DURHAM, N.H. — University of New Hampshire alumni and friends are invited to return to campus Oct. 28-30, 2011, for a Homecoming Weekend packed with activities and events. Join the 5K Homecoming Road Race, take on the competition in the 7th Annual Wildcat Cook-off, or enjoy an art exhibit. From face painting and rock wall climbing to a parade and musical entertainment—plus football and a host of other athletic events—there's something for everyone.

For a complete schedule of events, to register for various activities and for more information, call 2-2040, e-mail alumni@unh.edu or visit http://www.unh.edu/homecoming.

FRIDAY EVENTS

Friday Gatherings and Receptions
The Whittemore School of Business and Economics hosts several events on Friday, including a WSBE seniors lunch at 12:30 p.m., a keynote address at 1:30 p.m. featuring Michael Pilot, two Alumni Business Panels at 2:45 p.m. and a cocktail party at 4:30 p.m.

The Museum of Art hosts a reception from 5-7 p.m. celebrating the opening of two exhibitions: "John Wissemann: Postmodern Constructs, Japanese-style," and "Felice Beato: Photographer in 19th Century Japan."

The Athletics Endowed Scholarship Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. pairs current student athletes with the donors who make their UNH experience possible. And the UNH Alumni Achievement Awards Dinner begins at 6 p.m., recognizing alumni who have made significant contributions to the association, the university, and society.

Other gatherings include a cookout, bonfire and fireworks starting at 5 p.m. at Boulder Field; a Health Management & Policy Alumni Award Celebration from 6-8 p.m. in Pettee Hall, and an Outdoor Education get-together at the UNH Browne Center for dessert, stories, and student presentations from 7-9:30 p.m.

Friday Activities
At 4:30 p.m., the traditional Blue and White Parade—complete with floats, giveaways, military vehicles, bands, cheerleaders, and dancers—marks the official start of Homecoming 2011. The second annual Bonfire at Homecoming begins at 6 p.m. on Boulder Field and will be followed by fireworks. The UNH Physics Department's Observatory will be open for stargazing from 8-10 p.m.

For music lovers, a UNH Alumni Composers Concert at 8 p.m. features current and alumni composers and an evening of original music.

Friday Athletics
A speedball game between the UNH Ski Team vs. UNH Alumni takes place from 4-7 p.m. behind the Field House followed by a gathering at Red Hook Brewery (alumni only; must be 21 or older) in Portsmouth. The Men's Ice Hockey team takes on Union College at 7 p.m. in the Whittemore Center Arena. Women's Lacrosse hosts an alumnae game at 7:30 p.m. on Memorial Field followed by a reception.

SATURDAY EVENTS

Saturday Tailgating and Gatherings
The classes of 2000, 2005 and 2010 (first, fifth and 10th reunion years) are gathering to celebrate and reminisce, reunite and reconnect.

Traditional tailgating in Boulder Field and A lot takes place from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The alumni tailgating tent located in the upper field from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. features free food and fun for all ages including balloon sculptures, a photo booth, face-painting, raffle prizes and other seasonal surprises.

Note: Parking fills quickly, so arrive early. Learn more about UNH tailgating policy here: https://www.alumni.unh.edu/keep/homecoming/tailgating.html

Saturday Activities
The day kicks off with a musical note at 8:30 a.m. when Wildcat Marching Band Alumni are invited to rehearse at Cowell Stadium with the current band—and then perform during halftime of the football game. Those who are unable to participate are still invited to join other alumni at dinner after the game.

The UNH Homecoming 5K Road Race takes off at 9 a.m. (Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. in the Whittemore Center lobby.) A printable registration form is available at http://campusrec.unh.edu.

Arrive early at Boulder Field and fire up the grill for the 7th Annual Wildcat Tailgating Cook-Off. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.; judging begins at 10 a.m. The winner receives a gas grill and other great prizes. 

Climb the Outdoor Education Alumni Rock Wall starting at 10 a.m. at the New Hampshire Hall Gym. Alumni and friends are invited to this free event followed by a potluck lunch. Children are welcome. (Open to UNH Alumni only.)

Saturday Presentations and Exhibits
At 9 a.m., in the new Smith Hall admissions office, Robert McGann, director of admissions, offers advice and tips for alumni with college-bound children trying to understand the college admissions process. A campus tour follows.

Enjoy two exhibitions from 1-5 p.m. at the Museum of Art: "John Wissemann: Postmodern Constructs, Japanese-style" and "Felice Beato: Photographer in 19th Century Japan." 

Saturday Athletics
The UNH football game against the University of Richmond kicks off at Cowell Stadium at noon. At 3 p.m., celebrate the new basketball season with the men's and women's teams at Lundholm Gym. Win great prizes and meet your favorite Wildcat basketball player. (Note: A discount season ticket rate is available only at this event.) At 7 p.m. the UNH Men's Ice Hockey team takes on Northeastern at the Whittemore Center Arena.

SUNDAY EVENTS
On Sunday, Oct. 30, homecoming festivities continue with two exhibitions from 1-5 p.m. at the Museum of Art: "John Wissemann: Postmodern Constructs, Japanese-style" and "Felice Beato: Photographer in 19th Century Japan." 

SERC residents host a Trick or Treat Street on the SERC Promenade from 4-6 p.m. The free event features games and activities for kids, as well as candy and popcorn. 

The University of New Hampshire, founded in 1866, is a world-class public research university with the feel of a New England liberal arts college. A land, sea, and space-grant university, UNH is the state's flagship public institution, enrolling 12,200 undergraduate and 2,300 graduate students.

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