Colonel Spirit Brings Families, Students and Alumni Together at Homecoming

In late September, hundreds of Wilkes alumni, students, families and friends converged on campus for a weekend-long celebration that included Homecoming, Family Day, Board of Trustees activities and fall athletic contests. Colonel spirit was on full display at annual events including Pints with Professors, College Connection academic reunions, the Tailgate Tent and celebrations honoring the 50th reunion class. The weekend also offered the opportunity to recognize the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership’s recent AACSB accreditation and thank the University’s generous donors at the reception for John Wilkes and Marts societies.

Events at the Ralston Athletic Complex were the centerpiece of the weekend, anchored by the Tailgate Tent and football game. During halftime, Wilkes announced its Homecoming Royalty: seniors Bhavika “Nikki” Dawar, a biology major, and Saurabh “Shiv” Patel, a chemistry and neuroscience major, who were both crowned by Marjorie Hingston, Wilkes University’s 1974 Homecoming Queen.

“I did remember those Homecoming moments on the football field 50 years ago — the honor and excitement — but this was even better,” said Hingston. “The many students involved were polite, strong, smart and kind. They love Wilkes as we do. I truly feel like we came home again.”

In addition, Joe Frappolli ’69 received the Ancestral Colonel Award, celebrating his legendary 50-year career as head coach of the Florence High School Flashes. The afternoon was topped off with a thrilling second-half comeback by the Colonels football team.

Wilkes University cheerleaders hyping up the crowd at a football game

Wilkes University students wearing a bright yellow hoodie and blue hat cheering into a megaphone

crowd of people wearing Wilkes merch cheering and waving streamers at a football game

Mark your calendars for next year’s HOMECOMING AND FAMILY WEEKEND, which will take place

digital vector graphic of a blue and yellow pennant flag with the words Oct. 3-5, 2025 on it

pumpkins painted with Hoco and 2024 sitting in the grass in front of a Wilkes University banner

Marjorie Hingston and Bhavika “Nikki” Dawar posing together

crowd of Wilkes fans cheering at a football game and waving streamers and a cowbell

people wearing business casual attire crowded around a table

Homecoming photos courtesy of Steve Husted, Knot Just Any Day, and Brad Barry, Wilkes University.

Wilkes students wearing running bibs jogging along a path

Wilkes alumni, students, families and friends gathered under a tent for the Homecoming celebration

Wilkes home football game in the middle of a match

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