Were you one of the 1,000+ St. Edward’s friends who came to Homecoming & Family Weekend in 2019? This year our plans are bigger and better than ever. Read on for a fun-filled list of what’s in store for you in 2020, including time-honored traditions and new activities. And register to attend.
1. Have a Great Valen-Time
This year's Homecoming & Family Weekend kicks off on Cupid’s favorite day – February 14. Make 2020 your best Valentine’s Day celebration ever with plenty of goodies and photo opportunities for you and your loved ones.
2. Visit Your Favorite Hilltopper
The Office of Student Transitions and Family Engagement is planning an array of new activities for families, including a Hypnotist and Magician, a tailgate and of course, a massive celebration at the popular Homecoming & Family Weekend Bash. If your student is a senior you can also participate in the ring ceremony!
3. Snap a Goat Selfie
Meet a goat — not the person dressed as our mascot Topper, but an actual goat. He lives on a farm, his name is Seamus. And most importantly, he wants to pose for a selfie with you
4. Show Your Topper Pride
Stomp your hoof for today’s Hilltopper student-athletes at three NCAA DII athletics events. Bring your favorite spirit wear, or grab some new swag to inspire the Hilltopper men’s and women's basketball teams and women’s tennis team.
5. Take in the View
Capture the best view of Austin from the stone steps of historic Main Building. If you haven’t visited Austin in a while, now is your chance to come back to our thriving home city and enjoy your favorite spots around town.
6. Party at the Biggest Bash
Dance the night away with the entire St. Edward’s community! For one night only: all alumni, students, family members and friends are invited to the greatest hilltop party of all time, featuring live music, food, drink and casino games. Celebrate as one at the Homecoming & Family Weekend Bash!
7. Connect with Faculty, Staff and the St. Edward’s Administration
Reconnect with your favorite professors or staff members at St. Edward’s. Families also have the opportunity to meet their student’s support system on the hilltop. You can even catch President George E. Martin at the St. Edward’s University community tent during game-day tailgating!
8. Mix and Mingle at Tailgating
Whether you’re attending this event or hosting a tailgate spot, tailgating during Homecoming & Family Weekend is the place to connect with Hilltopper friends and families, pick up some St. Edward’s swag, and enjoy sweet and savory snacks.
9. Make This Land Your Land
You have a home on the hilltop. Whether you graduated last year, last decade or last century; whether you love a student whose ambition, curiosity and heart make them the ultimate Hilltopper; even if you’re just fond of St. Edward’s — come back home!
10. Applaud the Honorees
Honor three very impressive alumni and four awe-inspiring Hilltopper athletes (and one Hilltopper Coach) at the Alumni Honors Ceremony. Recognize our Distinguished Alumni awardee, Alumni Achievement awardee, Alumni Service awardee, and our newest Athletics Hall of Famers.
11. Celebrate Milestone Reunions
Are you from the Class of 1970? Celebrate your 50th Reunion and in a separate event, commemorate your five decades of St. Edward’s during an induction into the Golden Guard. Meet your fellow Golden Guard members at a private Mass and Luncheon.
12. Honor the First Women on the Hilltop
For the first time ever, women will be inducted into the Golden Guard, recognizing alumni who graduated more than fifty years ago. Get inspired by trailblazing alumnae who made history on the Hilltop as part of the first co-ed student body.
13. Catch a Show
Join us for a night of exceptional sleuthing by a brainy, 15-year-old math genius at a performance of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by students, faculty and theater professionals at the Mary Moody Northen Theatre.
14. Enjoy Exhibits in the Fine Arts Gallery
Drop by the Fine Arts Center and stroll through the gallery, where senior graphic design students will be exhibiting their work. You can also enjoy the complimentary wine and cheese bar and listen to the exhibitors discuss their creative process during the Art Stroll at Arts and Humanities on the Hilltop.
15. Continue Your Lifelong Learning
Join the university’s schools for a series of lectures on varying topics across the weekend. The Bill Munday School of Business will host Lightning Lectures and the School of Arts and Humanities will host a lecture on the beautifully illustrated Saint John’s Bible and its journey to the university.
16. Reconnect with your Roots
Literally, take the time to revisit the Sorin Oak on your own time. After the Ring Ceremony — where the official university rings are blessed and everyone puts them on for the first time — a group of seniors process to Sorin Oak for the Rooting of the Ring: each recipient walks up to the tree and taps their ring to it to symbolize being rooted in the university and its values. Alumni can also order a University Ring online and participate in this ceremony.
17. See What We’ve Done with the Place
St. Edward’s started with one building and three students who came to class straight from the farm. Today’s campus has 4,000 trees and 30+ beautiful buildings, but the tight-knit feeling remains. Come to the hilltop to discover what’s new and how we’ve kept the spirit the same during a self-guided or student-led campus tour.
18. Indulge In Our Legendary Brunch
Austin has its fair share of brunch spots, but our Farewell Brunch is renowned for being a hearty, mouth-watering feast. Stay on campus for one last celebration with your cherished friends and Hilltopper families — and maybe meet some new ones. Not to mention, food, jazz and mimosas!
19. Honor Our Holy Cross Values
Learn how Holy Cross values and history continue to enrich the St. Edward’s University tradition of improving lives through education and service at Our Holy Cross Catholic Heritage, presented by Father Peter Walsh, CSC, or at our Vincent Hall Plaque re-dedication.
20. Share In the Sacraments
Pray with the St. Edward’s community at Homecoming Mass — the largest religious celebration on the hilltop — to close out the weekend experience for all.
Register to attend Homecoming & Family Weekend
You can purchase tickets for paid events or RSVP for free events online. Check out our FAQs or photos from last year for more details and a peek at the fun and community spirit that make Homecoming so special.