Homecoming and Family WeekendSchedule
Homecoming & Family Weekend Information Desk
Saturday, October 4 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.*
*A Parent Programs representative will be available to answer any parent questions between 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
2025 Schedule
We are thrilled to welcome you to campus for Homecoming and Family Weekend! Below is a preliminary schedule; check back soon for more events. Also, be sure to check out concurrent events happening in Downtown Geneva.
HWS Career Closet: Career Services is collecting gently used professional clothing and accessories for current students to use for interviews and internships. If you are able, please bring clothing donations to campus when you visit. Items of particular need include: jackets, suits, shirts and dresses in all sizes, along with professional accessories such as briefcases, totes, belts and ties. A donation box will be located at the HFW Information Tent in front of Scandling Campus Center. Hours are Friday, 3 - 6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. If you need to drop off items at another time, please contact the Career Services Office at careerservices@hws.edu.
Friday, OCT. 3
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Day in the Life for high school seniors
Admissions Office
Do you have a high school senior planning to apply to HWS? This is a highly personalized program to give your student a total view into life at HWS. We will create a personalized schedule that matches your interests including sitting in on classes, meeting with faculty, coaches and staff, completing an admissions interview, touring campus, and spending time with current students over lunch. At the same time, families meet with a variety of staff from across campus about the ways that HWS supports students in preparing for a life of consequence. Contact the Admissions office at 315-781-3622 for more information.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | HWS College Store Open
51 Saint Clair St.
9 a.m. | Hobart Lacrosse Golf Tournament
Clifton Springs Country Club
Registration begins at 9 a.m. followed by a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Separate Registration Required. Contact Coach Brundage with questions at brundage@hws.edu.
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Davis Gallery at Houghton House
Davis Art Gallery at Houghton House, 1 Kings Lane
NEW POINT COMFORT by MAX PIERSOL ’16, Assistant Professor of Art and Architecture: An experimental film installation and model-based exploration of the landscape of Hampton Roads, Virginia. It is part art and part architecture, part mise-en-scene and part documentary – less concerned with the documentation but the narrative dynamics of the history of the estuarial complex.
Baskets or Bust
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Back to the Future of the Provenzano Gallery
Provenzano Student Art Gallery, Scandling Campus Center
A look at past shows, an opportunity for attendees to create small pieces of art to add to the art wall and a sneak peek into upcoming exhibits. Join student interns on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. to create your piece of art to represent the present at the Provenzano Student Art Gallery.
1:30 p.m. | Jumu’ah Prayer Service
Demarest 117A
Led by Imam Shaheed Ali, Director of the Muslim Life Center.
3 - 4 p.m. | William Scandling Research Vessel Excursion I
2:45 p.m. departure from Medbery Parking Lot
Finger Lakes Institute Director Lisa Cleckner will lead a working session aboard the William Scandling assessing the environmental well-being of Seneca Lake. Event is limited to 18 people—ages 13 and older—no infants or small children, please. Appropriate footwear is recommended. Registration is required.
3 - 4 p.m. | Student and Alumni Mentorship and Career Fair
L. Thomas Melly '52 Lobby, Gearan Center for the Performing Arts
3 - 6 p.m. | College Store Spirit Trailer
In front of Scandling Campus Center
4 p.m. | William Smith Field Hockey vs St. Lawrence University
McCooey Field
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | William Scandling Research Vessel
Excursion II
4:15 p.m. departure from Medbery Parking Lot
Finger Lakes Institute Director Lisa Cleckner will lead a working session aboard the William Scandling assessing the environmental well-being of Seneca Lake. Event is limited to 18 people—ages 13 and older—no infants or small children, please. Appropriate footwear is recommended. Registration is required.
5 p.m. | Dance and Movement Studies Informal Showing
Deming Dance Theatre, Gearan Center for the Performing Arts
Professors will share information regarding the various courses being taught, and students will show any choreographed works in progress and/or techniques and concepts being explored. No registration or tickets required. The showing is free and open to all. Questions can be directed to Kelly Johnson, Department Chair, at kjohnson@hws.edu.
5 - 9 p.m. | Family Dinner in Saga and Dessert on the Patio
Saga, Scandling Campus Center
Join us for a fun evening starting with dinner in Saga, open from 5 to 9 p.m. Then head out to the patio between 6 and 8 p.m. for complimentary dessert, featuring the Sprinkle Starship Ice Cream Truck, along with live music by River Lynch, plus caricature and temporary tattoo artists. It is encouraged to purchase meal tickets in advance.
5:30 p.m. | William Smith Soccer Development Team vs. Mercyhurst University
Boswell Field
6:30 - 8 p.m. | Kosher Shabbat Dinner
Abbe Center for Jewish Life, 764 S. Main St.
Please RSVP for dinner by Sept. 29 to shabbat@hws.edu. Alums and families are welcome!
