The Arcadia Class of 2022 kicked off Homecoming & Family Weekend with their Tie-Dye & Treats event. Nearly 100 students came out to the Blankley Alumni House lawn, excited for their first opportunity to gather with their classmates in celebration of their senior year. Students enthusiastically greeted friends as they picked up their commemorative Class of 2022 t-shirts, tie-dyed, and enjoyed a tasty treat from the Hardy Funnel Cake food truck. As the Class of 2022 prepares to become alumni this year, this event is just the first of many programs hosted by the office of alumni engagement, designed to build class affinity and introduce graduating students to the fulfillment of lifelong engagement with their alma mater.

Beginning on Friday evening, alumni, parents, and families traveled from as far as California to join students, faculty, and staff for the first festivities of the weekend. Guests toured Arcadia in the splendor of Autumn’s colors with the University’s Student Ambassadors before heading over to the official Homecoming & Family Weekend kick-off event: Fired Up! Block Party.

As attendees enjoyed s’mores and caramel apples around fire pits, alumni began to revel in the comfort of returning to their home away from home while parents and students caught up and connected with other Arcadia families. This fall-inspired family fun event was complete with pumpkin decorating, candle making, and scarecrow crafting. In the final hour of Fired Up, attendees channeled their inner Beyonce and Olivia Rodrigo with a lively karaoke session that had everyone clapping, dancing, and singing along.

With donor and alumnus Walter Weber ’91 and his wife Bonnie locked arm-in-arm with the Arcadia Knight, 20 Class Representatives—one from each year of Arcadia University—made their way down the Alumni Walk of Pride toward Haber Green. When they arrived at the Haber Green stage, the processional was met by a cheering crowd of alumni, students, faculty, staff, and families.

Held in the heart of campus on the beautiful Haber Green, ArcadiaFest celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Arcadia University and commemorated the milestone occasion with a special procession through campus. After welcoming remarks and the recognition of 20th Anniversary Class Representatives, Arcadia spirit was alive and well as guests of all ages enjoyed dumplings, funnel cakes, and treats from food trucks; yard games; hayrides; pumpkin painting; and shield making.

In typical Arcadia style, lively music kept everyone energized and dancing throughout the event. Attendees enjoyed a special performance by Ellect (alumnus and former Black Alumni Association President, Steve Tyson, Jr.'13M)

Attendees also cheered on the Arcadia Knight Club Dance Team.

As the sun began to set over campus, a sold out crowd tested their luck during the all-time Arcadia favorite BINGO Knight before cozying up with their blankets and chairs on Haber Green for the outdoor Movie Knight screening of Disney’s Soul.

During the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Dr. Kimberly Canfield '15, '17M (women's soccer), Kate Allen Duncheskie '98 (women's lacrosse & field hockey), Justin Loomis '05 (baseball), Cindia Lukomski '05 (softball), and Rebecca Soda Thomson '05, '07MEd (women's basketball) were all honored as the tenth induction class in the Hall of Fame's history. Of course, Homecoming & Family Weekend also offered the opportunity to see the Arcadia Knights in action. In the battle of the Knights against the Monarchs, Arcadia Field Hockey won 5-0 to King’s College. Both the Women’s and Men’s Soccer went head-to-head with Misericordia University for a final score of 0-1 in both games.

In the culminating event of the celebratory weekend, Homecoming & Family Weekend went out with a bang as attendees watched fireworks light up the night’s sky and dazzle above the iconic Grey Towers Castle. Arcadia invites the community to stay tuned for more events throughout the year and to save the date for the University’s next community-wide event, UKnightedTuesday. Beginning on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 6 a.m. through Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 12:53 p.m. we will celebrate Arcadia University with 1,853 minutes of collective philanthropy to support our students and the future of the institution.