Mount Aloysius plans busy weekend of homecoming events

Mount Aloysius College is set to mark 75 years as an institution of higher learning during its upcoming alumni weekend and homecoming celebration.

The Cresson school was founded in 1853 as an academy, and in 1939 it became the first junior college in the state.

It became Mount Aloysius College in 1992 when it issued its first bachelor’s degree.

Festivities are set throughout campus for Friday through Sunday.

The weekend begins with the dedication of the Athletic Convocation and Wellness Center, which has been open for use since November, at 3 p.m. Friday inside the center’s lobby.

Dignitaries from throughout the state plan to attend.

“Starting with our dedication of the Athletic Convocation and Wellness Center, the weekend promises to be a great opportunity for our students to deepen their appreciation of their college and for returning graduates to experience the growth that continues to shape their alma mater,” said college President Tom Foley.

“A wide-ranging array of activities will engage students, alumni, faculty and staff in events that celebrate the past, present and future of Mount Aloysius College.”

On Friday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the Class of 1964 will mark its golden anniversary with a reception in Wolf-Kuhn Gallery, located on the first floor of the Main Building.

Area residents are invited to a bonfire and fireworks at 9 p.m.

At 9 a.m. Saturday, a panel discussion will explore “Mount Aloysius – Past, Present and Future.” The panel will include students, staff, alumni and administration.

The discussion starts at 10 a.m. in the Athletic Convocation and Wellness Center’s classroom on the main event floor.

Two athletic events will be held at 10 a.m., including the women’s volleyball team taking on Aldred State College in the Athletic Convocation and Wellness Center. On the baseball field, the Mounties will play a doubleheader against Pitt-Johnstown.

In the afternoon, the women’s soccer team will play Hilbert College at 1 p.m. At 2 p.m. in the Athletic Convocation and Wellness Center, the women’s volleyball team hosts Shenandoah University. On the soccer field, the Mountie men take on Hilbert College at 3 p.m.

From 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, a student/parent dinner will be held in Cosgrave Dining Hall.

An alumni reception will take place in Wolf-Kuhn Gallery from 5 to 6:30 p.m., with a dinner from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Alumni Hall.

The evening will wrap up with a dance from 7:30 to 11 p.m. in Cosgrave Lobby.

Jennifer Dubuque, the college’s vice president for institutional advancement, said they are looking forward to having alumni return to campus.

“This is the first time we have had our alumni homecoming in the fall,” she said. “It provides our alumni an opportunity meet our students and reminds them of all the great things they can experience in the southern Allegheny Mountains in this beautiful time of year."

On Sunday, on the Ray and Louise Walker Athletic Complex Softball Field, the women’s softball team takes on a trifecta against Penn State-Altoona, Lycoming College and Pitt-Greensburg. The games begin at 10 a.m.

At 3 p.m., the women’s tennis team will play Washington & Jefferson College on its home court, located at the Ebensburg Tennis Center.

Throughout the weekend, alumni, students, family members, faculty and staff will participate in face painting, “Build-a-Mountie,” old time photos, silent auctions and other activities. Proceeds from the silent auctions will benefit student book scholarships.

“This is an exciting festival weekend for us as we welcome families back to campus, showcase our athletic teams, celebrate our railroad heritage with the Cresson community and revel in the beauty of the fall on the Mount Aloysius College campus,” said Jane Grassadonia, the college’s vice president for student affairs.

For a full schedule of homecoming weekend events, visit www.mtaloy.edu/homecoming.