7 p.m. | Fisher Center Film Series: When the Mountains Tremble
Fish Screening Room, Gearan Center for the Performing Arts
A documentary on the war between the Guatemalan military and the Mayan population, with firsthand accounts by Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchu. This is part of the Fisher Center film series curated by postdoctoral fellow André de Oliveira Nascimento, Ph.D. Please contact André at NASCIMENTO@hws.edu, with any questions. There is no registration for the event.
7:30 p.m. | Hobart Lacrosse Alumni Game
Boswell Field
Separate Registration Required. Contact Coach Brundage with questions at brundage@hws.edu.
7:30 - 9:30 p.m. | Look Skyward!
Richard S. Perkin Observatory, 1 Kings Lane
Stop by the Richard S. Perkin Observatory, a teaching and outreach facility located adjacent to the Katherine D. Elliott Student Arts Center, to observe objects trillions of miles away from Earth. While the observatory can only accommodate a small number of observers at a time, outdoor firepits and s'mores will be available to enjoy while you wait! Maximum of 75 ppl. Not handicapped accessible. Weather permitting. Registration is required.
SATURDAY, OCT. 4
8 - 9 a.m. | Breakfast at Saga
Saga Dining Hall, Scandling Campus Center
$10 per person/children five and under free; HWS students do not need a ticket for this meal as it is included in their meal plan.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | HWS College Store Open
51 Saint Clair Street
9:30 - 10:30 a.m. | State of HWS with President Mark D. Gearan
Vandervort Room, 2nd Floor of Scandling Campus Center
All are invited; no registration is necessary.
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Squash Alumni Gathering
Squash Courts
Join us for an alumni squash gathering! Bring your squash gear if you'd like to play or simply come and socialize with the current team. Light refreshments will be provided. Separate registration required.
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Back to the Future of the Provenzano Gallery
Provenzano Student Art Gallery, Scandling Campus Center
A look at past shows, an opportunity for attendees to create small pieces of art to add to the art wall and a sneak peek into upcoming exhibits. Join student interns on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. to create your piece of art to represent the present at the Provenzano Student Art Gallery.
*10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Summer Scholars Research Symposium
L. Thomas Melly '52 Lobby, Gearan Center for the Performing Arts
Summer research students from disciplines across the curriculum will share the results of their research projects through poster displays and conversation. *Will start immediately following the State of HWS.
10:30 a.m. | Hobart and William Smith Swimming and Diving Team Parent and Alumni Coffee and Donuts
South end of Cozzens Field (adjacent to the Gilman Room Patio); Rain Location: Second floor of Bristol Field House
Separate registration required.
10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Temple Beth-El
755 South Main St.
Informal Shabbat Morning Service and Torah Study.
11 a.m. | Hobart Lacrosse Tailgate
Dana’s Time Out
Separate Registration Required. Contact Coach Brundage with questions at brundage@hws.edu.
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | William Scandling Research Vessel
Excursion III
10:45 a.m. departure from Medbery Parking Lot
Finger Lakes Institute Director Lisa Cleckner will lead a working session aboard the William Scandling assessing the environmental well-being of Seneca Lake. Event is limited to 18 people—ages 13 and older—no infants or small children, please. Appropriate footwear is recommended. Registration is required.
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | The Adams Intercultural Center Open House
288 Pulteney St., Geneva, N.Y.
Stop by the Adams Intercultural Center named in honor of Rev. Dr. Alger L. Adams '32, D.D.'83. The AIC offers a welcoming environment that supports personal growth, academic success, and cross-cultural understanding through inclusive programming and community engagement. All are welcome!
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | LGBTQ+ Resource Center Open House
The Resource Center, 402 Pulteney St.
Explore the space, connect with the community, and learn about the programs, support and resources available to the campus community. All are welcome!
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | GAMEDAY Lunch and Fun Fest
The Barn (172 St. Clair St.)
Get in the HWS spirit with fun for all ages! Enjoy a petting zoo, Netsins ice cream truck, photo booth, lawn games and live music by Kenny Ende. HWS student entrepreneurs will also join us to showcase and sell their wares, and four young alumni who are participating in the World’s Toughest Row in December 2025 will be on site to discuss their epic journey! Don’t miss out on a day full of excitement and great memories! Food will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is encouraged to purchase meal tickets in advance.
12 - 2 p.m. | Climb St. Mark’s Tower
Adjacent to St. John’s Chapel
Whether you’ve ascended the tower before or not, we’re sure you’ll want to make time to take in the spectacular views of the campus and the lake. Don’t forget to bring along your camera. Beware—the view could take your breath away, and so could the ascent! We’ll take your picture to prove that you made it to the top. Appropriate footwear is recommended. Registration not required.
12 p.m. - Halftime | Boswell Brews and Refreshment Tent
Tent, South end of Boswell Field at David J. Urick Stadium
Grab some refreshments and catch all the action from the south end of the field!
12 p.m. - End of game (or when sold out) | HWS Athletics Surplus Sale
Boswell Field near the North ticket gate
1 p.m. | Hobart Football vs. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Boswell Field at David J. Urick Stadium
Fans are encouraged to wear orange to the stadium to help create an unforgettable game day experience. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a free orange Hobart t-shirt, courtesy of Eddie O’Brien’s. View a livestream of the game here. No tickets needed for the game.
