Last weekend, more than 1,000 Anselmians returned to the Hilltop for the first in-person Homecoming Weekend since 2019. Alumni, parents, and students gathered to cheer at the many athletics games taking place, reconnect with each other, and remember those who could not be present. While it was the first weekend in November, the sunny and hot weather reminded everyone more of a late summer weekend.
Homecoming is a special event on the Hilltop. Alumni from across classes and generations return to campus to celebrate being Anselmian. “I was so pleased to see so many parents, faculty, and college staff enjoying the great day, said Jim Flanagan, senior vice president and chief advancement officer. “I am grateful to the College Advancement Team and Alumni Relations Office in particular, for all the hard work, planning and dedication that went into planning a great homecoming. To our many campus partners – thank you. We could not have done it without you.”
The celebrations began in the morning as the Alumni Association welcomed alumni back with cider donuts, a band, and food trucks. In Grappone Stadium, the men’s football team lost to nationally-ranked Assumption 21 – 12 in their final home game of the season. The women’s volleyball team ended its regular season with a 3-0 win, and field hockey matched a program record with 10 goals on Saturday in a shutout victory over Molloy University.
"We were so happy to bring back our annual Homecoming celebration," said Patrice Russell ’93, assistant vice president of alumni relations. "With the beautiful weather, it was wonderful to see such a vibrant campus."
The weekend concluded with Mass in the Abbey Church on Sunday morning, followed by the dedication of the Class of 1969 Memorial – a set of benches to the side of the Alumni Quad.
“I learned early on in my presidency that the Class of 1969 had a bond and an affinity that united them as students on this Hilltop and which continues to unite them as loyal and generous alumni,” said Dr. Joseph A. Favazza, president of Saint Anselm College. “This memorial – dedicated to the memory of the deceased members of the class of 1969 is a tangible expression of the bond that links the members of this very special class. This memorial is a visible witness to the power of friendship, loyalty, and generosity.”