Coming Home

This weekend, alumni will descend on the Hill for homecoming, but unlike years past, there won’t be a dance, a cane rush, a bonfire or a triathlon.

There “isn’t really much of a schedule” for this year’s homecoming, according to Bethanne Fowler, director of campus events.

But this weekend, however, alumni can attend a variety of sporting events and celebrate the induction of five former Kenyon athletes into the Hall of Fame. According to Fowler, most of the weekend’s events will revolve around Saturday’s football game against Hiram College.

“[The] Alumni Council meets all day Friday and Saturday morning [and] the alumni office has a welcome [and] refreshment tent at halftime during the football game, with fresh-made hot doughnuts, cookies, apples, snacks and beverages,” Fowler said.

“President Nugent will be at the tent during halftime. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees will be introduced and recognized at halftime of the football game, and the Hall of Fame dinner and program is Saturday evening.”

The weekend, which will bring together classmates who may not have seen each other in years, is sure to be full of reminiscing, talk of the awkward early days of their first years and the teary goodbyes at the end of Senior Week.

In preparation, the Collegian asked a few alums to share their favorite Kenyon memories:

“Full moon over Old Kenyon [and] Peeps partying.” – Kyle Henderson ’80, Associate Vice President for College Relations

“Using the vax system to find where my girlfriend was studying, and going to find her.”

– Karl Stevens ’95, former chaplain to the College

“[The] rugby team winning [the] Pittsburgh tournament sophomore year.” – Chris Brophy ’10

“Paul Newman walks into Kokes rehearsal, fall [of] 1978, with a case of Budweiser. ‘Do you mind if I listen?’ he asks.” – Mark Bistline ’80

“Gund. Spring Riot. Caples. Collegian. WKCO. Sendoff. Exeter. Hanna. Comps adviser: Kluge. It was all good!” – Guy Tino ’92

“Being the early Sunday morning WKCO jock and playing jazz to wake up the College and town. I was always on in the Village Deli.” – Steve Sexsmith ’80

“12 poetry students at a table with Allen Ginsberg.” – Evangeline Callad ’92