Welcome Home Wilsonites: Homecoming Weekend 2023 Preview
Alexandra Gore | September 27, 2023
Warren Wilson College’s (WWC) annual alumni weekend is right around the corner. The weekend of Sept. 29 through Oct. 1 will be packed with events for visiting WWC alumni and current students.
The chapel will kick off the weekend with the inauguration of WWC’s 10 president, Dr. Damian Fernandez, who describes the ceremony as a community celebration, not a moment solely about him.
“We’ve been very intentional in how we craft a program that is multi-dimensional and reflects a number of cultures to acknowledge the college but also who I am as an individual,” Fernandez said. “My attempt is to connect our past, present and future. We have a glorious history.”
Students and alumni are invited to come together and enjoy a traditional barbeque with a Cuban twist in honor of Fernandez’s culture. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket and dine picnic style, but seating will also be available. Reunion groups will gather in Bryson Gym.
To close the night, guests can choose between a bonfire at the farm or trivia night in Bryson Gym.
Saturday morning will open with a Service of Remembrance at the Warren Wilson College Cemetery to remember those who have gone before us in WWC history. A shuttle service will be available to those who need transportation.
Following is the Fall Festival and Working Lands Showcase, which will include interactive activities, tours and open houses from WWC’s land and craft crews. The Free Store will be open, and WWC meat and other items will be for sale. Marley Fischer, alumni relations manager and WWC ‘17 alum, describes why this event is notably one of her favorites.
“It’s just incredibly cute,” Fischer said. “We’ve invited our greater community off campus also, so the hope is that we’ll have a lot of our neighbors coming.”
A formal celebration of WWC’s alumni community will be held to celebrate the four alumni award winners. The Young Alumni Award, Distinguished Alumni, Distinguished Service Award and Distinguished Community Service Award will be presented. A toast will be made to honor the 10, 25 and 50-year reunion classes.
WWC’s ongoing experimental media exhibition “Echos and Anomalies” will be on display at the Elizabeth Holden Art Gallery, featuring works by Hogan Seidel and Gabby Sumney. Student and faculty art will be on display in the atrium as well.
Guests can head to the fields to watch WWC battle against LaGrange College for a women’s soccer game. A short walk away, WWC’s women’s volleyball team will go head-to-head with Bluefield University at DeVries Gym. Those seeking adventure can climb the Alpine Tower, which requires those interested to sign up for a slot ahead of time and sign a waiver.
An athletic hall of fame induction ceremony will be held in Canon Lounge for those feeling extra sporty.
Alumni and students can feel the rhythm of campus with the WWC Alumni Homecoming Show at The Railyard in Black Mountain, where the lineup includes several WWC alumni, including Jane Kramer ‘03, Morgan Greer ‘94 and Galen Holland ‘00. All ages are welcome!
Worship services are provided at the WWC college chapel on Sunday morning, including song, worship and a potluck lunch sponsored by the congregation of the Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church. Those who are unable to attend in person can join virtually via the WWC Presbyterian Church website.
To close the weekend, two lunch options will be available. Former and current Farm Crew members have the opportunity to join each other for a family-style brunch at Hickory Nut Gap Farm, followed by a tour of the farm. All other guests can enjoy a meal at Gladfelter.
While Homecoming Weekend is constructed to celebrate the return of past WWC students, Fischer emphasizes the importance of students connecting with alumni on campus.
“There’s only one time a year where that happens,” Fischer said. “There have been a lot of alumni who I have met since graduating who I’ve been really grateful to meet and I wish that has happened earlier. It’s amazing the number of internships or travel opportunities that you can get the more you connect with folks.”
More details about Homecoming Weekend and a listed schedule of events can be found on WWC’s website.
