SNHU Homecoming 2024 Hits All the Right Notes

Homecoming is a Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) tradition, celebrating school spirit, community and the bond between students past and present. In 2012, Homecoming took on a new form when Alumni Weekend and Family Weekend were combined into one larger celebration.

This year marked the 12th anniversary of SNHU Homecoming, where students, alumni, families, employees and the wider community united in a weekend filled with events, memories and nods to this year’s music theme: Let the SNHU Times Roll.

Homecoming offered more than 40 ways to celebrate, including place-based and virtual gatherings, on-demand activities and two regional events.

Celebrating a Decade-Plus of Tradition

Festivities began on the evening of Friday, Oct. 18, with a virtual Homecoming kickoff, progressing into SNHU Night at Remix, an indoor roller-skating rink, an in-person and virtual paint night and other interactive events. Penmen pride was in full swing online and in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Saturday began with Bingo, bringing together students, alumni, employees and families. Next up, the Welcome Brunch gave attendees an opportunity to continue making connections. Those in attendance spanned generations, all gathered under one roof for Homecoming.

University Provost Jennifer Batchelor kicked things off with welcoming remarks to attendees, reflecting on the importance of community, connection and togetherness. Alumni from the classes of 1970-74 reminisced while engaging with key figures from SNHU.

President Emeritus Dr. Richard Gustafson shared his reflections on the university’s legacy. “Many changes take place week after week, but the core is still here,” Gustafson said to attendees at the sold-out Welcome Brunch. “You can be proud of your alma mater and the legacy that’s been created here and around the world.”

In preparation for SNHU’s 100th anniversary in 2032, Gustafson is working on an SNHU oral history project with the library’s archives, interviewing staff, faculty, alumni and students.

“It’s a special place,” he said. “You make it special.”

Across campus, volunteers also gathered in Alumni Hall to join The Chandler Center's Rise Against Hunger service project. Rise Against Hunger is a nonprofit organization aimed at increasing access to food and eliminating food insecurity. Working together, the group packaged nearly 13,000 balanced and nutritious meal packages to benefit individuals around the world struggling with food insecurity.

Sunshine and Soundtracks

Saturday’s events were met with sunny, clear skies and temperatures in the 70s. Peak fall foliage created the perfect backdrop for the Homecoming Street Fair, which hosted students, families, alumni, faculty, staff and community members. The Robert Frost and Paul J. LeBlanc Green Spaces were bustling as attendees enjoyed food trucks, lawn games, inflatable activities, giveaways and more.

The Beer Garden offered a spot to relax and catch up with friends old and new. The afternoon’s soundtrack was courtesy of the Something Else Band, featuring campus Career Advisor Jason Whitney. The band even changed song lyrics as a nod to this year’s music theme.

Guests indulged in beverages, snacks and a few rounds of Bingo. The Beer Garden served as a space for alumni to gather, especially those celebrating a reunion (graduates from years ending in 4s and 9s).

Nearby, the School of Engineering, Technology and Aeronautics (SETA) faculty offered hands-on drone flying tutorials.

“From the delicious food trucks to the lively music and fun games, it was truly a special experience,” said SNHU student Elise Fasano. “I’m so grateful to have shared it with my mom and given her a glimpse into the wonderful community I belong to.”

Street Fair attendees also took part in a scavenger hunt for branded clog charms scattered throughout campus.

The women’s soccer team faced Pace University, winning 2-0. In celebration of Senior Day, fans cheered from the stands, honoring the dedication and achievements of graduating players.

Penmen College: Bites & Beats

The International Student Services office hosted Penmen College: Bites & Beats. Selling out quickly, participants prepared a variety of global foods while listening to music and learning about the rich cultures associated with each dish.

Dancing the Night Away: Homecoming After Dark

Saturday evening was kicked off with a Drumming & Dance Dinner Experience featuring the Akwaaba Ensemble, a group that blends West African drumming and dance. The energetic and engaging performance is a reflection of their name, which translates to "Welcome” in the Akan language of Ghana.

