William and Mary Alumni Magazine | Winter 2007/2008, Vol. 73, No. 2
Photo by Skip Rowland '83
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Homecoming 2007 was a resounding success, blending beloved traditions with fresh celebrations and Tribe pride. A little rain couldn't keep the revelers away as alumni gathered all over campus and throughout Williamsburg for a Homecoming of historic proportions.
Each year, the festivities begin with a reception for members of the Order of the White Jacket at the home of Don '64 and honorary alumna Susie Beck. Friday morning, Homecoming continued with the Academic Symposium, a chance for alumni to hear lectures from fascinating faculty and engage in dialogue with President Gene Nichol. Elsewhere, in Trinkle Hall, members of (continued on page 48) William and Mary's Olde Guarde enjoyed a luncheon and speech from Muscarelle Museum director Aaron De Groft '88 about the present and future of the arts on campus. All the while, the annual Homecoming Golf Tournament brought the Tribe to the links, braving heavy rain and more than a few mulligans. Later in the evening, alumni gathered to honor the memories of friends and family at the annual Sunset Ceremony.
Back at the Alumni House, crowds began to gather for Friday Night Fest -- with good food, drinks, dancing and the sounds of alumni band The Dimeslots. Alumni and friends partied well into the night, but were still up the next morning for the day's activities.
Saturday, as costumed characters roamed, danced and backflipped their way around the Alumni House for the future members of the Tribe, hundreds of sandwiches appeared under a tent for Picnic-on-the-Lawn. Kickoff for the Tribe's football matchup against the fourth-ranked University of Massachusetts followed the picnic. Unfortunately, fans came away from Zable with a loss, but more than ready for the next Homecoming event.
The postgame tailgate was packed with food, drinks and people enjoying some good weather at long last. The Hulon Willis Association celebrated their 15th anniversary with record numbers. By the evening, the crowds began to migrate toward the Williamsburg Lodge for the big Homecoming finales: class reunion parties and the Saturday Night Bash.
The Lodge was full of old friends, as well as folks seeing each other for the first time in decades. Nobody seemed to want to leave their class reception, but when they did, they found the biggest alumni party in years downstairs at the Bash. Alumni from five decades enjoyed the Motown sounds of 14 Karat, who kept the dance floor full all night.
Homecoming 2007 photo gallery
