Union College News Release 10-29-10: Record-Breaking Crowd Rolls in for Union Homecoming

Record-Breaking Crowd Rolls in for Union Homecoming

Chaz Martin, ’90, far left, Jerry Jackson, ’90, right, and Patti McDonald Adams, ’91, seated, join dozens of tailgaters crowded around the field during the homecoming game. Approximately 1,500 guests were on hand for the win over Belhaven College.

Union College and local communities played host to hundreds of guests for the college’s 2010 homecoming weekend celebration, held Oct. 22-24.

The record-breaking crowd enjoyed dozens of events, nearly all of which were filled to—and beyond—capacity.

Melissa Newman, Union’s director of alumni relations, says a number of mini-reunions helped draw more guests this year. In addition to the 50th-year reunion dinner, mini-reunions were held for the music and theatre programs and the swim team.

Alumni and friends came from as far away as California and Texas for the chance to spend a weekend celebrating with former classmates and Union faculty.

Newman says such a successful event bodes well for Union.

“One guest told me that not only was homecoming a great success with its record numbers, but also every other campus event he’d been to over the past year,” said Newman. “Our alumni and friends left satisfied. They are eager to come back and visit again. The ripple effect from an event like this will be felt for many years to come.”

Union President Ed de Rosset agrees.

Evelyn “Ginger” Purdin, ’49, gets into the spirit for Union’s 2010 Homecoming Weekend. Hundreds of guests poured in from all over the country, making this one of the best-attended homecoming gatherings in the school’s history.

“By numbers, spirit, engagement and storylines, Homecoming 2010 was still another confirmation that these are very good times at Union,” he said.

Next year’s homecoming weekend is scheduled for Oct. 14-16.


1980s-era alumni won the Most School Spirit Award in the decade tent-decorating contest.	Rachel Lewis-Rapier, ’98, brings along her homemade, fondant, Mack the Bulldog cake in honor of homecoming.