PennWest welcomes community for homecoming festivities
PennWest University California will welcome alumni, families and community members to campus Saturday, Oct. 24, for homecoming festivities featuring a parade, family activities, athletic events and the Coal Bowl football game against Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
This year’s “Calchella” celebration also includes a variety of activities for students throughout the week, giving them opportunities to gather with classmates, show their Vulcans pride, and take part in campus traditions.
“Homecoming on the California Campus brings together the people who make the day so special — our alumni, students, families, and neighbors,” said Tony Mauro, associate vice president of University Development and California’s campus administrator. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back for a day of familiar traditions, new memories and Vulcan pride.”
Saturday’s festivities begin at 10 a.m. on the Duda Hall lawn with a bounce house, petting zoo and Food Truck Frenzy. Alumni can gather for brunch and conversation at Party on the Patio beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Kara Alumni House.
The homecoming parade steps off at noon, with viewing along Third Street. A tailgate party follows at 1 p.m. at the Roadman Park pavilions.
Vulcans athletic teams will compete throughout the day. At 11 a.m., California hosts PennWest Edinboro in volleyball at the Convocation Center, while the women’s soccer team faces IUP at the Phillipsburg Soccer Facility. The Coal Bowl football game against IUP begins at 5 p.m. at Adamson Stadium.
Homecoming also will include a hockey fundraiser Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the CFS Bank Event Center, Rostraver Township. California’s club hockey teams will face Robert Morris University in games at 4 and 8 p.m. Free public skating and free skate rentals will be offered at 6:30 p.m.
The hockey event will raise money for the Pittsburgh Penguins Mighty Penguins Sled Hockey Program and Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA, with the latter effort honoring the memory of Karoline Heintz. California players will wear purple jerseys bearing “Heintz 21” during warmups.
The band, cheerleaders, and dance team will participate, with youth hockey activities featuring the Mon Valley Thunder 10U and Pittsburgh Predators 12U teams. Raffles, silent auctions, and a 50/50 drawing will support the fundraising efforts, and a check presentation is planned before the 8 p.m. game.
Hockey admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students. PennWest students with university identification and children younger than 10 will be admitted free.
For the complete homecoming schedule, visit PennWest California’s Homecoming webpage, https://www.pennwest.edu/campuses/california/homecoming/index.php.