Weekend Schedule

Find details on events happening during our 2023 Homecoming and Reunion Weekend here. Whether you are coming back for a milestone reunion, the Pioneer football game, or to catch up with friends at a decade gathering, all alumni and friends are welcome. We cannot wait to C-U back on campus for Homecoming & Reunion Weekend!

Homecoming and Reunion Weekend  |  October 12 -15, 2023

We can't wait to C-U back on campus!

Carroll alumni reuniting at a gathering

FAQs

Have a question? Check the FAQs page or contact our Office of Alumni Engagement by email, alumni@carrollu.edu, or call 262.524.7237.

Thursday, October 12

Old Main Society Reception & Dinner
4:30 - 9:00 p.m. | Stackner Ballroom, Campus Center | Invitation Only
Exclusive event for Old Main Society members, annual donors of $1,000 or more. Please watch the mail for your invitation.

Learn more about becoming an Old Main Society Member by clicking this link!

Friday, October 13

Welcome Reception 
2:30–4:30 p.m. | Homecoming Resource Table | FREE

Enjoy popcorn and take photos as we welcome back all Pioneers!

President’s Reception for 50th Reunion
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Medallion on Main Lawn | Cost included in 50th Reunion Dinner price

Exclusive gathering for Pioneers celebrating their 50th reunion (Class of 1973) and their guests. Hosted by President Cindy and John Gnadinger.

Carroll University Faculty Exhibit
4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Joyce Bliss Gallery, Main Hall | FREE

Please join us to celebrate the variety of artwork and professional creative research done by Carroll's Art and Graphic Design Faculty. This exhibition won't be one to miss!

Habitat for Humanity's Spaghetti Dinner
4:30-6:30 p.m. | Main Dining Room | $5/person 

See what it's like to eat as a student on campus while supporting Habitat for Humanity. All proceeds benefit this student organization's efforts in providing affordable housing to families in need.

50th Reunion Dinner & Golden Pioneer Pinning Ceremony
5:30 - 9:00 p.m. | Stackner Ballroom, Campus Center | $55 per person

Pioneers from the Class 1973, along with friends, family and guests, will gather for this lively 50th Reunion celebration and Golden Pioneer pinning ceremony! Join fellow graduates and relive your days at Carroll, share stories, and connect with special guests from campus. Sit-down dinner includes main entree, salad, bread, and beverages.

John Cassidy Show – Comedy, Magic, and Balloons!
6:00 p.m. | Shattuck Auditorium  |  FREE

Come to Shattuck to watch a highly entertaining comedian, magician, and Guinness World Record Holder, John Cassidy, who self-professes, “I can do really weird things with balloons.” His show is pure magic for anyone from the age of five to the age of 95.

Pioneer Party
6:00 - 10:00 p.m. | Raised Grain Taproom | FREE | Refreshments available for purchase

After eating dinner on campus in the MDR, drive over to the Raised Grain Taproom (1725 Dolphin Drive | Waukesha) to join fellow Pioneers for an evening of libations and reminiscing. Make sure to try the limited-edition homecoming beer by our friends at Raised Grain in honor of Carroll's Homecoming & Reunion Weekend!

Saturday, October 14

Alumni Swim Meet 
8:00 a.m. | Van Male Pool | FREE
Calling all swimming alumni! Rejuvenate your competitive spirit, put your swim caps on and compete against your fellow Pioneers. Meet to conclude at approximately 10:15 a.m.

Prairie Springs Tour
9:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Prairie Springs Tour | Meet in Steele and Swarthout Parking Lot | FREE
Come visit Carroll University’s Prairie Springs Environmental and Education Center and Greene Field Station, utilized for teaching, exploration, and research. Get a guided tour of all this facility has to offer: a center for educational programming and activities on 75 acres of natural springs, wetlands, woodlands and grasslands along Genesse Creek. With limited spots available, this event is first come, first serve. Transportation to and from the property provided.

Exploring Community and Belonging on Campus 
9:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Doug and Nancy Hastad Hall, Room 160 and Affinity Houses  | FREE
Gather with alumni and current student organizations to hear the latest and greatest news around the university’s efforts to create belonging for everyone. Open houses for some of the affinity houses will be available. Refreshments will be provided.

