Poet Homecoming
Whittier College's annual celebration of Poet Pride is October 6-8, 2023.
Mark your calendar and plan to join hundreds of members of the Poet Family who will assemble for this spirited weekend.
While most events are free of charge, it would help us tremendously to know in advance who’s coming so we may plan accordingly.
Homecoming Schedule
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Check-In & Welcome | Ettinger Lounge Patio at Campus Center
Stop by to say hello, take pictures, get ready for the weekend, and reconnect with your alma mater!
10 a.m. - 11 a.m. | Campus Tour | Ettinger Lounge Patio at Campus Center
Explore the new and exciting parts of the Poet campus and reminisce in places that still feel so familiar by participating in a guided walking tour with Student Ambassadors from the Office of Admission.
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Library Open House | Wardman Library
Join us for the Library's Special Collections and Archives Open House.
12 p.m. - 2 p.m. | Poet Musicale | Memorial Chapel
Enjoy a showcase of outstanding student, faculty, and Alumni talent, presented by the Department of Music. Choir alumni and students are invited to perform the alma mater and school song, Friends Forever. Followed by a reception from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Arnold Hall Patio.
3 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Campus Tour | Ettinger Lounge Patio at Campus Center
Explore the new and exciting parts of the Poet campus and reminisce in places that still feel so familiar by participating in a guided walking tour with Student Ambassadors from the Office of Admission.
5 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Insight in to Tech Forum | A.J. Villalobos
Centered on the power of technology that is driving creativity and an ever-changing economy, students and guests will hear from experts as to how best to capitalize on their skills as they transition to industry after Whittier all while building connections with the alumni community.
6 p.m. - 7 p.m. | President's Homecoming Welcome | A.J. Villalobos Patio
Join us for the Wine and Cheese Networking & President’s Homecoming Welcome. The event is free for students. Guests can purchase a ticket for $10 per person.
6 p.m. | Class of 1963 Reunion Dinner | Dezember Alumni House
1963 reunion dinner at 6 p.m. in the Dezember House. Hosted by Guy ‘63 and Janet Talbott.
6:30 p.m. | Athletics Welcome Reception Pre-Game Meet-up | Graham Athletic Center
7 p.m. | Homecoming Game: Women’s Volleyball Game | Graham Athletic Center
Women’s Volleyball vs. Occidental College.
Cheer on the Poets and "Dig Pink" at the homecoming game by wearing pink as part of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Don't miss fund games and prizes throughout the game too. Go Poets!
7:30 p.m. | Where Words Once Were | Ruth B. Shannon Center
Where Words Once Were, a play written by Finegan Kruckemeyer and directed by Jennifer S. Holmes. Attend and mingle with cast and crew immediately following the play and enjoy desserts, coffee, and tea in the Shannon Lobby (run-time of approx. 75 mins. no intermission). Guests can purchase a $15 general admission. Alumni can purchase a $10 alumni admission.
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Preview Day for Prospect Students | Hoover Hall
The campus will be buzzing with prospective students and families as we showcase all that Whittier College has to offer.
9 a.m. - 10 a.m. | Preview Day President's Welcome | Hoover Patio
Alumni are invited to greet, mingle, and share their Whittier story with prospect families over continental breakfast. President Kristine Dillon '73 will deliver welcome remarks at 9:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Society Brunches | Various Locations
Contact your society directly to register for brunches.
- Athenian Society | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Muchas Gracias | 7039 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier
- Franklin Society | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | La Bodega Brewing Co. | 6711 Comstock Ave, Whittier, CA 90601
- Ionian Society | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | La Sexy Michelada | 7051 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier
- Lancer Society | 10 a.m -1 p.m. | Rokka Grill & Whiskey Bar | 6746 Greenleaf Ave., Whittier
- Metaphonian Society | 10 a.m. | DoubleTree Hotel | 7320 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier
- Orthogonian Society | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Bill & Harriett Club 88
- Sachsen Society | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Rusty Monk
- Thalian Society | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Memorial Chapel
- William Penn Society | 9:30 a.m. | A.J. Villalobos Hall
10 a.m. | Campus Tour | Meet at the Rock
Explore the new and exciting parts of the Poet campus and reminisce in places that still feel so familiar by participating in a guided walking tour with Student Ambassadors from the Office of Admission.
