Marietta College’s 2025 Homecoming, themed “Marietta Serenade,” harmonized tradition and transformation. From Oct. 16–19, more than 500 alumni joined students, faculty, staff, and friends on campus, bringing together generations of Pioneers who continue to define Marietta’s legacy. The weekend filled campus with energy, Marietta pride, and the unmistakable rhythm of The Long Blue Line. Homecoming 2025 paid tribute to the College’s performing arts legacy, celebrated the inauguration of its 21st president, and honored milestones that continue to shape what it means to be a Pioneer.
Marietta Serenade drew inspiration from Homecomings of the 1960s,
’70s, and ’80s, celebrating the creativity and community that has long inspired the Marietta experience. Throughout the week, students in the music and theatre programs showcased their talents through concerts, live music, and the 20th annual New Plays in One Day Festival—proving once again that Marietta’s stage belongs to dreamers and doers alike. Marietta Serenade performances of musical hits from the three decades, were a highlight of Homecoming weekend. The serenades, choreographed by alumna Paige Doseck ’24 and performed by students, showcased the College’s vibrant performing arts tradition and honored a legacy that continues to grow stronger through shared creativity and Pioneer pride.
Students engaged in a lineup of Pioneer Activities Council (PAC)-hosted events throughout Homecoming week. From Monday’s food trucks and banner judging to Tuesday’s Free Daps performance, National Dessert Day, and Trivia Night, as well as Wednesday’s Munchies on the Mall and Name That Tune, each event offered a chance to bond with fellow Pioneers across campus. On Thursday, the Marietta College Alumni Association Council (MCAA-C) and PAC co-hosted Bags & BBQ, which brought alumni and students together on the Legacy Library lawn for friendly cornhole competition and fellowship, setting the tone for the weekend.
Throughout Thursday and Friday, alumni who “miss being a student” were invited to sit in on a variety of classes ranging from animal behavior labs to computer science courses, experiencing the academic excellence that first drew them to Marietta. They also attended open houses and social hours across campus, filling familiar spaces with laughter, stories, and a shared sense of nostalgia.
From the library’s Special Collections Open House to the Phi Beta Kappa Social Hour, Alpha Sigma Phi’s 165th Anniversary celebration, and more, alumni rediscovered what makes Marietta so special. Greek and alumni organizations hosted several gatherings, including the Delta Tau Delta Alumni and Friends Welcome Reception, a Brothers of Tau Epsilon Phi dinner honoring the classes of 1967-1974, Alpha Tau Omega’s Sip and Chat, and the Adkins Society and MCAA Social Gathering featuring the Marietta College Rock and Jazz Ensemble.
Friday also offered students and alumni a sneak peek at the progress of the Milone Center for Academic and Career – a new centralized hub within Legacy Library that will unite academic support and career development services to help Pioneers succeed during their time at Marietta and thrive in the years beyond. Funded by a generous donation from Pioneer parents Mike and Julie Milone P’12, the Milone Center for Academic and Career Success underscores the College’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful lives and careers through hands-on experiences and personalized guidance.
Friday afternoon, the Marietta community gathered in the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center for the inauguration of Dr. Kathleen Poorman Dougherty as Marietta College’s 21st president. The ceremony featured remarks from Board of Trustees chair, Dr. J.S. (Jim) Wilson, Provost Suzanne Walker, Ohio’s 30th District Senator Brian Chavez, and President Dougherty, as well as performances by the Floodstage Contemporary A Cappella ensemble. Following the ceremony, guests joined together for a reception celebrating the momentous occasion – one that marked both a continuation of the College’s nearly two centuries of academic excellence and the beginning of a new chapter in leadership, optimism, and opportunity.
Friday evening featured the All Alumni and Friends Welcome and Homecoming Kickoff at the Hermann Fine Arts Center, as alumni, students, faculty, and friends gathered to officially open the weekend’s festivities, where President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty offered a special toast to celebrate the occasion and the Pioneer community. Later that night, alumni Don Ritter ’81 and Bruce Kinney ’78 hosted The Michael Weber Show and Friends at The Gathering Place. The dynamic live performance brought alumni and students together to enjoy an evening of great music in a lively prelude to the weekend’s main events.
