General Homecoming Information

The Career & Alumni Network (VUCAN) staff look forward to having you on campus for Homecoming!

Check-in at the Harre Union Atrium Lobby opens Friday, September 22 at 9:30 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. It reopens on Saturday at 6:45 a.m. and closes at 5:30 p.m. On-site registration will be limited and mostly unavailable for events with a plated meal; please contact VUCAN at alumni@valpo.edu or at 219.464.5142 if you need assistance editing your registration prior to your arrival. Times are subject to change; registrants will be notified of any changes upon confirmation of their registration. 

Guests who cancel a reservation for an event with a plated meal will not be able to receive a refund after September 7 at 11:59 p.m. Central.

There is no check-in service on Sunday. If you registered for Chapel and no other events, you may bypass check-in and proceed directly to the service.

To expedite your check-in, please be prepared to show your confirmation email on your mobile device or bring a printed copy. You’ll be given a name tag with a QR code at check-in; this is your ticket into events for which you have registered, so be sure to wear it all weekend. 

University Archives will be on display in the lobby all weekend. Chat with The Lighter staff and check out archival issues on Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.!

Schedule of Events

Click the link above to view the full schedule. In addition to open houses, reunions, and games, join us for these special new events!

Select Buildings Open for Self-Guided Tours
Friday, September 22, 2023, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 23, 2023, 9 a.m. – noon

Think and Drink: Valpo Trivia Through the Decades
Join Kurt Gillins ’00, director of corporate and employer relations, for a trivia night in the Bell & Beacon (formerly the Campus Café).
Friday, September 22, 2023
6:30–7:30 p.m.

Beacon Tailgate – Sponsored by the Valparaiso University Guild and Alumni Association
There’s something for everyone! Reunite with classmates and grab a bite from a food truck or bring your own tailgating supplies and coolers. 
Tailgate Lawn next to Brown Field
Saturday, September 23, 2023
10:30 a.m.

Encanto: Community Movie Night Sponsored by SEAC
Harre Union West Lawn
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Movie begins at dusk
Newly added! - SEAC will raffle off 4 tickets to a men's basketball non-conference game of your choice (chairback seats) plus 4 passes to the ARC Suite. The winner will be announced during a brief intermission. MUST BE PRESENT TO ENTER AND TO WIN. No advance registration required.

Parking and Accommodations

Parking

Parking is limited in the center of campus. We recommend that you park once and utilize the golf cart and shuttle transportation as needed. Please note that restrictions on parking designations for commuters, staff, and residents are lifted during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, with the exception of lot 13, which is reserved for University staff and handicap accessible (ADA) parking at all times. 

For events in the Harre Union, including check-in; bus tours; the VUAA Alumni Awards Banquet; the Class of 1973 and Brown & Gold Club Dinner; and the President’s Circle Honors Breakfast for Donors and Scholars, we recommend parking in lots 14 and 15. Limited ADA parking is also available in lot 13.

For events in the Chapel and Helge Center, the Christopher Center, and Mueller Hall, including Sunday’s service, we recommend parking in lots 14, 15, and 20. Limited ADA parking is also available in lot 13. Lot 20 is closed on Friday, September 23.

For events in or near the Athletics and Recreation Center (ARC) and Brown Field, we recommend parking in lots 34, 35, and 15. Limited ADA and permit parking is available in lot 45.

For events in the Gellersen and Fites Centers, Center for the Arts, Center for the Sciences, and Meier Hall, we recommend parking in lots 1 and 2. Very limited ADA parking is available in the quad area between the Center for the Arts and Schnabel Hall. 

Please check your registration upon check-in to review any changes to the schedule or event locations. We also encourage guests to opt-in to text updates for the weekend. Not sure where your event is? Check out this interactive campus map!

Valparaiso University’s campus shuttles are available for alumni and guest-use during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend. Campus shuttles begin their routes on the west side of campus at the corner of Mound and Greenwich St., run east through campus to the Harre Union, then through the north side of campus before continuing east toward Sturdy Rd. A map depicting the shuttle route will be available at check-in. When using the campus shuttle, we encourage you to download the Valpo Transit Tracker app (available in the App Store and on Google Play). This app allows you to request a ride on the shuttle. Once you “Check-In” on the app, our driver on shift will be notified and will arrive soon thereafter. You can also track the shuttle using the app to determine where on the route the shuttle is currently located. Golf cart transportation is available to all alumni and guests as well. You may visit the check-in desk in the Harre Union to arrange for a pickup or call 219.464.5142 during check-in hours.

Specialty blocks:

50th Reunion - low availability in room block!
Hampton Inn,1451 Silhavy Rd., Valparaiso
219.531.6424

Guild Board, National Councils, Award Recipients
Country Inn & Suites, 2020 Laporte Ave., Valparaiso
219.476.0000 - press zero to bypass central reservations

VUAA Board
Fairfield Inn and Suites, 2101 Morthland Dr., Valparaiso
219.465.6225

Other hotel blocks available for Homecoming guests:

Please inquire directly with hotels about availability. Additional local accommodations may be available on Airbnb, VRBO, and other third party rental apps.

VUAA Alumni Award Recipients

Valparaiso University alumni and friends will be honored with 2023 Valparaiso University Alumni Association awards during the Alumni Awards Banquet on Friday, September 22. All are welcome to attend the banquet and support these talented individuals. 

Distinguished Alumna Award 
Norma Cook Everist ’60

Alumni Achievement Award
Natalie Krivas ’16 M.Ed
Lisa Scherzer ’90 Polito
Matthew Martin ’87

Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Alexander Uryga ’15
Michael Steffen ’07
Ashley Lindenmier ’08 Haynes

First Decade Achievement Award
Benjamin Macy ’13 

Alumni Service Award
Frank Costanza ’73

Alumni Community Service Award
Laurie Horlock ’94 Dayon
Cheryl Lapain ’87 Plummer
Pete Land ’88

O.P. Kretzmann Award
Judith Miller ’70
Kim Genovese ’22 G.C.
Cynthia Felton ’75
Cheryl Slack ’78, ’15 DNP

Biographies of the 2023 recipients will be available in September.

