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SUNY Plattsburgh Homecoming 2012 to Bring Back Tug-of-War, Sporting Events, Friends

A tug-of-war. Friends. A tent party. Faculty. Sporting events. Memories.

There may be hundreds of reasons to come back to campus, but according to Director of Alumni Relations Joanne Nelson, one tends to stand above the rest, and that is the chance to reconnect.

“Magic happens when alumni return. They reminisce. They visit old haunts. They catch up on each other’s lives. And the years melt away. It’s like they were together only yesterday,” Nelson said.

This year those reconnections will be made amidst the backdrop of a whole slate of new events — many of which are based on tradition — as the college celebrates Homecoming 2012, Oct. 19-21.

Tug-of -War Revisited

“We always hear stories about the tug-of-war over the pond,” Nelson said. “This was a true Plattsburgh tradition.”

That tradition is being recreated this year with the help of students who look forward to challenging alumni. The victors will earn bragging rights.

“Another alumni favorite appears to be the Monopole, an establishment that was founded in 1897 — just eight years after SUNY Plattsburgh came into being as Plattsburgh Normal School,” Nelson said. “Alumni have been visiting the Monopole for ages, so we thought it an apt place to host a welcome back social.”

The weekend also features a number of events designed to keep athletic fans busy. Soccer games, basketball practice, a hockey exhibition and a trail run are all on tap, as is the premier event: the Cardinal Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

Brian Dodge, a 1976 alumnus, will be inducted posthumously for his college career in track and field. Meanwhile, Niklas Sundberg from the Class of 2002 and Bryan Murray from the Class of 2001 will be inducted for hockey as will the entire 1975-1976 Men’s Basketball Team for its stellar season. This is the first time in Hall of Fame history that an entire team will have been inducted.

Added into this mix will be a tent party for all alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the college — not just sports fans — at the Field House from 5-6:30 p.m. that Saturday, right before the hockey game.

“We’re hoping the tailgate tent party will help us establish a new Homecoming ritual as alumni and students connect with friends over food and music.”

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