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The Chenango Valley echoed with the cheers of Colgate faithful during Homecoming 2014, September 18–21. More than 1,000 alumni, parents, and friends came for the festivities, which included sports, a bonfire, fireworks, and receptions.
The keynote address featuring Mark Divine ’85 was sponsored by the Presidents’ Club. A retired Navy SEAL, author, and founder of SEALFit, Divine encouraged students to affirm their core values and work hard every day, tapping their physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual strength to achieve success. He also urged them to sit quietly in this often-noisy and frenetic world, saying that, in silence, you find your reason for being. “If you don’t know your ‘why,’ in the most trying moments,” he said, “you’re going to quit.”
Hundreds of alumni helped students “find their why” during a meet-and-greet reception powered by Colgate’s eight professional networks.
That night, the Presidents’ Club kicked off its 50th anniversary celebration with a reception that highlighted the organization’s commitment to leadership, tradition, and impact.
Across College Street, Whitnall Field lit up with a bonfire, fireworks, and klieg lights that shone down on alumni band Waiting for Henry.
To keep spirits high before game time on Saturday, Van Doren Field was transformed into a pavilion of Raider power. Greek-letter organizations, WRCU-FM, the ALANA Cultural Center, the Presidents’ Club, the alumni office, and other groups pitched their tents and tailgated together before field hockey confronted Holy Cross and football defeated Cornell.
From beginning to end, homecoming was a celebration designed to appeal to Raiders of all generations, from John LeFevre ’41 to Jacob Leo, Class of 2034. “The kids had a ball at the village chocolate train fest, then tailgating and watching the football game,” said Jacob’s mother, Amy Leo ’03. “It’s great to see them getting a taste for Colgate and enjoying a family day in such a special place.”