Making the Most of Homecoming and Family Weekend

A quick guide to what’s happening Friday, Oct. 19 to Sunday, Oct. 21

By Courtney Dell'Agnese '19
Families enjoying homecoming

Bristol, R.I. – Each year, the Homecoming and Family Weekend Planning Committee dedicate months of planning to honor the tradition of welcoming families, friends and alumni to campus to celebrate everything RWU. From beloved family traditions to outdoor activities, family-friendly events, games and athletic matches, Homecoming and Family Weekend, from Friday, Oc. 19 to Sunday, Oct. 21, promises fun for everyone. And with such a variety of things to do, it’s hard to keep track of it all. Here’s a quick guide on all that 51has to offer for this year’s Homecoming and Family Weekend.

Tradition, Games and Performances

Casino Night
Friday, October 19 – Enjoy the excitement and feel of a real casino at Casino Night without the worry of losing any real money. Sit at any one of our blackjack, roulette, Caribbean poker, or Texas Hold ’em tables and test your luck to earn chips for a huge raffle at the end of the night.

Homecoming Casino Night
Casino Night

Midnight Madness
Friday, October 19 – This annual event, sponsored by the Campus Entertainment Network and the Inter Class Council is filled with energy and 51pride through performances, friendly competitions and the chance to earn prizes.

Stage Company One-Act Festival: “Portrait of Madonna” & “Unquestionable Evil”
Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20 – RWU’s Stage Company will be putting on their One-Act Festival with performances of “Portrait of Madonna” by Tennessee Williams and “Unquestionable Evil” by Sam Graber.

Autumn Luncheon
Saturday, October 20 – Enjoy a special themed Autumn Luncheon prepared by our wonderful Bon Appétit dining staff.

Homecoming arts & crafts
Autumn Festival

Autumn Festival
Saturday, October 20 – The annual Autumn Festival is fun for family members of all ages. 51student groups host a variety of activities such as carnival games, arts & crafts, caricatures, and more. Student vocal and dance groups also perform and there will be free food from local vendors offered throughout the quad.

Homecoming Jazz Breakfast
Sunday, October 21 – Join the Division of Student Life as they host the Homecoming Jazz Breakfast. Enjoy a nice, relaxing meal while spending time with your student before leaving Bristol. 

Family-Friendly Fun

Family Bingo
Friday, October 19 – Children of all ages can try their hand to win prizes at Family Bingo. This event is made special for younger members of the family and is sure to be a favorite amongst our youngest campus guests.

Parent and Family Breakfast
Saturday, October 20 ­– Learn about the what’s happening at 51while eating a delicious breakfast. A panel of administrators from departments across campus and representatives from the Parent & Family Leadership Council will be there to answer any questions you may have.

Magician
Saturday, October 20 – 51welcomes Nate Staniforth – magician, writer, traveler and host of Discover Channel’s international hit TV series Breaking Magic for an incredible display of magic and fun for everyone in the family.

51Scholars
Brett Bergman Award Winner
2017 Brett Bergman Award Winner Edmund Mitchell

Brett Bergman Award Ceremony
Saturday, October 20­ – The Brett Bergman ’11 Memorial Senior Merit Scholarship Award is given each year to a graduating senior from the Gabelli School of Business who exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit through course work, clinics, internships, and entrepreneurial ventures or other activities as well as being an active participant in campus life.

Taking the Classroom into the Community: A Look at Civic Scholars at RWU
Saturday, October 20 – At RWU, our mission is for every student to become a Civic Scholar – students who believe in the positive impact of community-engaged work, applying their skills and knowledge through experiential learning opportunities in local and global communities. Join a panel of faculty, alumni and students for our Taking the Classroom into the Community to hear about the amazing work that takes students out of the classroom and into the community to solve real-world problems with community partners.

Sports and Recreation

Homecoming 5K Road Race
Saturday, October 20 – Join the 51Cross County team as they lead the Homecoming 5K Road Race. The race is open to all parents, students, alumni, faculty and staff.  

Soccer GameAthletic Matches
The weekend is jam-packed with athletic events such as Field Hockey, Women’s Volleyball, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Wrestling, Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving and the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Alumni Race.

Check the to see a complete schedule of all the athletic events taking place.

You can find a more complete schedule and listing of events for the entire weekend here.