Highlight: Class & Special Reunions

Classes of 1973 and 2013, join your Facebook group and get ready to reunite at Homecoming 2023! Connect with classmates and get up-to-date information on hotel blocks, registration, and more. Class of 1973, add an entry to your Class of 1973 Reunion Book and see who is coming to Homecoming!

Additional reunions and affinity gatherings are available on the full schedule.

Social Work and Education Grand Opening at Wesemann Hall
Social work and education alumni, please join us for the grand re-opening of Wesemann Hall. Enjoy a light breakfast & mimosas, conversation, and a tour of our new home. Social work alumni are invited to a special activity to celebrate and honor the work of Barb Crumpacker Niedner, who retired from her role as director of field education at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.  
Wesemann Hall - lobby
Saturday, September 23, 2023
10:30 a.m. – noon

Valpo Football 2003 Pioneer Football League Championship Celebration
Join 2003 team alumni for a special celebration commemorating the 20th anniversary of the historic championship win against Morehead St. Enjoy the tailgate, reserved game seating, game time recognition, and a special commemorative item. 
Team alumni, please order your commemorative t-shirt via the registration form by September 1.
Brown Field
Saturday, September 23, 2023
11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Gathering
Your entry ticket is at least ONE donation to help a child in the foster care system! Come join us for brunch and donations. After we eat we will work together to pack care packages for a child in the foster care system. Email apo@valpo.edu if you need a list of suggested items.
Location TBD
Saturday, September 23, 2023
2:30–4 p.m.

Class of 1973 and Brown & Gold Club Reunion Dinner 🎟️
Members of the Class of 1973 — and any Valpo graduate from prior to 1973 — are welcome to attend and share your Valpo memories with friends. Please select your meal choice upon registration. The event will feature music and memories of the 50th reunion class and a cash bar.
Harre Union Ballrooms - second floor
Saturday, September 23, 2023
5:30 p.m. cocktails, 6 p.m. dinner
$50 per person

Class of 2013 10th Reunion 🎟️
Toast to ten years (what?!) since graduation with food, a bar, and all your favorite 2010s hits. Attendees will receive a commemorative cup.
Bell & Beacon and Harre Union West Lawn Patio
Saturday, September 23, 2023
6–8 p.m. 
$20 for adults, $10 for children 10 to 18

Events marked with the 🎟️ symbol require a registration fee. Due to limited capacity and special seating arrangements, these may not accept on-site registrations. 

Highlight: Arts & Culture

World Languages and Cultures Open House
Join faculty in world languages and cultures for pastries, hot beverages, and conversation in the Language Resource Center.
College of Arts & Science 240 (Language Resource Center)
Saturday, September 23, 2023
10:30–11:30 a.m. 

Valparaiso University Chorale and Orchestra Concert
The Valparaiso University Symphony Orchestra and Chorale will present a concert in the Chapel of the Resurrection. Tickets are not required.
Chapel of the Resurrection
Saturday, September 23, 2023
4 p.m.

Community Movie Night Sponsored by SEAC
Family-friendly film to be announced.
Harre Union West Lawn
Saturday, September 23, 2023
7 p.m. Lawn opens at 5:30 p.m., movie begins at dusk

Brauer Museum Hours (after August 19)
Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday–Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

 

Highlight: Athletic Events

Volleyball – Valpo vs. Missouri State
Women’s volleyball games feature general admission seating in the lower level of the ARC. Faculty/staff/students are free with Valpo ID. Children 10 and under are free.
Athletics–Recreation Center (ARC)
Friday, September 22, 2023
6 p.m.
$10 per person (ticketed at the door) 

Beacon Tailgate – Sponsored by the Valparaiso University Guild and Alumni Association
There’s something for everyone! Reunite with classmates and grab a bite from a food truck or bring your own tailgating supplies and coolers. A VUAA children’s play area includes a caricature artist, face painter, and inflatables. Join us before the game in this new location on the west side of Brown Field to visit with the VUAA, the Guild, the College of Arts and Sciences and social sciences faculty, fraternities, sororities, and more! Alcoholic beverages are permitted.
Tailgate Lawn next to Brown Field
Saturday, September 23, 2023
10:30 a.m.

Valpo Football vs. Marist
Cheer on Valpo as they take on Marist in some Homecoming gridiron action. $10 per person, purchase tickets at the gate.
Brown Field
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Noon

Volleyball – Valpo vs. Illinois State
Women’s volleyball games feature general admission seating in the lower level of the ARC. Faculty/staff/students are free with Valpo ID. Children 10 and under are free.
Athletics–Recreation Center (ARC)
Saturday, September 23, 2023
6 p.m.
$10 per person at the door

Highlight: Fraternity & Sorority Events

Sorority Housing Complex Tours
Sorority Housing Complex, Union St.
Saturday, September 23, 2023
9–10:30 a.m.

Gamma Phi Beta - Alumnae Breakfast
Saturday, September 23, 2023
9–10:30 a.m. 

Kappa Delta - Alumnae Brunch
805 Union St.
Saturday, September 23, 2023
9–10:30 a.m.

Lambda Chi Alpha - Homecoming BBQ
NEW LOCATION: Wesemann Hall Patio
Saturday, September 23, 2023
4–6 p.m.

Pi Kappa Alpha Alumni Meeting
801 Union St.
Saturday, September 23, 2023
10:30–11:30 a.m.