A buffet dinner was provided while audience members experienced the vibrant sounds and movements of the Akwaaba Ensemble.

As the night went on, the festivities moved outdoors for Lighting Up the Night. The Paul J. LeBlanc Green Space hosted its first Homecoming fireworks display, complete with fire pits and s’mores charcuterie boards.

“It was wonderful as a parent to see my student having fun with friends on campus,” said SNHU parent Michelle Dunn. “The fireworks over the lit-up Paul LeBlanc Hall were very impressive! I had a delightful time.”

Saturday wrapped up with Greek Night in The Last Chapter Pub, where current students and alumni from SNHU/New Hampshire College Greek life gathered (SNHU was formerly known as New Hampshire College). Fraternity brothers and sorority sisters reconnected, shared memories and danced the night away.

Class of ’89: Bringing the Band Back Together

“Life is short. These are some of my dearest friends, and to me, we could be apart for three to four years, get together, and it's like we are back in college again,” said Joe LaRocque ’89 ’91MBA.

The Class of ’89 returned to campus for Homecoming, bringing with them years of memories and friendships. The group first met as New Hampshire College students, forging lifelong relationships through shared educational experiences.

“We had a very close community here back in the day,” said Lee Burnett ’89. Notably, this group was involved in the New Hampshire College radio station as students and had the opportunity to interview singer Debbie Gibson.

The alumni dove into a weekend packed with activities — from Friday’s SNHU Night at Remix to catching up at the Welcome Brunch and spending the afternoon reminiscing at the Street Fair and Beer Garden.

Rock Out from Anywhere: Virtual & On-Demand Events

This year’s Homecoming virtual events brought SNHU community members together from all over. Highlights included a paint night, Big Money Bingo and a round of speed trivia.

One virtual attendee remarked that this was her third and final SNHU Homecoming as a student, and she enjoyed participating in the activities with her mother, who is also enrolled.

“It’s an honor to bring in two new students in January, my best friend and my daughter,” she said. “SNHU is a great school, and I’ve loved my time here.”

Homecoming On-Demand features allowed folks from across the globe to join in at their own pace, whether they were tuning into the Homecoming playlist or sharing a picture to the Photo Mosaic Wall. Virtual 5K participants laced up in Nigeria and the Pacific Northwest — and many places in between.

Houston and Charlotte Turning Up the Volume For Homecoming

Homecoming 2024 continued one week later, uniting communities with regional events.

In Houston, Texas, alumni and students gathered on the evening of Friday, Oct. 25 at Arnold Brewery, where Mia Anderson ’20 led a meet-and-greet.

“With a small yet mighty crew, we had a great time. It was a great space, and the crew made it special for us to be there,” Anderson said. “I was truly honored as an alum and a member of the Alumni Board to host and meet those who did make it out.” 

On Saturday afternoon, the Charlotte, North Carolina, alumni and students gathered at Petty Thieves Beer Co. for another meet-up, hosted by Matt Sharp ’04 ’06G. “The weather was perfect, the venue was great and the food was good," Sharp said, highlighting the enjoyable atmosphere of the event.

These regional gatherings captured the heart of Homecoming, bringing alumni and students together, reinforcing SNHU connections that span miles.

Encore of Memories: Photo Highlights and Homecoming 2025

Homecoming was made possible through the collaboration of departments across the university, including Student Involvement, Alumni Engagement, Penmen Athletics, Campus Facilities and more.

Guided by the leadership of Alli Pudvah ’16 and Elizabeth LaClair ’08 ’10G, the Homecoming Planning Committee composed a weekend of events and activities for the SNHU community.

Homecoming 2024 was filled with unforgettable moments. You can check out the photos capturing highlights throughout the festivities.

Mark your calendars and save the date for Homecoming 2025: Oct. 17-19.

Sophia Peguri ’23 is an advancement communications graduate assistant at Southern New Hampshire University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and is pursuing a Master of Science in Marketing with a concentration in Digital Media. Connect with her on LinkedIn.