UF to celebrate homecoming

FINDLAY — The University of Findlay is hosting its Homecoming and Family Weekend 2025 from Oct. 9-12, inviting alumni, friends, families and community members to take part in the celebration. "For many generations, a phrase commonly heard around campus has been: 'Findlay just feels like home'," President Katherine Fell said in a release from the university. "It might be the lifelong friendships, the supportive faculty and staff, the dynamic community, the learning environment, or our culture of caring for others that makes UF a special place." The weekend will feature several UF traditions along with some new activities this year. Events open to the public include: Thursday, Oct. 9 Pop by the Rock, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Spirit Rock in front of Morey Hall, stop by for a selfie, treats, and bring a marker to leave an Oiler Nation Homecoming message. Cost is free. College of Education Speaker, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Old Main, Ritz Auditorium Clifton Core MAE '06, Bellefontaine High School principal, will share experiences as a social studies teacher, intervention specialist, associate principal, and head principal. Cost is free. Mazza Museum - A Storm of Horses, 6 p.m. Mazza Museum, Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion, artist Ruth Sanderson returning to Mazza Museum for a free presentation and exhibit Bonfire Bash: Flames, Festivities, and Fun 7:30 - 10 p.m. DeHaven Soccer Stadium, bonfire bash with live music from student DJs. Sports teams will be introduced, and free T-shirts will be handed out to the first 250 people. Revive Worship Band will close out the night with a worship service. Cost is free. Friday, Oct. 10 Class of 1975 50th Reunion, 4 – 7 p.m. Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion, special reunion for members of the Class of 1975 and their guests gathering with dinner, Golden Diploma presentation, and campus tour. Fee and registration required. Oiler Palooza Battle of the Bands, 7 – 9 p.m. Lawn in front of Center for Student Life & College of Business (CBSL), Student, family, and community event with live music in the Battle of the Bands featuring student, faculty, staff, and alumni performers, plus games, inflatables, and food for purchase. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Cost is free. Saturday, Oct. 11 Heart Healthy 5K and 1.5-mile Fun Walk, 7 – 8:45 a.m. Check-in in front of Old Main, 9 a.m. shotgun start at Griffith Memorial Arch, American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists is hosting the 10th annual 5K and 1.4-mile fun walk. Portion of event proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association. Fee and registration required. Alumni Association Annual Awards Breakfast, 9 a.m. Winebrenner Building, TLB Auditorium, breakfast with alumni while congratulating the 2025 Distinguished Alumni, and recipients of the Old Main Award, the Gold Medallion, and the Arch Award. Class of 1975 to be awarded for their Golden Anniversary (50 years). Fee and registration required. Open House and Gift Shop, 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Mazza Museum and Conda STEAM Center, museum and gift shop open with family-friendly activities. Oiler Tailgate, Noon – 1:30 p.m. Donnell Stadium, casual, family-friendly tailgate with picnic food, games, and live music by Tongue n' Groove before the football game. Cost is free. Football Game – Findlay Oilers vs. Hillsdale Chargers, 2 p.m. Donnell Stadium, UF football team to compete at the annual Homecoming game. The 2025 Homecoming Court will be announced, along with the 2025 Distinguished Alumni awardees. The Oiler marching band will welcome back UF band alumni to perform with them. Also, the 1995 NAIA National Championship football team will be recognized. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. Rieck Center Night Hike, 8 p.m. Rieck Center for Habitat Studies, night hike through the nature trails at the Rieck Center to look for owls. Ultraviolet lights will be set up around the nature center to attract moths and other nocturnal invertebrates. Oiler Movie Night Under the Stars, 8:30 p.m. DeHaven Soccer Stadium, outdoor showing under the stars will feature "High School Musical." Bring a blanket and favorite snacks. Sunday, Oct. 12 Worship Service, 10 a.m. Winebrenner TLB auditorium, students, alumni, and friends invited to a special time of worship. Fall Open House, 1:30-3 p.m. Rieck Center for Habitat Studies, after an informative program, attendees are welcome to hike the property and walk along the story trail. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Athletic events Women's soccer vs. Northwood, 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9, DeHaven Soccer Stadium UF Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, 6:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 10, Winebrenner TLB Auditorium, advance reservations required Women's lacrosse alumni game, 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, Russ & Peg Armstrong Sports Complex Swimming & diving alumni meet, 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, Sink Natatorium Men's soccer vs. Northwood, 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, DeHaven Soccer Stadium Football vs. Hillsdale College, 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, Donnell Stadium Throughout the weekend Star Gazing at the Newhard Planetarium Friday: 5 & 6 p.m.; Saturday: 10, 10:45, 11:30 a.m. Brewer Science Center Stop by the planetarium to discover what to look for in a fall-winter evening sky. Experience our solar system in an exciting and informative 45 minute experience. No admission fee. Additional information on events can be found on the Homecoming and Family Weekend webpage at www.findlay.edu/homecoming.