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2023 Homecoming Highlights: Finfest, Alumni Games, Marlin Athletics, and more
Marlins gathered on campus October 6-7 for tradition, togetherness, and team spirit
University News | October 7, 2023
The festivities for Homecoming and Family Weekend were underway on Friday, October 6, with Marlin Spirit Day, Parent’s Council luncheon and business meeting, the 22nd Annual Òùµ´ÉÙ¸¾ Golf Outing at Cypress Point Country Club. Evening events included an Alumni Social Gathering at Shorebreak Pizza and Taphouse, and the Choral Invitational on campus.
Homecoming Spirit Week included a variety of opportunities for students to celebrate being a part of Marlin Nation. Throughout the week, Boyd Dining Center offered a series of special meals and students had chances to participate in a social media spirit contest. There was Homecoming Trivia, Grocery Bingo: Homecoming Edition, and the HoCo Campfire. The week culminated with “Thank Bob It’s Friday” (TBIF), a Homecoming Celebration and the Great Marlin Gala Homecoming Dance where the Marlin Majesties were crowned. Homecoming Court 2023 included first year students Maggie Haynes and Jaiden Mitchell; sophomores Opeyemi Kareem Ojo and Jordan Crallé; juniors Corinne DeLawrence and Judah King; and seniors Alex Cain and Dorothy Yanku-Palmer. Corinne DeLawrence and Opeyemi Kareem Ojo were crowned 2023 Marlin Majesties!
Alumni games (Women’s Lacrosse) got things started on the morning of Saturday, October 7, and continued throughout the day (Men’s and Women’s Track & Field, Baseball, Softball, and Men’s Lacrosse). For the first time, VWU Tennis hosted open pickleball play to the tune of dinks! and doinks! at the Everett Tennis Center.
Homecoming FinFest brought Marlins near and far, old and new together to mingle and enjoy live music by Joe Heilman, a picnic-style lunch provided by Sodexo, food trucks, the Hoffman Beverage Tent, complimentary funnel cakes & face painting, and a bounce house for the children. There was a special celebration for the Class of 1998 in the 25-year reunion tent that included scroll signing and tours of Clarke Hall, and a special celebration tent for Day of Giving “Decades Challenge Winners” for class years 2010-2023. Operation Gratitude, sponsored by Wesleyan Engaged, provided an opportunity for Marlins to show their gratitude and appreciation for deployed troops, recruit graduates, wounded heroes and first responders.
Professor of Philosophy Dr. Larry Hultgren delivered a special lecture, attended by some of his former students, in Blocker Hall. Hultgren will retire at the end of this academic year after 55 years of teaching at Virginia Wesleyan.
Conference Athletic Games were also part of the action Saturday, with competitions for volleyball, field hockey, and men’s and women’s soccer.
The Virginia Wesleyan Performing Arts Showcase featured the Wesleyan Choirs, Orchestra, and Theatre Department in a collaborative production in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. The VWU Pep Band also performed between soccer games on Foster Field.
Alumni and friends are encouraged to return to campus often and stay connected with alumni news.