Who the Heck Are These People?
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Todd Wehr Memorial Library | FREE
Interested in walking down Memory Lane? We need your help! We’re seeking assistance with identifying past pioneers and campus events. Help us update the information associated with the photographs on the Archives’ website.

Pastries with Profs
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Coffee Shop and Patio, Todd Wehr Memorial Library | FREE

Celebrate Carroll faculty during Homecoming, Reunion, & Family Weekend by connecting or re-connecting with alumni, families, current faculty, and emeriti guests over refreshments.

Golden Pioneer Brunch Reunion
10:00 a.m. | Stackner Ballroom, Campus Center | $25 per person

Brunch for all Golden Pioneers, any graduate from the class of 1973 or prior. This gathering will celebrate the milestone reunions for the Classes of 1973 (50th Reunion), 1968 (55th Reunion), 1963 (60th Reunion), 1958 (65th Reunion), 1953 (70th Reunion), and 1948 (75th Reunion).

Future Pioneers Kids Area 
10:30 am–12:30 pm | 
Main Lawn, Under the Tent | FREE for Kids Under 12
Balloon animals, cotton candy, popcorn, temporary tattoos, activities, and more await all Future Pioneers!

Music Alumni Rehearsal and Pre-Game Performance
10:30 a.m.

Calling all Music Alumni! Join fellow Pioneers, including the Carroll Choir, in singing Carroll’s Alma Mater (Conducted by Emeritus Professor Dr. Mark Aamot) and the National Anthem (Conducted by Assistant Professor of Music and Choral Director Dr. Jeremiah Cawley) pre-game.

  • 10:30 a.m. Rehearsal in Shattuck
  • 11:15 a.m. Performance at Golden Pioneer Brunch
  • 12:30 p.m. Meeting on Schneider field to sing at 1:00 p.m.

Campus Tours (leaving Campus Center lobby)
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Departing from the Homecoming Resource Table in the Campus Center. Motorized tours available.

Pioneer Tailgate
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Affinity tailgate groups include but are not limited to the School of Business, Carroll Student Veteran Organization, Habitat for Humanity, Rec Sports, Visual, Interactive, & Performing Arts, Men’s & Women’s Basketball, Women's Lacrosse, Track & Field, Health Sciences, and Greek Life!

Homecoming Parade
11:30 a.m.

Football Game vs. Elmhurst University

1:00 p.m. | Schneider Stadium | $5 / Adult, $3 / Adult 65+, $3 / Children under 12

Communication Alumni Half-time Photo 
2:15 p.m. | Schneider Stadium | FREE

Join Communication Alumni at half-time of the football game at the south goalpost for the annual group photo!

A Decade of Animal Behavior  
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Main Lawn, Under the Tent | FREE

Animal behavior alumni (including Biology majors with an ANB emphasis) gather with current students and faculty to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their program, reminiscing, making connections, and sharing stories about their varied experiences with animals. 

GRAND REUNION CELEBRATION
4:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Stackner Ballroom, Campus Center | $30 per person and $20 per Young Alumni (for 2013 graduates and after)
Relive the glory days with an endless Pasta Bar, music BINGO, decade themed trivia, Mario Cart, photobooth, silent auction, activities and more! All alumni are invited back to campus to recognize milestone reunions in this GRAND celebration honoring classes ending in a 3 or an 8!

Sunday, October 15

Carroll Memorial Worship Service
9:00 a.m. | Humphrey Memorial Chapel | FREE

Service to remember those in the Carroll community who have passed away in the past year, and in reunion years, as we conclude Homecoming & Reunion Weekend activities. Fellowship reception to follow in the Narthex.

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Luncheon
11:30 a.m. | Stackner Ballroom, Campus Center | $35 per adult and $15 per child (under 12)
Carroll University Athletics will recognize and celebrate our 2023 inductees to the Carroll University Athletic Hall of Fame with a formal program and catered lunch.

Download the 2023 Homecoming At-A-Glance Sheet

 

Register for Homecoming, Reunion & Family Weekend

Panoramic View of campus