Homecoming Weekend Schedule
Homecoming Weekend: Oct. 2-4, 2026
See the schedule breakdown for each day below, a registration link, and info on lodging, dining and other information under general information.
Event Time Location Event Information Homecoming Spirit Week
All Week Join the campus community in dressing up for these theme days:
Monday - Pajama Day
Tuesday - Mismatch Day
Wednesday - Purple Day
Thursday- Dress like a faculty/staff member
Friday - Pick a DecadeHomecoming Explore Goshen Day 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Welcome Center, Union Lobby Registration required at goshen.edu/visit.
There will be opportunities for high school students to attend classes, tour campus and interact with a student panel of current students.Meet and Greet 9:30 – 9:45 a.m.
Welcome Center, Union Lobby
Meet and greet for prospective students, grandparents, parents and siblings of current students. Coffee available.
Homecoming Convocation
10 a.m.
Church-Chapel, Sanctuary
This special convocation will feature 2026 alumni award recipients:
Culture for Service Awards --
Stephanie Rogers ’00, San Francisco, California
Jonathan Shenk `88, Princeton Junction, New Jersey
Young Alumni Servant Leadership Award --
Edgar Saucedo-Davila `11 & `14, Goshen, Indiana
Champions of Character Awards --
Bruce Kooker '76, Apple Creek, Ohio
Lynda Nyce '91, Bluffton, OhioReception for Alumni Award Recipients
10:45 a.m.
Church-Chapel, Fellowship Hall
Champions of Character Program 11 a.m. Church-Chapel, Fellowship Hall
Join the Athletics Department as we honor this year’s Champions of Character Awardees and hear from them:
Bruce Kooker '76, Apple Creek, Ohio;
Lynda Nyce '91, Bluffton, OhioLawn Games 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Lawn to the East of the Leafraker Cafeteria Join the Enrollment team for some fun lawn games. All are welcome to join the fun! Student Music Recital 12 p.m.
Music Center, Rieth Recital Hall
Alumni and Family Bicycle Ride
1 p.m.
Meet at Schrock Plaza fountain
Ride Goshen’s Pumpkinvine Bike Trail with other alumni, friends and families. Choose rides from a few miles to up to 35 miles. Groups will form going different speeds and distances.
Registration encouraged.Attend Class
1 – 4 p.m.
Parents and grandparents may choose to attend a class with your current student during this time. As a courtesy to professors and to ensure there is room for visitors, your student will need to speak with the professor about your classroom visit ahead of time or you can connect with the Admissions Office ([email protected]) to see a list of available classes. Campus Tours 1 and 2 p.m.
Welcome Center
New to campus or just want to see what has changed? Join us for a 40-minute walking tour of campus. Tours leave the Welcome Center at 1 and 2 p.m. Road Trip to Goshen College’s Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center 1 – 5 p.m.
Welcome Center, leaving from the South end of the Union Building
Ride in a GC bus to Merry Lea and tour some of the Merry Lea facilities and learn more about all of the amazing programs that are part of this GC gem. Bus will leave from campus at 1 p.m. and return by 5 p.m. or you can drive on your own, if you’d prefer. Registration required. Nyai Oyer Gamelan Demonstration 4 – 5 p.m.
Union building, Gamelan Room
Marcia Yost, director of the arts, will provide an introduction to our Indonesian gamelan. This beautiful set of instruments was gifted to the college in memory of Duane Gingerich ’69 and in honor of Dr. Mary Oyer ’45. Come learn more about the journey that brought this gift to Goshen, the instruments and GC’s plans for it. You will even have a chance to play it. Class of 1976 – 50th Anniversary Dinner
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Church-Chapel, Fellowship Hall
Cost: $25, Registration required
Celebrate 50 golden years! We will be taking your class photo at 4:45 p.m., so come in time for that. This is a chance to connect with your classmates over dinner and a short program. President Stoltzfus will be there to welcome you.Goshen College Homecoming Open Studio at the Printmakers Guild (downtown Goshen) 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
213 S. Main Street, Goshen (enter in the back, off public parking lot B, next to Fables Books)
Meet the alumni owners of Goshen’s Printmakers Guild, learn about the old-school presses and other equipment, and see the English Department’s Vandercook press in action! Connected Cause Community Celebration: Lavender Jazz, Games, Giveaways and Refreshments 6-8 p.m. Downtown Goshen, Goshen Theater
Celebrate the successful end of the Connected Cause campaign during First Fridays in Downtown Goshen with an evening that includes games, GC’s very own Lavender Jazz, and giveaways. There will also be drinks and snacks available for free and to purchase in the lobby.
