Pioneer Eras — October 15-18
Marietta College Homecoming 2026
Every Pioneer has an era — and every era has a story worth celebrating.
Join alumni, students, families, and friends for Homecoming 2026 as we celebrate the traditions, milestones, and memories that have shaped generations of Pioneers. From campus favorites and reunion gatherings to athletics, performances, and lifelong connections, this year’s theme — Pioneer Eras — honors the enduring spirit of the Marietta experience across decades.
Whether your era was marked by late nights in the library, cheering in the stands, leadership opportunities, lifelong friendships, or unforgettable moments along the brick streets of campus, Homecoming 2026 is your chance to come home and celebrate the history you helped create.
The Class of 1976 celebrates their Golden Reunion this year, plus we also have a special reunion gathering for the classes of 1986, 1991, 1995, 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016.
Be sure to check back for updates to the schedule — more events will be added as Fall semester gets underway!
HOMECOMING 2026
PIONEER ERAS — CELEBRATING EVERY GENERATION OF THE LONG BLUE LINE
Alumni & Friends Registration: $40 — includes All-Alumni Welcome, HOMECOMING t-shirt, Pioneer Tailgate, Ticket to Saturday’s football GAME. Be sure to reserve your spot!
Hotels are filling up — make your plans early: Stay - Washington County CVB Some of our local hotels offer special pricing for Homecoming, just ask!
Events will be added to the schedule leading up to Homecoming, so please check this page for the most up-to-date schedule!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Alumni & Friends Registration & Welcome
Hermann Fine Arts Center
Reserve your spot! Alumni who preregister can pick up their custom name tag, t-shirt, weekend passes. Walk-ins are welcome to register on site.
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Bags & BBQ: Hosted by MCAA-C and Pioneer Activities Council
Legacy Library Lawn
Join fellow Pioneers and meet the next generation of The Long Blue Line. Share your experiences, catch up with the MCAA-Council and learn more about PAC and our 2026 Homecoming candidates.
TBD
Catching up with Men's Lacrosse
Don Drumm Stadium
Join members of the original Men's Lacrosse team and the current team for a round of catch on the new field turf. Attendees will take a tour of facilities and meet the team and coaching staff.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Alumni & Friends Registration & Welcome
Reserve your spot! Alumni who preregister can pick up their custom name tag, t-shirt, weekend passes. Walk-ins are welcome to register on site.
Hermann Fine Arts Center, Lobby
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Special Collections Open House
Legacy Library Open House
Join fellow alumni to browse through Marcolians, Mariettanas, and other Marietta College memorabilia from the archives.
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Class of 1976 + All Golden Pioneers Campus Tour
Admission House (corner of Fifth and Putnam streets)
Take a guided tour of campus to see the amazing changes that have been made.
11:00 a.m. – Noon
Phi Beta Kappa Social Hour
Legacy Library, Lower Level
Catch up with fellow members of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society.
11:00 a.m. – Noon
Milone Center for Academic and Career Success Tour
Legacy Library, Main Floor
Alumni are invited to tour the Milone Center for Academic and Career Success and speak with current students and staff about the impact the center is making.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Adkins Society & MCAA Social Gathering featuring the MC’s Jazz & Rock Ensemble
The Band Hall, Corner of Third and Butler streets (former Moose Lodge)
A new event for members of the Adkins Society and the Marietta College Alumni Association-Council brought to you by the College’s Jazz & Rock Ensemble, who will perform during this informal gathering in the Band Hall.
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Campus Tour
Admission House
Take a guided tour of campus to see the amazing changes that have been made.
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
More History to Make: Presidential Update
Fenton Court
Join President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty for an engaging update on the exciting momentum shaping Marietta College. Learn about progress on strategic initiatives, campus enhancements, student success, and the many ways our community is advancing the College’s vision for the future. Attendees will also be the first to hear a significant announcement marking a defining milestone for Marietta and signaling that, together, there is even more history to make.
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
All-Alumni and Friends Welcome and Homecoming Kickoff
Hermann Fine Arts Center, Portico and Hermann Bowl
Gather with alumni and friends at the official Homecoming kickoff. Enjoy the camaraderie and nostalgia among the Marietta College community. A special performance by Marietta’s Theatre Department and a greeting from Alumni Director Gi Smith.
7:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Live Band: Michael Weber Show and Friends
—Hosted by Don Ritter ’81 and Bruce Kinney ’78
The Gathering Place
Don’t miss the exhilarating live band performance at the Homecoming celebration, where alumni and students come together to enjoy an evening of great music and festive spirit. Join us for a memorable night of dancing, singing, and reconnecting with dear friends. Cash bar and snacks. Registration: $15 (MC students may attend for free).
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Breakfast at Gilman
Join fellow alumni for breakfast — charge up for another busy day in Marietta!
Pre-registration price: $10; $12 at the door
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Registration and Welcome
Hermann Fine Arts Center, Lobby
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Munchies with the Music Department
Hermann Fine Arts, Portico
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Campus Tour: All Alumni and Friends
Admission House
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Coffee and donuts with the Petroleum Engineering and Geology Department
Brown Petroleum Building, Patio
Please join us to catch up with faculty, current students, and fellow alumni on the Edwy Brown Patio. If it rains, we can head to the conference room inside.
