MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University is ready to welcome back alumni and celebrate Mountaineer spirit for Homecoming Weekend.
Over thirty activities will be scheduled around the Morgantown and Evansdale campuses starting Thursday, October 19, as current students and alumni reflect on the past, present, and future of WVU. Fraternities and sororities will compete in the annual Greek Games on Thursday, and they’ll join alumni on Friday as part of the annual Homecoming Parade, which will take place in downtown Morgantown on Friday starting at 6 p.m.
“We’ll be heading down High Street on Friday night; that ought to be an amazing time,” said WVU Alumni Association CEO Kevin Berry, who will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the organization. “We have several schools, colleges, and groups that are going to be doing reunion activities throughout the weekend.”
The WVU Alumni Association will participate with the Mountaineer Maniacs as part of Mountaineer Friday, which will be hosted on Friday starting at 10 a.m. at the Mountainlair. Free food and WVU sports posters will be given out until 3 p.m. with a WVU pop-up shop open to exclusive WVU apparel. Special appearances are scheduled by WVU coaches, and the WVU Alumni Truck will be parked, giving away exclusive homecoming gear.
“You have the opportunity to mix and mingle with fellow Mountaineers,” Berry said. “There’ll be live music and food, a chance to pick up WVU equipment, and we’ll have letters out so that you can take your homecoming photo while you’re there. Mountaineer Friday is just a great event.”
Spirit walks will also take place throughout Homecoming Weekend to offer students and alumni a chance to learn WVU history while exploring the campus. Voting for the 2023 Homecoming King and Queen will take place ahead of the homecoming weekend, with the winners announced at halftime of WVU’s game against Oklahoma State on Saturday. Berry stated that there are five male and female finalists that will be up for a vote. Students will be able to vote on the WVUENGAGE app.
“The ten students that are currently in the process of running for homecoming royalty are some of the most accomplished West Virginia University students,” said Berry. “On Saturday, at halftime, we will recognize the individuals on the field that are WVU Homecoming royalty.”
Tailgates hosted by different alumni chapters will also be hosted ahead of WVU’s homecoming game against Oklahoma State. The WVU Black Alumni Association will host a tailgate and fish fry at the Gold Lot starting at noon, and the College of Law will host their annual tailgate at the Fitzsimmons Event Hall. The WVU Alumni Association will host the annual Hail WV tailgate reception at the Erickson Alumni Center, where they’ll offer guests a close parking spot if they’re going to the game, a custom-built food menu, and a chance to get ready and show Mountaineer spirit.
“We just really look forward to the opportunity to cheer the Mountaineers to victory and sing Country Roads at the end of the day,” said Berry.