Learn more about the City of Goshen’s monthly First Friday events at downtowngoshen.orgOne Act Play – Las Nuevas Tamaleras by Alicia Mena 8 p.m.
Umble Center
Cost: No tickets needed, free and open to the public
A charming bilingual holiday tradition from San Antonio arrives in Goshen a little early, but hilarious as ever. This short comedy reminds us of the importance of cultural traditions, especially those involving gossip and cooking. You can learn more about the play here.
Presented in cooperation with playwright Alicia Mena and director Cristobal Garza Gonzalez.Homecoming Formal
8:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Good Library
Campus Activities Council (CAC), Residence Life and the Library are hosting this super fun event. Put on your best clothes and get ready to dance, enjoy delicious food and play some games on multiple library floors. (This is a student only event.) Event Time Location Event Information Free Time
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Opportunity for parents and grandparents to spend time with your college student.
Childcare – Preschool (3-5 yrs.) through 6th Grade 9:15 – 11:30 a.m.
Rec-Fitness Center, Lobby
A variety of age-appropriate activities are planned, including a chance to learn about and play GC’s gamelan. Snack provided. Mark Daniels ’00 will be here to draw caricatures for interested children. Pre-school children will also spend time in the Toddler room in the Church Chapel. Pick up your children by at least 11:45 a.m. at the RFC Lobby. Registration required.
Alumni Class Reunions
(Locations TBD)9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
2016 (10 year)
2011 (15 year)
2006 (20 year)
2001 (25 year)
1996 (30 year)
1991 (35 year)
1986 (40 year)
1981 (45 year)
1976 (50 year)
1971 (55 year)
1966 (60 year)
1961 (65 year)
Baked goods, coffee and tea will be served at 9 a.m. in the College Mennonite Fellowship Hall and the Newcomer and Music Center Lobbies.Alumni Baseball Game
10 a.m.
Ingold Athletic Complex, Sarge Yoder Field
Baseball alumni are welcome to contact Coach Brad Stoltzfus at [email protected] for more details.
Men's Alumni Volleyball Game 11 a.m. Rec-Fitness Center, Gunden Gymnasium
Lunch: Food Trucks
11:30 a.m.
Parking lot South of the Union Building
Enjoy lunch from local food trucks (Caribbean, Mexican and Chinese with a Southeast Asian twist). The Leaf Raker Cafe will also be open with a limited menu. No registration required, food can be purchased directly from the vendors or the Leaf Raker. Mark Daniels ’00 will be available in the Welcome Center lobby to draw caricatures for children and the young at heart.
Women's Volleyball vs. Oakland City 12 p.m. Rec-Fitness Center, Gunden Gymnasium
Presidential State of the College update and Q&A
1 – 2 p.m.
Church-Chapel, Koinonia Room (300)
Join President Becky Stoltzfus ’83 for an update on the college and an open discussion.
Tour of the Center for Communication Studies
1 – 2 p.m.
Northwest end of Newcomer Center
Jason Samuel ’93, WGCS general manager and assistant professor of communication, and student leaders will guide you through the center.
Alumni Book Signing
1 – 3 p.m.
Hunsberger Commons, The Union Building
Alumni authors are invited to sell their recent publications. For more details about how to participate contact [email protected] 91.1 The Globe Merch Pop-up Shop
1 – 3 p.m.
Union Building, Hunsberger Commons
Globe fans need to come pick out your own very cool Globe merch. Credit sales available.
Men’s Soccer Game vs. Bethel University
2 p.m.
Ingold Athletics Complex, GC Soccer Field
Biology Alumni Mixer 2 – 3 p.m. Schrock Science Annex lobby Come mingle and catch up with your fellow alumni from GC’s biology department, as well as some of the current faculty, Homecoming Hymn Sing 2 – 3 p.m.
Church-Chapel, Sanctuary
Led by Dr. Scott Hochstetler ’97, professor of music, and H. Roz Woll, assistant professor of music. Scott and Roz will select some hymns, and there will be time for requests too.
Tour of the new Center for Nursing and Public Health 3 – 4 p.m.
Westlawn Floors 2 and 3
This is a public open house. Come take a look our most recently updated facilities. You might just be curious to see what has become of your old residence hall floor.
Hispanic-Serving Initiative Update and Latino Reception
3 p.m.
Newcomer Center, Room 19
All are welcome to join Dr. Gilberto Perez, Jr, vice president for student life and Hispanic-serving initiatives, and the HSI Committee for updates on our Hispanic serving initiatives. Learn how GC is leading the way in connecting groups around campus and beyond to build partnerships that strengthen our campus and our community. Champurrado, cafecito, chocolate caliente and pan dulce will be served.
