By Claudia Hardy | Staff Writer
10/05/17
Whether your “story has just begun” or your “story began here,” many would agree that Duquesne has left a significant impact on our college experience.
Thanks to Alumni Engagement, all generations of alumni, students, families and friends can gather together for a nostalgic weekend filled with exciting activities geared toward celebrating the university’s legacy.
Alumni Engagement is responsible for planning the celebrations and ensuring that all runs smoothly.
Duquesne has been bringing Dukes together to celebrate all of their memories for more than 50 years. Events range from alumni campus tours, to workshops, meet and greets, receptions, breakfast and luncheons, The Red Masquers’ Orphie and the Book of Heroes and more.
Homecoming has been a successful event throughout the years due to all of the hard work and contributions from each department.
Monica Cooney, assistant director of advancement communications, describes the process as lengthy but rewarding.
“Planning usually takes place during at least 10 months of the year,” Cooney said. “From defining the theme in January to tracking event attendance and evaluating attendee feedback through the end of October.”
Planning an event like this requires all hands on deck.
“Each alumni engagement staff member is assigned a reunion group to work with in coordinating their event,” Cooney said. “Staff across the university advancement department help with registration in the Union and making sure that each event runs smoothly.”
Last year’s Homecoming had a turnout of more than 1,200 alumni participating in the different events. In order to have a successful Homecoming, the departments work towards communicating effectively with any and all potential guests.
“We have sent over 40 emails to alumni this year, most of which have been targeted to class years celebrating reunion,” Cooney said. “Our social media promotion kicks off in July once registration opens. Posts are created at least once a week and, as the weekend draws closer, once per day.”
In relation to potential guests, each year the university honors very accomplished alumni with The Century Club awards. This year, one of the honorees is Len Komoroski, A’82, the CEO of the Cleveland Cavaliers/Quicken Loans Arena. Students and alumni have the opportunity to attend his speech, to be given on Saturday, Oct. 7.
This year’s theme for DU’s Homecoming is “Your Story Begins Here.” Events and activities will take place along A-Walk all week.
Although Homecoming is primarily a time for alumni members to reunite and celebrate their past, there are a variety of ways students can get involved with these events, as well. Nicole Carfang, assistant director of alumni engagement, discusses how students can do this.
“Students can join the homecoming committee or participate in events throughout the week by signing up on CampusLink,” Carfang said. “Groups (organizations and friends) can sign up to participate in events during the week and earn points to win prizes.”
The purpose of Homecoming is simple: It reunites the entire university, past and present.
“It’s exciting to work with various campus departments and seeing our alumni, both young and old come back to the Bluff to see how it has changed,” Carfang said. “It is always rewarding to meet those who still love coming back to campus.”
To keep up with the latest Homecoming events happening this weekend, follow “@duqalumni” on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
