Homecoming 2024: A Celebration of UMass Pride

A wave of maroon took over campus on September 20 and 21, as alumni, parents, and friends celebrated Homecoming 2024 with current students and staff. 


The weekend included Friday night’s Homecoming Fest, an annual tradition on the North Lawn, where graduates from the 1950s to the 2020s were treated to a sundae bar, games, LED swings, and lots of UMass swag. The relaxed atmosphere gave attendees the chance to reconnect with old friends, network, and enjoy being in the heart of the campus again. 

Saturday kicked off with a Homecoming Breakfast to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the UMass Amherst Alumni Association (UMAAA). Attendees were delighted to see Joanne Keller, the beloved omelet chef, whipping up her creations for UMass Dining once again. The breakfast was also an opportunity for the UMass Amherst Foundation (UMAF) to thank some of the university’s most dedicated donors and volunteers for their continued involvement. 

“Alumni ambassadors like you embody the benefits of the UMass experience and serve as role models for students who will soon join your ranks,” said UMAF Vice President for Advancement Kimberly Dumpson. “Together, you create a cycle of generosity and engagement that characterizes UMass as a dynamic and enriching place to live and learn.” 

Separate events brought alumni together to celebrate two golden anniversaries. The traditional Golden Alumni Luncheon honored the class of 1974 on the occasion of their 50th reunion and provided the opportunity for graduates from 1971-1977 to reminisce about their time on campus. Alumni also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Bilingual Collegiate Program (BCP) with a special breakfast. 

Schools and colleges also held their own mid-day events, including a TED-style talk at the Elaine Marieb School of Nursing, an alumni-student networking event at the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, and a tour of College of Natural Sciences Morrill Building, which houses greenhouses, the university’s natural history collection, and the Rausch Mineral Gallery. 

Alumni, parents, students, friends, and staff capped off the day with a spirited tailgate before the UMass Football team’s win (35–31) over Central Connecticut State. They enjoyed great food, dancing, games, and swag provided by the Alumni Association’s Spirit Station. But the opportunity to spend time with their UMass family was the biggest perk of all. 

View photo galleries of Homecoming 2024.