Hundreds Attend Virtual Homecoming, Family Weekend

Hundreds of alumni connected with the DSU community for a week full of fun events in the first-ever virtual Homecoming and Family Weekend. 

The alumni team originally planned to have Homecoming on campus. But because of restrictions with COVID-19, the team had to start from scratch to put together a virtual mix of fun, engaging, and academic events. 

The most popular offerings were Pints with Professors, Dinner and a Show with Eliza Martin ’11 and Chris Stevens ’11, Trivia Nights, and Coffee with Father James Greenfield, OSFS ’84, president of DeSales. A fireworks show and pizza with Father Jim, which students were able to attend in-person at Weiland Park, capped off the festivities.

“Students are back on campus but there are still so many restrictions, so we wanted to do something special for them.”

 Mike Ritchie ’90, director of alumni relations

Despite the drawbacks and disappointment of not having everyone on campus, Ritchie says the event was a success. Overall, more than 500 alums participated, with many thanking the alumni office for making it all possible.   

“This was a total team effort—from our alumni team to the faculty, CERT, and administration,” Ritchie says. “One of the benefits was that alums who wouldn’t normally be able to attend were thrilled to be able to join virtually. We even had an alum from India join in on Pints with Professors.”