Homecoming 2025 Celebrated with Perfect Fall Weather and Busy Schedules
Nov 12, 2025
Homecoming 2025 was one to remember! From the tailgate and game day excitement to the laughter and memories shared at reunion gatherings, it was a weekend overflowing with Owl pride, connection, and school spirit.
Students kicked things off with the annual Fall Fest, enjoying perfect weather for pumpkin carving and inflatables on the Campus Green.
The fun continued indoors for the ribbon cutting of the newly renovated Ely Student Lounge with the addition of foosball, air hockey, and Ms. Pac-man games.
Many on campus joined for another round of the scarecrow decorating contest with the Math Department pulling out the victory this year for their rendition of Beaker from The Muppets.
For those with an artistic flair, the Arno Marris Art Gallery hosted a poetry reading featuring alumni and students sharing their voices. Hosted by the English Department, the event was well-attended by both in-person and online guests with several authors sharing that the supportive venue offered their first opportunity to share their work.
Westfield State Athletics had much to celebrate for Homecoming as Men’s Soccer and Field Hockey both came away with wins, while Football battled hard in a tough matchup. The Owls also hosted a full house for the biannual Hall of Fame induction ceremony which featured five individual honorees and a team that spanned more than 50 years of Westfield State Athletics history.
Saturday morning, the Legacy Family Breakfast brought many generations of Owls together in one room before many headed off on campus tours as alumni and families explored how much has changed and what still felt like home. Six reunion classes also reunited to mark milestone years, as old friends picked up right where they left off. Moving to a new venue on the practice field at the Woodward Center, the Tent Tailgating Village was larger than ever as alumni groups and campus offices hosted tents full of food and festivities. Participants could get caricatures or personalized traffic signs made while they enjoyed the music of Chalk Dust, an all-teacher band featuring multiple alums, and DJ Boogy, also an alum. And the music continued as Professor Ed Orgill led faculty and alumni in a jam night at The Nook for an evening of nostalgia for returning Owls.
Even with all the activities, the Westfield State community didn’t lose sight of the real purpose of the University – supporting students. The third annual Homecoming Online Auction brought in over $24,000 for student scholarships and programs as bidders battled for event tickets, restaurant gift cards, art and gifts, and many personalized Westfield State experiences donated by faculty and staff.
All in all, Homecoming 2025 was a success as memories were made, traditions continued, and Owls were able to enjoy what makes the University such a special place.
All are encouraged to mark their calendars for Homecoming 2026 which will be held on October 17, 2025.
