located around campus with direct access to public safety.
Dining Services
Friday:
- Dining Hall: 7–9 a.m. (breakfast), 9–10 a.m. (continental breakfast), 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5:30–8 p.m.
- Biblio Café: 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Union Station: 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Underground: 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Saturday:
- Dining Hall: 7–8:30 a.m.; picnic lunch at Biddle Field, and 5:30–8 p.m.
- Biblio Café: CLOSED
- Union Station: 5 p.m.–11 p.m.
- Underground: CLOSED
Sunday:
- Dining Hall: 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5:30–8 p.m.
- Biblio Café: CLOSED
- Union Station: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Dining Hall Prices
Breakfast
- $10.65 for 13 years old and up
- $5 for children 6-12 years old
- Free for children 5 and under (with at least one adult meal purchase)
Lunch
- $14.30 for 13 years old and up
- $7 for children 6-12 years old
- Free for children 5 and under (with at least one adult meal purchase)
Dinner
- $21.65 for 13 years old and up
- $9 for children 6-12 years old
- Free for children 5 and under (with at least one adult meal purchase)