Cardinals Gather for Combined Homecoming-Family Weekend 2024

There was no shortage of Cardinals on campus for Homecoming and Family Weekend this fall.

Between Sept. 27 and 29, more than 1,000 SUNY Plattsburgh alumni, friends, students, family members, faculty and staff came to campus to participate in festivities.

This year marked the first time that Homecoming, typically held in October, and Family Weekend, traditionally a standalone occasion in September, were combined into a single weekend of events, and the pairing proved successful, according to Director of Alumni Relations Kerry Chapin-Lavigne '98.

Showcase School Pride

“Combining the weekends provided an opportunity to bring together the entire Cardinal family, giving everyone a chance to showcase their school pride and participate in numerous school-spirited activities,” she said.

The weekend offered more than 30 events on and around campus, including Homecoming traditions like the bonfire, a welcome-back social at the Monopole downtown and Fall Festival; family friendly entertainment, such as a performance by illusionist Wyatt Hackett, Cardinal Family BINGO Night and a men’s soccer game and biergarten; and opportunities for foodies to get their fill at a pancake breakfast, Italian buffet dinner and the Farewell Brunch.

At the first-ever Lovebirds Toast, alumni couples who met as students at Plattsburgh raised glasses of champagne and sparkling cider in a tribute to Cardinal love. The couples, who were treated to chocolate-dipped strawberries and lovebird cookies, posed for a group photo to commemorate the event.

Generations Celebrated

Sweet treats were also on hand at the Cardinal Roots Club Ice Cream Social, the first gathering of the newly established club, which comprises all families with multiple Cardinals in their flock.

“It was fantastic to welcome alumni back to campus who now have children and grandchildren attending the university,” Chapin-Lavigne said. “It was heartwarming to witness generations sharing their love of SUNY Plattsburgh.”

In addition, special gatherings throughout the weekend served to celebrate various alumni accomplishments and milestones, such as the Golden Anniversary Club induction of the Class of 1974. Nearly 30 members of the golden class gathered over a lunch in their honor.

Hall of Fame Induction

Athletic achievements were also recognized by the Plattsburgh State Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation, which, in conjunction with the Alumni Association, inducted five alumni into the Cardinal Athletic Hall of Fame. Comprising the Athletic Hall of Fame's 39th induction class are:

• Sydney Aveson ’14 G’17 (ice hockey)
• Rosilyn Cummings ’13 (volleyball)
• Bart Misiak ’12 (soccer)
• Kathleen Payne ’14 (basketball)
• Stefanie (Braun) Thompson ’12 (cross country/track and field)

At a separate awards celebration, the Alumni Association honored Joseph DeSalvo '89 with the Robert M. Garrow '52 Alumni Service Award, Harmony D. Osei '09 with the Distinguished Alumni Award and Ryan Farnan '14 with the Off to a Good Start Alumni Award.

"I really think the weekend was a home run and the start of an awesome, brand-new tradition on campus," said Alumni Board President Justin Elmendorf '04.

SUNY Plattsburgh Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success Karen McGrath agreed, noting that it was beneficial to students and their families to share in the festivities with alumni.

Spectacular Weekend

“This weekend was spectacular, and it helped students and their families make the connection to our incredible alumni through experiences that integrated them together as one SUNY Plattsburgh,” McGrath said. “Having so many different events and activities that met varying likes and affinities strengthened the weekend's energy, vibrancy and community building.

“Families commented how much they appreciated feeling part of their student's experience and in meeting the people of SUNY Plattsburgh. It gave them a greater sense that their student and family are welcome here and belong here,” she said.

The next Homecoming and Family Weekend is set for Sept. 26 through 28, 2025.

“We are already excited to start planning for next year,” Chapin-Lavigne said.

View the online photo album from Homecoming and Family Weekend 2024: bit.ly/4hmJ6HG

— Special By the Office of Institutional Advancement Writer/Editor Ashleigh Livingston