Saturday began with enthusiasm as Pioneers gathered across campus and throughout Marietta for departmental open houses, alumni reunions, Greek life gatherings, and other spirited events. Departments such as Biology and Health Sciences and Math and Computer Science welcomed guests back into classrooms and labs. Gatherings such as the Rowing Alumni Gathering at the Lindamood-VanVoorhis Boathouse and the Alpha Xi Delta Brunch offered time to reconnect, reminisce, and take in the spirit of the weekend.
The Class of 1975 celebrated its Golden Reunion with a reception at the President’s House, followed by dinner in the Andrews Hall Great Room. Alumni from the 1980s through 2010s reunited at class receptions, Greek life events, and gatherings across campus including Alpha Tau Omega’s 135th social hour. Among the Saturday’s most moving moments was Delta Tau Delta’s “Fifty Years of Fergie” celebration, honoring Robert “Fergie” Ferguson as he retired after an astonishing half-century of service as chapter advisor. Generations of Delts came together to pay tribute to a mentor whose influence has shaped countless lives and strengthened the bonds of brotherhood for 50 years.
Alumni and students whose dedication continues to move the College forward were celebrated during the MCAA’s annual Awards and Athletic Tribute Ceremony in the Alma McDonough Auditorium on Saturday morning. The annual ceremony honors distinguished alumni, outstanding students, and student-athletes who exemplify the spirit and legacy of Marietta College, for their remarkable achievements and contributions, along with recognizing MCAA Council Adkins Society members. The following awardees were honored: Hall of Honor inductees Ron Rinard ’72 and Pat Loreno Willis ’70 were celebrated, alongside Distinguished Alumnus Doug Gabriel ’74, Outstanding Young Alumnus William Hays ’22, Liz Tribbett Service Award recipient Melissa Yusko Clawson ’05, and Honorary Alumnus award to Robert Ferguson. The ceremony celebrated the individuals whose accomplishments inspire pride across generations of Pioneers.
Campus buzzed with excitement leading up to the Pioneer Tailgate outside Don Drumm Stadium, which once again brought together hundreds of fans for food, fun, and camaraderie. Though the Marietta Pioneers fell to Muskingum University 35-32 in a hard-fought matchup, the stands remained filled with Marietta pride and perseverance as alumni and students cheered side by side.
During halftime, Connor Reed ’26 was crowned Homecoming King and Breanna Herrick ’26 was crowned Homecoming Queen. The Homecoming court also included King candidates: LeVante’ (LV) Hodges ’26 (Horn Lake, MI), Franko Rome ’26 (Cambridge, OH), Richard Svencer ’26 (St. Mary’s, WV), 
Brendon Thompson ’26 (Botkins, OH); and Queen candidates: Shayna Allshouse ’26 (Cambridge, OH), Maddi Barton ’26 (Shadyside, OH), Kelsey Bowman ’26 (Coshocton, OH), Camryn Campbell ’26 (Lexington, OH), Maggie Downward ’26 (Canal Fulton, OH), Alayna Francis ’26 (Irwin, PA), Evie Gravlin ’26 (Columbus, OH), McKenna Hewitt ’26 (Daisytown, PA), Michaela Hieronymus ’26 (Mason, WV), Megan Hoover ’26 (Woodsfield, OH), Ava Huebner ’25 (Rootstown, OH), Jazlyn Ingold ’26 (Lexington, OH), Kelsey Lones ’26 (Crooksville, OH), and Hannah Shreves ’25 (Tyler County, WV).
In addition, the evening featured a special artist reception at the Hermann Fine Arts Center’s Atrium Gallery for Christina Ullman ’93 and her exhibition Quiet Majesty: Transversing the Monochromatic Landscape – on display through Nov. 12 – celebrating the creativity and talent that continue to enrich Marietta’s liberal arts tradition. The night also marked the opening of the Theatre Department’s 20th Annual New Plays in One Day Festival, a 24-hour event dedicated to writing, producing, and performing new short plays centered on a shared theme.
Sunday’s farewell breakfast in the Gilman Student Center offered one final opportunity to connect and reflect before saying goodbye—or rather, see you next year. Homecoming 2025 was more than a week of events; it was a celebration of shared history, artistic expression, and community. From the first note of a Marietta Serenade to the last wave goodbye, the weekend reminded all in attendance that every Pioneer’s story is part of a greater legacy–one that continues to evolve and inspire. It’s a legacy we share, and together, we have more history to make.