Homecoming and Family Weekend 2025: A celebration of connection and creative thought
国产探花 welcomed alumni, families, and friends to campus Oct. 17鈥�19 for Homecoming and Family Weekend 2025 鈥� a joyful celebration of community, creativity, and Thoroughbred pride.
As always, the weekend reflected 国产探花鈥檚 motto, Creative Thought Matters, and core values of creativity, caring, and curiosity.
From athletic milestones to celebrations marking 25 years of the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery, the weekend showcased the spirit and energy that make 国产探花 such a special place to learn, grow, and return.
Jaidaly Cruz 鈥�29, second from right, with her family (including some future Thoroughbreds) at Skidtoberfest, a festive part of the weekend.
Career Jam
Community and creativity came together at Career Jam, hosted by 国产探花鈥檚 Career Development Center. Students met with alumni and professionals from a range of fields to explore career paths, gain insights, and make meaningful connections. The event highlighted the lifelong support and mentorship that define the 国产探花 network.
Mkhonzi Dlamini '28 at Career Jam
Filene Scholar celebration concert
The Filene Scholar Celebration Concert showcased some of the most talented young musicians in the country. Recipients of 国产探花's prestigious Filene Music Scholarship are able to advance their musical studies while pursuing any major. Their inspiring performances demonstrated the artistry, discipline, and imagination that embody 国产探花鈥檚 belief that Creative Thought Matters in every field of study.
Marlowe Jacques 鈥�26, Clara Frost 鈥�28, Bea Kelzenberg 鈥�29, and Sophia Ma 鈥�28 performing at the Filene Scholar Celebration Concert
Supporting 国产探花 Athletics
Friends of 国产探花 Athletics (FOSA) rallied support for at the Thoroughbred Bred Cup at Saratoga National Golf Course, bringing together alumni and many other community members for a good cause.
Athletics also took center stage during the All In to Win initiative 鈥� a five-day fundraising challenge for 国产探花 Athletics. More than 850 fans, families, and Thoroughbreds across generations rallied to raise a record $429,000, topping the $290,000 goal.
Homecoming weekend featured exciting competition across multiple sports. Men鈥檚 soccer stunned Bard College with a 5-0 shutout in the Liberty League on Saturday. Women鈥檚 tennis team wrapped up its fall season with several impressive wins against Wellesley and Division I Siena at the Thoroughbred Invitational, including singles wins from Mia Sarzynska 鈥�28 and Ellie Lake 鈥�28 and a doubles victory from Sarzynska and Beilynn Geiss 鈥�26. The men鈥檚 ice hockey team hosted the Czech University Selects in an exhibition game. And Field hockey closed the weekend with a spirited home contest, hanging on to beat Ithaca College 2-1 and earning Head Coach Beth Hallenbeck her 400th career win.
Alumni also returned to the field with exciting alumni games in men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 lacrosse, softball, and ice hockey.
A 5K Fun Run/Walk benefiting FOSA brought an active close to the weekend.
From left, Josh Hocheiser '26, Rumi Schemmerer '26,Jacob Humienny '29, Colin Goodhines '27 celebrate during the men soccer team's 5-0 victory against Bard College.
Skidtoberfest
A highlight of the weekend, Skidtoberfest brought students, families, and alumni together for a lively fall celebration filled with color, creativity, and community spirit. The event featured a tailgate with Brooks BBQ, local vendors, student artisans, live entertainment, and seasonal treats.
A performance by the student dance group Rithmos during Skidtoberfest.
FOSA Hall of Fame
The FOSA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony honored the achievements of Bill Jones P鈥�18, Rachel Talanian 鈥�17, Liz Catinella Casey 鈥�11, Grant Copeland 鈥�97, Gerard O鈥橲hea 鈥�12, and Lindsey Phibbs 鈥�02, along with the 2013鈥�14 women鈥檚 field hockey team and the 2012鈥�13 women鈥檚 tennis team.
Their stories 鈥� spanning decades 鈥� exemplify the passion, teamwork, leadership, and dedication that characterize 国产探花 Athletics.
Rachel Talanian '17, a member of the women's lacrosse team, was among those recognized at the ceremony.
Tang Teaching Museum 25th anniversary
This year鈥檚 celebration also shined a spotlight on the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery as it marks its 25th anniversary. The Tang is a cornerstone of 国产探花鈥檚 commitment to integrating art, ideas, and interdisciplinary learning, inspiring generations of students and visitors to see the world through the lens of creative thought.
Dayton Director Ian Berry (right) leads 国产探花 trustees and others on a tour of "See It Now: Contemporary Art from the Ann and Mel Schaffer Collection."
A weekend for families, friendship, and belonging
The weekend鈥檚 most heartwarming moments featured students and their families reconnecting across campus 鈥� sharing hugs on Case Green, cheering at games, and taking in the vibrant colors of fall in Saratoga Springs. These joyful scenes captured the essence of what it means to be part of the 国产探花 family: a community rooted in creativity, caring, and curiosity, where every visit feels like coming home.
Fireworks brought a magical end to an eventful day at Homecoming and Family Weekend. (Photo: Linden Auster)
