September 1, 2017 | Joliet, Ill.

The 2017 University of St. Francis (USF) Homecoming and Reunion Weekend (HCRW) celebration will take place Saturday, Oct. 7 and Sunday, Oct. 8 with a myriad of sporting events, dinners, tours and activities for alumni and students alike.

New to this year’s programming is the doctoral alumni reunion. At this highly anticipated event, graduates who received their doctorate from USF are encouraged to join their classmates on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. in the Motherhouse for networking and a buffet dinner. Attendees are encouraged to stay for The Fortunate Sons, a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band performing immediately after dinner.

Other exciting weekend events include:

• The Fighting Saints annual tailgate and football game will begin at 11 a.m. at Joliet Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 7. Join fellow fans by cheering on the Fighting Saints football team as they take on Missouri Science & Technology at 1 p.m. The whole family will enjoy free food, music and giveaways. Stop by the alumni table for a free T-shirt.
• See if you still have what it takes at one of the alumni baseball, softball and football games/reunions taking place throughout the day on Saturday, Oct. 7. Play against fellow alumni or the current Fighting Saints. Check stfrancis.edu/hcrw for specific locations and registration dates.
• Congratulate fellow alums at the Distinguished Alumni Dinner & Awards Ceremony on Saturday night in San Damiano Hall starting at 6 p.m. Classes of 2012, 2007, 2002, 1997, 1992, 1987, 1982, 1977, 1972, 1967 and alumni award winners will be honored by President Arvid C. Johnson. A winner from each college is selected based on their outstanding professional and personal successes and/or involvement in civic, cultural, and charitable activities.
• Plan to stay after dinner for The Fortunate Sons, the ultimate Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band. Using original vintage gear and instruments, accurate costumes and spot-on musical ability, The Fortunate Sons will instantly conjure up the full experience of the best CCR songs to keep fans engaged and dancing all night. Light snacks are provided and drinks are available at the bar. Music begins at 8 p.m. in San Damiano Hall.
• The Young Alumni Committee of the Alumni Association Board will host their annual Young Alumni Night out at McBrides on 52 in Joliet. Bring your friends and join the group for a fun night out starting at 8 p.m. Drink vouchers will be available with an early registration.
• Round out your weekend with the Assissian Club Brunch on Sunday, Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. in San Damiano Hall. The class of 1967 and before will be honored and inducted in to the Assissian Club, a distinguished honor reserved for the 50^th reunion class and recognizing those who graduated more than 50 years ago.

 
The University of St. Francis looks forward to the Homecoming and Reunion Weekend each year because it allows classmates to reconnect with their alma mater, faculty and peers. There are 48,000 members in the USF alumni family.

“I love watching alumni as they recognize peers they may not have seen in decades,” says Alumni & Family Relations Office Director Aubrey Knight. “The joy on their faces is heartwarming.  The stories I hear all weekend are what make us a family and keep USF’s legacy alive.”

Guests are encouraged to check stfrancis.edu/hcrw for a full listing of weekend events including registration dates and costs. For questions, please contact the Alumni & Family Relations Office at alumni@stfrancis.edu or 877-811-ALUM.

The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves 3,900 students nationwide, offering undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 48,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu. University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.