Football Game Halftime | HWS Corgi Fall National
Boswell Field at David J. Urick Stadium
Don’t miss out on the first-ever HWS Corgi Fall National, a 30-yard race on the football field with up to 10 corgis. Bring your corgi and have them join in this short (and sure to be funny) race during halftime! All participating corgis must be registered. Please go to HWS Corgi Fall Nationals registration page. Contact Sophia Mughal at mughal@hws.edu with any questions.
1 - 2 p.m. | William Scandling Research Vessel Excursion IV
12:45 p.m. departure from Medbery Parking Lot
Finger Lakes Institute Director Lisa Cleckner will lead a working session aboard the William Scandling assessing the environmental well-being of Seneca Lake. Event is limited to 18 people—ages 13 and older—no infants or small children, please. Appropriate footwear is recommended. Registration is required.
1 - 2:30 p.m. | Afternoon Aces
HWS Tennis Center | 210 St. Clair St.
Join the HWS Tennis teams for a round robin doubles event for parents, alumni and current HWS tennis players. Separate Registration required. Contact WS Tennis head coach, Emme Levenson at levenson@hws.edu with questions.
1 - 3 p.m. | Davis Gallery at Houghton House
Davis Art Gallery at Houghton House, 1 Kings Lane
NEW POINT COMFORT by MAX PIERSOL ’16, Assistant Professor of Art and Architecture: An experimental film installation and model-based exploration of the landscape of Hampton Roads, Virginia. It is part art and part architecture, part mise-en-scene and part documentary – less concerned with the documentation but the narrative dynamics of the history of the estuarial complex.
1:30 - End of halftime | Chili for the Chilly Pop-up Tailgate
William Smith Soccer Game (John H. Cozzens Jr. ’41 Memorial Field)
Enjoy chili-to-go, walking tacos, cookies and drinks. Debit and Credit cards accepted, no cash.
2 p.m. - End of Football Game (or when sold out) | Em’s Threads
North end of Boswell Field at David J. Urick Stadium
Emily Rourke ’24, winner of the 13th Annual Todd Feldman ’89 and Family Pitch Contest, will be selling her popular sustainable clothing designs.
2 p.m. | William Smith Soccer vs. Clarkson
John H. Cozzens Jr. ’41 Memorial Field
Or see a livestream of the game here.
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. | William Scandling Research Vessel
Excursion V
2:15 p.m. departure from Medbery Parking Lot
Finger Lakes Institute Director Lisa Cleckner will lead a working session aboard the William Scandling assessing the environmental well-being of Seneca Lake. Event is limited to 18 people—ages 13 and older—no infants or small children, please. Appropriate footwear is recommended. Registration is required.
3 – 4 p.m. | Team Seneca Navy Presentation
Froelich Hall, Gearan Center for the Performing Arts
Join Team Seneca Navy (David Ranney '21, Anthony Carella '22, Ryan Mulflur '24, and Moritz Marchart '22) for a lively presentation about their upcoming 3,000-mile transatlantic row as participants in the World’s Toughest Row. Proceeds from the team’s epic adventure will benefit youth development charities in their hometowns as well as Geneva’s own Boys & Girls Club.
4 - 5:30 p.m. | Alpine Ski Team Meet and Greet
Carr Maguire House Living Room
Separate registration required. Please contact Salley Thornton P’27 at (585) 750-2089.
5 p.m. | Hobart Lacrosse Team Banquet Dinner
Vandervort Room
Cocktails at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. Separate Registration Required. Contact Coach Brundage with questions at brundage@hws.edu.
5:30 p.m. | HWS Club Ice Hockey Banquet
Bartlett Theatre
Separate Registration required.
SUNDAY, OCT. 5
8:30 - 11 a.m. | Breakfast at Saga
Saga Dining Hall, Scandling Campus Center
$10 per person/children five and under free; HWS students do not need a ticket for this meal as it is included in their meal plan.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | HWS College Store Open
51 Saint Clair St.
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Bagels and Lox Open House
Abbe Center for Jewish Life, 764 S. Main St.
Join HWS Hillel for our traditional bagel brunch before you depart campus. RSVPs to landowne@hws.edu appreciated but not required.
12 - 4 p.m. | Back to the Future of the Provenzano Gallery
Provenzano Student Art Gallery, Scandling Campus Center
A look at past shows, an opportunity for attendees to create small pieces of art to add to the art wall and a sneak peek into upcoming exhibits. Join student interns on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. to create your piece of art to represent the present at the Provenzano Student Art Gallery.
4:30 p.m. | Roman Catholic Mass
St. John's Chapel, S. Main St.
7 p.m. | Protestant Episcopal Eucharist
St. John's Chapel, S. Main St.
Please note: You are welcome to attend Kol Nidrei, Yom Kippur Services and Break Fast at Temple Beth-El (755 South Main St.) if you are coming early for Homecoming and Family Weekend. Contact Rabbi Ann at landowne@hws.edu for details.