Wright State to celebrate Raider Homecoming Oct. 5-11

Wright State’s Homecoming Week begins Oct. 5 with a kickoff party for students in the Student Union Atrium and concludes Oct. 11 with Kevin Hart’s comedy concert from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Wright State Nutter Center.

Nationally known musicians, food trucks, soccer, chili and attempting to break a world record are a few of the exciting experiences Wright State’s annual Raider Homecoming Festival will offer Monday, Oct. 5, to Sunday, Oct. 11.

The Homecoming Festival is sponsored by many campus and community partners.

“We’re breaking a Guinness world record,” said Ashley Mohler, director of Homecoming. “We will be attempting to break the world record for the most people wolf-howling in a single location. The current record is 296 people; we can do it.”

The attempt will take place at the men’s soccer game on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Alumni Field. T-shirts are being sold for $12 at wsuab.com/.

“For students, I hope that Homecoming week offers the opportunity to meet new people, try new things and make great memories,” said Mohler. “It should create new bonds of friendship as well as strengthen those that are already established. … It should reignite their Raider spirit and encourage them to keep coming back. Homecoming will give staff and faculty a chance to get involved with the rest of the campus community, bringing back a sense of camaraderie that we sometimes overlook.”

“Many campus partners have planned an amazing Homecoming Festival this year for all alumni and friends, and that’s exactly what we want it to be — a true homecoming,” said Holly Gersbacher, associate director of the Office of Alumni Relations. “The Wright State campus really was ‘home’ to so many of our alumni. We want to welcome back all former students and their families to come see the recent changes to campus and see what our current students are doing.”

Monday, Oct. 5, includes the Homecoming Kickoff Party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Union Atrium. Later that night from 9:30 to 11:45 p.m., will be a Homecoming Bowling Party hosted by Black Men on the Move at Beaver Vu Bowling, 1238 N. Fairfield Road in Beavercreek. Bowling is free for students who present a valid Wright State ID.

Tuesday, Oct. 6, is the annual Cardboard Boat Race hosted by the University Activities Board and Engineers Without Borders, from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Student Union pool. Registration is required through OrgSync.

Those not participating in the boat race can enjoy a swim around the boats in the Student Union pool from 7 to 11 p.m.

A highlight of Homecoming Week is the annual chili cook-off beginning at 5 p.m. at the Rinzler Student Sports Complex.

Wednesday, Oct. 7, is the third annual Nearly Naked Mile, a clothing drive, from 6 to 10:45 p.m. starting in the Hamilton Hall Beach. A bathing suit is the required minimum clothing. The price of admission is a clothing donation. Glow paint and glow sticks are provided. This event is hosted by the Student Alumni Association.

Thursday, Oct. 8, is the University Activities Board’s College Night from 7 to 9 p.m. at Buffalo Wild Wings, 2776 Centre Drive in Fairborn.

Friday, Oct. 9, includes a Homecoming casino night in the Student Union Atrium from 7 to 10 p.m., hosted by the Residential Community Association. Games include blackjack, roulette and others.

Saturday, Oct. 10, features a day full of events including Wright State’s club football team against the University of Michigan, the women’s soccer team playing against Oakland, the volleyball team competing against Cleveland State and men’s soccer team taking on Valparaiso.

From 5 to 11 p.m. is in the Homecoming Festival at the Rinzler Student Sports Complex. The festival includes live music from The Kate Hasting Band and American Idol top 16 finalist Alexis Gomez. Other activities include a chili cook-off, Army ROTC maze and cornhole tournament.

Sunday, Oct. 11, finishes Homecoming week with Kevin Hart’s comedy concert from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Wright State Nutter Center. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

The Alumni Association will also present numerous awards to alumni and present students with scholarships.

“I hope that students, staff, faculty and alumni will take a few moments away from their busy lives to participate in the week’s events, embracing their purpose,” Mohler said. “Once in a while, you just need a reminder of why you love where you are, and I’m excited to see the faces of people as they are reminded.”

The complete Homecoming schedule is available at wright.edu/homecoming/events.

For more information, contact Mohler at homecoming.spiritweek@wsuab.com.