Every era at Marietta College has its defining moments. Homecoming 2026 will be remembered as the start of a new one.
This past weekend, more than 400 alumni returned to campus to celebrate Pioneer Eras, a theme honoring every generation that has shaped the College. Graduates from across the decades reconnected with old friends, revisited familiar traditions and shared the stories that link one era of Pioneers to the next. Together, they showed that The Long Blue Line is as strong as ever.
The weekend opened with a moment that will stand among the most important in the College’s history. Alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members filled Ban Johnson Arena for the inaugural State of the College Address, where President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty announced a $55 million commitment from Joe H’10 and Linda Chlapaty, the largest single gift Marietta has ever received.
The Chlapatys' generosity will help shape the future of Marietta College through transformative investments in first-year student housing and a new Health Science building. Reimagined residential spaces will elevate the student experience from the moment Pioneers arrive on campus, strengthening the College’s ability to attract and recruit future students while supporting long-term enrollment growth. Together, these investments represent a significant step forward in Marietta’s commitment to academic excellence, student success and a vibrant campus community for generations to come. Learn more about the construction plans.
With that announcement, the College launched More History to Make: The Campaign for Marietta College, which will bring MC's strategic plan to life. By strengthening the student experience, expanding academic opportunities and creating new pathways to success, the campaign sets the course for Marietta’s next era, and invites every Pioneer to help shape it.
All Alumni Welcome
Homecoming's All-Alumni Welcome in Hermann Fine Arts Center featured a special performance by Theatre Department students Riley Matchinga, Nathan Sloan, Kynsingten McMasters, Jackson Vargo, Clay Sieg and Ian Graham, who performed selections from the upcoming November production of She Loves Me. The students' performance was supported by Theatre Chair Cas Felt and Director of Choirs and Musical Theatre Director Christopher Gray.
“Having our talented students share their work with alumni is a wonderful way to bring generations of Pioneers together,” said Gi Smith, Director of Alumni Engagement and Communication. “Their performance gave alumni a glimpse of the creativity and talent thriving on campus and made the welcome a celebration of both Marietta’s traditions and its future.”
Ava Slaby ’28, Pioneer Activities Council's Director of Recruitment, said the student group wanted to create events across campus that encouraged the entire community to participate.
“Homecoming is meant to connect people all over campus along with alumni and this aligns with PAC’s goals because as an organization we try to build the campus community.”
Golden Pioneers
The Class of 1976 celebrated its Golden Reunion during Homecoming 2026 with a trolley tour of historic Marietta, courtesy of Nancey Kaplan McCann, and a luncheon hosted by Ben Ebenhack. Classmate Jo Ellen Diehl Yeary ’76 was inducted into the Marietta College Hall of Honor during Saturday’s MCAA Awards Ceremony.
The Class of 1976 launched the Golden Pioneer Reunion Challenge with an anonymous classmate committing a $25,000 matching gift to The Marietta Fund. The goal was simple and meaningful: inspire classmates to collectively raise $50,000 for their 50th Reunion, creating a lasting legacy for current and future students.
The response was extraordinary. Alumni from across the class came together to support Marietta College, ultimately raising $60,040, exceeding the original goal by $10,040 and demonstrating the enduring impact and generosity of the Class of 1976.
McDonough at 40
The McDonough Leadership Program celebrated its 40th cohort during Homecoming 2026, bringing together alumni from the program’s inaugural cohort to its newest class for an evening honoring its legacy and future. Dr. Michael Moffitt ’91 offered a historical look at the program’s impact, while Ashley Wollam ’08 shared an engaging vision for what lies ahead. A special surprise honored Dr. Meredith Storey ’12 with an honorary Leadership certificate, presented by Dr. Amy Elliott, Dean of McDonough, and Jason Nulton, program faculty member. Student Adelynn Harrison ’29 led the event’s organization, demonstrating the leadership the program continues to inspire across generations of Pioneers.
MCAA Award Ceremony
The 2026 MCAA Awards Ceremony celebrated alumni whose achievements and service reflect the best of every Pioneer era. This year’s honorees were Jo Ellen Diehl Yeary ’76 and David M. Rickey ’78, inducted into the Hall of Honor; Derek Hennen ’12 and Meredith Storey ’12, recipients of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award; and Jim Buckwell ’61 and Brittany Metcalf ’13, recipients of the Liz Tribett Service Award.
The evening also recognized outstanding student researchers and student-athletes, a reminder that the next generation of Pioneers is already making its mark. Student a cappella group Floodstage added a musical highlight with performances of Coldplay’s “Fix You” and Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” Together, the honorees and performers showed the talent, service and Pioneer spirit that keep the Marietta College community strong from one era to the next.