Thousands of Alumni Celebrate Charger Pride at Homecoming

A fun way to reconnect with the University community and former classmates, Homecoming brings alumni together every year for an exciting weekend of special events that include food, football, and fun.

October 15, 2019

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

Jim Dunlop ’76 was one of the more than 4,000 alumni, friends, students, faculty, and staff enjoying the festivities and connecting with his fellow Chargers at Homecoming 2019: #TheBlueout. It’s an event he looks forward to every year.

“Homecoming is a not an event you want to miss,” he said. “Between the food, the University’s Marching Band, the football, and the great people, it is always fun. I like connecting with my fellow alumni.”

Decked out in blue and gold, alumni came to campus to catch up with old friends and reminisce about their favorite memories of their time at the University. Many reconnected with clubs, or, as Christine Huber ’00 did, former teammates.

“I played soccer and basketball, and I love coming back to the University to see my former classmates and teammates,” she said. “It is a wonderful opportunity to see everyone, and I come to Homecoming every year.”

"I love coming back to the University to see my former classmates and teammates."Christine Huber ’00

It was another sport – football – that was on the minds of many alumni, as they cheered for the Chargers on the gridiron. The Chargers toppled Pace 28-21.

For Russ Sharpe ’77, Homecoming is an opportunity to see the University’s victories on and off the field. He celebrates the memories he has from his time as a student – including meeting his wife. A member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, he has attended Homecoming nearly every year since he graduated, and he says he is impressed by how much the University has grown.

“As a student, there were few residence halls and many of the University’s buildings were not yet here,” he said. “The campus has grown to be an economic engine for West Haven, and it becomes more impressive all the time.”