12 p.m. | Men's Alumni Basketball Game | Graham Athletic Center
Cheer on alumni and current students as they face-off in this beloved Homecoming tradition.
1 p.m. | Alumni Baseball Game | Baseball Stadium
Cheer on alumni and current students as they face-off in this beloved Homecoming tradition.
1 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Poet Fest | Upper Quad
Poet Fest is THE event of the weekend! Join fellow Poets for great food, live music, and activities for the entire family. This year's Poet Fest will feature:
- The Whittier Experience Showcase and Fair | 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Whittier's academic programs and student support departments will be on hand to share their latest news as well as opportunities for alumni engagement. This is your chance to reconnect with your favorite professors. A list of confirmed faculty will be available as the date approaches.
- 80z AllStars Band | 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Whether you’re ready to relive the days of big hair, bright colors and jelly bracelets or just in the mood for great entertainment, all you need to do is join in the madness that is an 80’z AllStars show! Have song requests? Let us know!
- Food trucks & BBQ | Kyoto Hibachi Truck & Malibu Cove Seafood Truck
- The All-Society Mixer
- Affinity Meet-Ups
- DJ Flipz
- Kids zone
- Games
- No-host Beer Garden
2 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Scott Sauter ’99 Memorial | A.J. Villalobos Hall
Hosted by Lancer Society classmates, all those who knew Scott are invited to tell stories, remember Scott, and say goodbye.
3 p.m. | Campus Tour | Meet at the Rock
Explore the new and exciting parts of the Poet campus and reminisce in places that still feel so familiar by participating in a guided walking tour with Student Ambassadors from the Office of Admission.
3 p.m. | Women's Alumni Basketball Game | Graham Athletic Center
Cheer on alumni and current students as they face-off in this beloved Homecoming tradition.
4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Donor and Friends Reception | Hartley House
A special reception to express the College's gratitude and appreciation while sharing the institution's vision moving forward. Open to members of the John Greenleaf Whittier Society, Wardman Circle, Philadelphian Society, and Faithful Friends.
7 p.m. - 12 a.m. | All-Alumni Poet Bash | Bill and Harriet's Club 88
Brought to you by the Classes of ’83, ’88, and ’93. Join the end-of-weekend dance party with a DJ, no-host drinks, and tacos.
7:30 p.m. | Where Words Once Were | Ruth B. Shannon Center
Where Words Once Were, a play written by Finegan Kruckemeyer and directed by Jennifer S. Holmes (run-time of approx. 75 mins. no intermission). Guests can purchase a $15 general admission. Alumni can purchase a $10 alumni admission.
Reunion Events | Various Locations
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1973 50th Golden Reunion Celebration | 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Garrett House (President's Residence) | Special induction for the classes of ’70, ’71, and ’72 on their 50th milestone! $10 per person.
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Classes of ’83, ’88, and ’93 Reunion Celebration | 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Bill and Harriet's Club 88 | Includes tacos and three drink vouchers. Stay for the Poet Bash party! $25 per person.
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1998 25th Reunion Celebration | 6 p.m. | SLC Rooftop (Science & Learning Center) | $35 per person.
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Palmer Society Brunch | A.J. Villalobos Hall
Join the Palmer Society at A.J. Villalobos Hall on campus for Brunch.
10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Campus Inn Brunch | Campus Inn
Just like the good ol’ days but better! Enjoy delicious menu options featuring fresh and locally sourced ingredients. All-you-can eat style. Brunch is $13 per person, payable at the door. 1963 classmates will also be meeting in a reserved section at 10:30 a.m.
2 p.m. | Where Words Once Were | Ruth B. Shannon Center
Where Words Once Were, a play written by Finegan Kruckemeyer and directed by Jennifer S. Holmes (run-time of approx. 75 mins. no intermission). Guests can purchase a $15 general admission. Alumni can purchase a $10 alumni admission.