RIC Homecoming and Reunion Weekend

“Often the focus of college homecomings is on evening bonfires and football games,” said Suzy Alba, RIC director of alumni affairs. “Rhode Island College is unique in that our homecoming centers around community.”

This Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 15-17, alumni are invited to catch up with old friends and make new ones at RIC’s homecoming and Reunion weekend. Family-friendly and interactive, most of the events are free and open to RIC graduates, friends of the college and the campus community.

“RIC is always looking for ways to reconnect with and support its more than 58,000 alumni – 80 percent of whom continue to live in Rhode Island,” said Alba. As an example, she pointed to the new “Return to RIC Reunion” for RIC Classes of ’70, ’75, ’80, ’85, ’90, ’00, ’05 and for various alumni affinity groups.

A “Return to RIC Reunion” reception will be held on Friday, Oct. 16, from 7-10 p.m., at the RIC Recreation Center. All are invited to enjoy appetizers, desserts, beer and wine, as well as a live band ($15 per person).

Homecoming attendees are invited to learn more about the campus at a public reception and lecture at Adams Library from 4-6 p.m., on Thursday, Oct. 15.

That evening will be a night for the arts. An exhibit and talk by artist Robert Dilworth will be held from 6-7:15 p.m. in the Roberts Hall lobby and in Bannister Gallery. At 7:30 p.m. a riveting performance by the National Circus and Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China takes place in Roberts Hall auditorium. This production is offered at a special homecoming rate of $15 per person.

The smoky smell of grilled burgers will signal the homecoming cookout. On Saturday, Oct. 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., hamburgers, hot dogs and vegetarian burgers will be served on the campus Quad, along with harvest punch and apple crisp – all complementary.

The homecoming parade kicks off at 12:30 p.m. in the Quad, featuring cultural dance troupes, musicians and more.

Fun activities for children occur throughout Saturday, including pumpkin and face painting, rock-wall climbing, balloon art, music and games. Arts and crafts by local vendors include ceramics, jewelry and fabric bags, wearable art and crocheted and knitted items. An open ceramics workshop will be held in the pottery studio in Alex and Ani Hall, and a book fair will bring more than 20 Rhode Island-based authors to campus for book signings. 

Various open houses will be held throughout the day. The Unity Center will be open from 10:30 a.m. to noon, and the Admissions Office will hold an information session from 10:15-11 a.m. and campus tours from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

A number of dedication ceremonies are also scheduled throughout the weekend.

On Friday, in honor of former RIC President Carol Guardo, Guardo Hall (School of Social Work) will be dedicated at 5-5:45 p.m.

In honor of former RIC Vice President for Student Affairs Gary Penfield, Penfield Hall (New Hall) will be dedicated at 6-6:45 p.m. 

On Saturday, from 1:30-2:15 p.m., the James R. Langevin Center for Design, Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing will be dedicated in honor of RIC 1990 graduate R.I. Rep. James R. Langevin.

Among the athletic events on Saturday is the RIC Homecoming 5K Run/Walk at 8 a.m. Online pre-registration is $20 and $25 on the day of the event. At 1 p.m. the RIC Anchorwomen soccer team will play Plymouth State, and the RIC Anchorwomen tennis team will challenge Salem State.

On Saturday evening, the RIC Athletic Hall of Fame will hold its annual dinner and recognition event in the college’s Donovan Dining Center. Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased by calling 401-456-8007.

For a full schedule of events, to register or to buy tickets, visit ric.edu/homecoming/. For more information, call 401-456-8086 or email alumni@ric.edu.