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Math and Computer Science Breakfast Open House
Math & Computer Science Common Area, Room 232, Selby Hall
Reconnect with fellow alumni, faculty, and students at the annual Homecoming Math and Computer Science Breakfast! Join us for great conversation and an opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new connections within the Marietta College Math and CS community. Hear the latest updates from the departments, including programs, exciting student projects and faculty research. We’re building a tradition with this event, so come be a part of it!
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Biology & Health Science Open House
Bartlett 285
Reconnect with fellow alumni, faculty, and students for this Saturday morning event. Start at Bartlett 285 and also tour the Greenhouse, enjoy a plant biology research demonstration in Bartlett 265, interact with animals in Bartlett 270, participate in the Pipette Olympics in Rickey 204, and tour a number of open laboratories in Rickey.
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Rowing Alumni Gathering
Lindamood-VanVoorhis Boathouse
“Attention!” Kick off the morning with coffee and a continental breakfast at 9:00 a.m. This event is a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni and celebrate our rowing tradition.
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Marietta College Alumni Association Awards & Athletic Tribute Ceremony
McDonough Auditorium
Celebrate excellence at the Marietta College Alumni Awards & Athletic Tribute Ceremony, when we honor distinguished alumni and outstanding students and student-athletes for their remarkable achievements and contributions, along with recognition of the MCAA Council Adkins Society members. Join us for inspiration and pride as we recognize those who exemplify the spirit and legacy of Marietta College.
Honoring the following Awards:
Hall of Honor: David J. Rickey ’78 & Jo Ellen Diehl Yeary ’76
Outstanding Young Alumnus: Derek Hennen ’12
Outstanding Young Alumna: Meredith Storey ’12
Liz Tribett Service: Jim Buckwell ’61 & Brittany Metcalf ’13
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Pioneer Tailgate
Don Drumm Stadium
Join us at the Pioneer Tailgate for an unforgettable pre-game celebration filled with food, fun and Pioneer spirit! Various organizations will have tailgate setups throughout the tailgating area. A fun chance to connect with fellow alumni, current students, and faculty. Each tailgate features its own unique flair, spirit and MC pride. At 1:30, the Pioneers take on Baldwin-Wallace University. General Homecoming Registration includes the tailgate lunch & game ticket. If not registered, $15 at the door, $10 for kids 6-12 years old, Free for kids 0-5 years old.
4:00 p.m.
All-Greek Meeting
McDonough Auditorium
Greek alumni from all chapters are invited to an important brainstorming session to discuss Greek development for current and future students.
5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
50th Reunion Class of 1975 and all Golden Pioneers Reunion Reception and Dinner
Reception 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
The President’s House, 301 Fifth St, Marietta
Dinner 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Andrews Hall, Great Room
Class of 1976 and all Golden Pioneers (any Pioneer who graduated prior to 1976) are invited to a reception hosted by the President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty. This is a special opportunity for the Class of 1976 and Golden Pioneers to gather and celebrate this milestone together at the President’s House. A special dinner in Andrews Hall’s Great Room will follow. Registration is $50/person.
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Reunion Class Receptions
The Gathering Place
You may remember it as the old IGA, but this renovated hangout space — AKA The Gathering Place — is the site of the 2026 All-Decades Reunion. Classes from 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016 — and their friends — can enjoy an early evening to reconnect and recollect their time at MC. Hors d’oeuvres & cash bar will be available. Email alumni@marietta.edu if you would like to be a Class Volunteer!
6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
McDonough’s 40th Celebration
Dyson Baudo Recreation Center
Celebrate four decades of the McDonough Leadership Program during the 6:30-7:30 p.m. social hour and 7:30–9:00 p.m. program with fellow Scholars, current students and administration, program supporters, and former faculty and staff. Scholars will receive a separate invitation to attend. Registration: $40
8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
19th Annual New Plays in One Day Festival
Hermann Fine Arts Center, Friederich Theater
Watch the magic as our Theatre Department continue to showcase the strength of Marietta’s performing arts! Guests are invited to a special reception that precedes the 8:00 p.m. performance.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
All-Alumni Breakfast
Gilman Dining Hall
Pre-registration price: $10; $12 at the door.
Please Note: Additional events are continuously added. Be sure to check back for updates. Questions about Homecoming 2026? Contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@marietta.edu or 740.376.4709
About the Theme
This year's theme, Pioneer Eras, honors the unique experiences that define every generation while celebrating the enduring spirit that unites the Long Blue Line. We are especially excited to celebrate the Golden Reunion Class of 1976, along with the milestone reunion Classes of 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016.
Whether you're reconnecting with classmates, cheering on the Pioneers, exploring campus, or experiencing favorite Homecoming traditions, there's something for everyone throughout the weekend. Come celebrate your Marietta story, reconnect with lifelong friends, and discover what's next for the College as we continue making history—together.
Thank you for celebrating Homecoming with us!
Students, alumni and friends take every opportunity to celebrate life at Marietta College and the importance of fostering the friendships that are made during their undergraduate years.
Future dates are tentatively scheduled for:
- 2027: Thursday, Oct. 21–Sunday, Oct. 24
And don’t forget, we are always looking for volunteers to help with planning. Are you a Pio with a passion for service? Interested in becoming a reunion volunteer or hosting an event? Check out our Alumni Volunteer Opportunities page for more information on how you can get involved!