Homecoming 2024
Homecoming 2024 has concluded. Thank you to all alumni, faculty, staff, and families who joined us for this special celebration!
Reconnect, Rediscover and Reunite
September 27 and 28, 2024
Saint Francis alumni and family are invited to reconnect, rediscover and reunite at Homecoming. The centerpiece of this year’s Homecoming is an all-class reunion celebrating the university’s esteemed faculty, staff and coaches (both current and retired) and its 80th year in Fort Wayne.
Note: In case of inclement weather, festivities will continue indoors at the Cougar Den.
Registration is helpful, but not required.
The Homecoming Reunion
A Celebration of Current and Retired Faculty, Staff, Coaches and Alumni
September 28, 2024, 10 a.m. to noon
Registration is helpful, but not required.
Schedule of Events
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Ladies’ Afternoon Tea
1 to 3 p.m.
Brookside Parlor
Enjoy tea and conversation while honoring the university’s roots as a women’s college, founded by the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration in 1890. Sponsored by the Guild.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Mass
8:30 a.m.
Oratory of St. Francis
Classroom Self-Guided Tours
9 to 10 a.m.
Doermer Family Center for Health Science Education, Achatz Hall of Science and John and Toni Murray Research Center, Pope John Paul II Center
See what’s new and different in your former classrooms.
Donuts at the Gallery
9 to 10 a.m.
Mimi and Ian Rolland Art and Visual Communication Center
Enjoy complimentary donuts and meet Gallery Director Justin Johnson BA ’99, MA ’12. View art by Rick Cartwright (1951-2023), the founding dean of the School of Creative Arts and a core member of the Saint Francis studio art faculty from 1975 through 2017. This exhibition features works spanning five decades, including his last unfinished work, Fortitude.
Oratory of St. Francis of Assisi Self-Guided Tours
9 to 10 a.m.
Oratory of St. Francis
See the beauty of the university’s freestanding chapel, built in 2018. Be sure to note the hand-painted stained glass windows, which chronicle the story of the university and the Catholic faith, including the lives of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare of Assisi and Blessed Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel.
Brookside Self-Guided Tours
9 to 11 a.m.
Brookside
Take in the beauty of Brookside with your friends and family.
The Homecoming Reunion: A Celebration of Current and Retired Faculty, Staff, Coaches and Alumni
10 a.m. to noon
Cougar Den
Celebrate the past, present and future of Saint Francis, while reconnecting with fellow alumni, faculty, staff and coaches. This casual gathering features a full tailgate menu (plus cash bar), yard games and conversation.
Join us to celebrate:
- 80 Years in Fort Wayne—In 1944, the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration purchased part of the Bass Estate and 65 acres for $65,000, relocating the college from Lafayette to Fort Wayne.
- Our Outstanding Faculty, Staff and Coaches: Current and Retired—Catch up with your favorite professors, staff members and coaches, especially those who went “above and beyond” to make your Saint Francis experience special.
Note: In the event of inclement weather, activities will move to Trinity Dining Hall.
Cougar Football
1 p.m.
Bishop D’Arcy Stadium
See Cougar football in action when we take on Madonna University.
Cougar Women’s Soccer
7 p.m.
Bishop D’Arcy Stadium
Cheer for the Cougars at this conference game against Indiana Wesleyan.
Welcome Back, Alumni!
It’s been a minute. Rediscover your favorite spots and see what’s new on campus. View the campus map to plan your visit and make the most of Homecoming!
Need somewhere to stay?
The Bradley, located in downtown Fort Wayne, offers a Saint Francis Preferred Rate of $139 per night for a Deluxe Room.
To book with this discount, please call the hotel directly.
Show Your Homecoming Spirit!
Celebrate Homecoming with the latest Saint Francis apparel. Shop the Campus Store online.
