Family Weekend is now combined with Homecoming Weekend to bring all our campus members and their families together for a high-energy, create-your-own adventure experience! There are so many exciting events for all age groups, such as slurping spaghetti in the MDR, cheering on our Pio athletic teams at Schneider Stadium, and making new friends at local breweries. We invite you to attend any event that piques your interest! Registration is encouraged, but not required. We hope you enjoy the opportunity to embrace the Pioneer spirit both on campus and within the Waukesha community.
Schedule of Events
Friday, October 9
Welcome Reception
1:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Campus Center Lobby | FREE
Welcome Families! Make the Homecoming Resource Table your first visit, located in
the Campus Center Lobby. Grab a free coffee, take pictures with our signature HOCO
balloon display, and pick up resources that will help guide you through the weekend’s
events. You can pick up your Family Weekend brochure and Pio Family Bingo sheet here.
Coffee is available until 4:00pm.
Curious about what's new around campus? Join a guided tour - available on foot or
by golf cart - and see your Pio’s current campus home! Tours available 1-4 pm.
Campus Tours
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Leaving from the Campus Center Lobby | FREE
Enjoy a 20-minute campus tour departing from the Homecoming Resource Table in the
Campus Center Lobby every 20 minutes—on the hour, at :20 and at :40.
Motorized tours are available.
DIY Spirit Wear
1:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Campus Center Lobby | FREE
Come get your hands on some sweet, free Pioneer swag items, like Pio Family stickers,
face paints, and Pio Shop bucket hats and bags, plus personalize the hats and bags
with paint markers, glitter markers, tie dye and more.
Habitat for Humanity's Spaghetti Dinner
4:30 - 6:30 p.m. | Main Dining Room | $5/person at the door
See what it's like to eat as a current student on campus while supporting Habitat
for Humanity. All proceeds benefit this student organization's efforts in providing
affordable housing to families in need. This dinner is $5 per person and proceeds
benefit Carroll’s Habitat for Humanity Student Organization. Please pay when you arrive.
There will be gluten-free options!
Pioneer Party
6:00 - 10:00 p.m. | Raised Grain Taproom | 1725 Dolphin Drive, Waukesha, WI | 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 crafted by Raised
Grain in honor of Carroll's Homecoming & Reunion Weekend!
Yell Like Hell Pep Rally
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. | Schneider Stadium | FREE
An event not to be missed, where Homecoming Teams perform their best moves in a dance
battle of epic proportions, competing for first place and Homecoming points. The energy
is unparalleled! You can attend this event and still make it out to the Pioneer Party,
listed above, to celebrate with the Carroll community.
Saturday, October 10
Pioneer Tailgate
11:00 a.m. | Otteson Parking Lot | FREE
The ultimate pre-game celebration! Families are encouraged to visit one another at
the Official Carroll Tailgates area. Maps will be provided in the registration confirmation email closer to the event date
for the specific location. We’re turning it up this year with a DJ, caricature artist and Pio swag giveaways.
First come, first serve. The DJ and caricature artist will conclude services at 2:00
p.m. for game start.
Campus Tours
9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. | Leaving from the Campus Center Lobby | FREE
Enjoy a 20-minute campus tour departing from the Homecoming Resource Table in the
Campus Center Lobby every 20 minutes—on the hour, at :20 and at :40.
Motorized tours are available.
Future Pioneers Kids Area
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Main Lawn, Under the Tent | FREE for Kids Under 12
Balloon animals created by Carroll alumna Yolanda Medina '16, M.Ed. '19, cotton candy,
popcorn, temporary tattoos, activities and more await all Future Pioneers!
Homecoming Parade
12:30 p.m. | Corner of College and East Avenues | FREE
Football Game vs. Illinois Wesleyan University
2:00 p.m. | Schneider Stadium | $10
Featuring Music Alumni and the Carroll Choir singing Carroll’s Alma Mater and the
National Anthem pre-game. Carroll Athletics is committed to providing a safe and inclusive
game day experience for everyone in attendance. Check out our code of conduct here.
Sunday, October 11
Carroll Memorial Worship Service10:00 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.
CU Women’s Tennis vs. Augustana
10:00 a.m. | Jean Kilgour Tennis Courts | FREE
Come out and cheer on CU Women’s Tennis as they take on Illinois’s Augustana College before you wrap up Homecoming & Family Weekend 2025. #GoPios
Contact
Ashley Gabrus
Director of Student Engagement
agabrus@carrollu.edu