Black Student Union Alumni & Friends Reception Join students from the Black Student Union, their advisor, and other Black faculty and staff members for a dinner of picnic food in the Westlawn Dining Hall. Advocates Reception for LGBTQIA+ Students, Alumni and Allies
3 p.m.
Church-Chapel, Koinonia (Room 300)
Join students from the Advocates affinity group and their advisor and professor of kinesiology, Jewel Lehman, for an informal reception. There will also be a celebration of the 10th anniversary of change of the GC hiring policy.
Light refreshments will be served.Art Exhibit: “Northern Indiana Amish Quilts.” 3 – 4 p.m.
Good Library Gallery (basement)
Rebecca Haarer '75, owner of the quilt collection will host this event.
Alumni Softball Game
3:30 p.m.
Ingold Athletic Complex, GC Softball Field
Demonstration of the Nyai Oyer Gamelan 4 p.m.
Union building, Gamelan Room
Marcia Yost, director of the arts, will give a brief introduction to the instrument and you may even have a chance to play it.
Women’s Alumni Basketball Game
4 p.m.
Rec-Fitness Center, Gunden Gymnasium
One Act Play – Las Nuevas Tamaleras by Alicia Mena
4 p.m.
Umble Center
Cost: No tickets needed, free and open to the public
A charming bilingual holiday tradition from San Antonio arrives in Goshen a little early, but hilarious as ever. This short comedy reminds us of the importance of cultural traditions, especially those involving gossip and cooking. You can learn more about the play here.
Presented in cooperation with playwright Alicia Mena and director Cristobal Garza Gonzalez.
Learn more about the play.Women's Volleyball vs. Calumet College of St. Joseph 5 p.m. Rec-Fitness Center, Gunden Gymnasium
Homecoming Indoor Picnic
5 – 7 p.m.
Westlawn Dining Hall
Price TBD
Bring your friends and family for a great dinner of picnic food, including Chef Jeremy’s amazing brisket.
Tickets can be purchased here after August 3 for a discounted rate. Ticket pre-sales will end on Friday, October 2 at noon. Tickets can still be purchased at the door for a higher price.Art Exhibit Reception: “To Be Certain of the Dawn: Keeping the Light” – Norah Amstutz `19 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Music Center, Hershberger Gallery
Come see an exhibit of work by Norah Amstutz ’19. There will be an artist talk at 6 p.m.
Men’s Alumni Basketball Game
6 p.m.
Rec-Fitness Center, Gunden Gymnasium
Homecoming Music Gala
7:30 p.m.
Music Center, Sauder Concert Hall
Cost: $10, $8 for seniors/youth and free for GC students/faculty/staff
The Music Department presents its annual showcase of student and faculty musicians.
Tickets can be purchased here or by calling 574.535.7566 after August 3. Ticket window will open at 6:30 p.m. for ticket purchase or will call.Event Time Location Event Information World Communion Sunday Worship at College Mennonite Church featuring President Stoltzfus and GC Campus Ministries 10:30 a.m.
Church-Chapel, Sanctuary
Join us for worship! President Rebecca Stoltzfus ’83, Campus Pastor Jen Shenk ’94, and the GC Chapel Singing Team will join with College Mennonite Church to lead this bilingual World Communion Sunday worship service. Coffee, refreshments and fellowship time starts at 10 a.m.
One Act Play – Las Nuevas Tamaleras by Alicia Mena
2 p.m.
Umble Center
Cost: No tickets needed, free and open to the public
A charming bilingual holiday tradition from San Antonio arrives in Goshen a little early, but hilarious as ever. This short comedy reminds us of the importance of cultural traditions, especially those involving gossip and cooking.
Presented in cooperation with playwright Alicia Mena and director Cristobal Garza Gonzalez
Intramural Pickleball Tournament for Student, Alumni and Friends Teams 2 p.m.
Rec-Fitness Center, Gunden Gymnasium
Come show those young whipper-snappers that you don’t have to be 20 to be great at pickleball. This is a single elimination doubles (mixed or not) tournament with beginner/intermediate and advanced brackets. Register your team here. Email [email protected] with questions. The registration deadline is September 26. Students will register through the GC intramural department.
Registration
We strongly encourage alumni to register for their reunions (free), everyone for the bike ride (free) and require registration for the 50th Anniversary Dinner ($25) and childcare (free).
Tickets
Tickets for music and athletic events can be purchased at goshen.edu/tickets or by calling 574.535.7566. Tickets will not be mailed. Electronic tickets will be sent to your email address. You may print your ticket(s) or bring your electronic device so the ticket may be scanned at the door. Tickets will also be available in the Music Center Box Office, during regular business hours Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Tickets may also be purchased one hour prior to the event at each venue.
General Information
Call 574.535.7564 for information or email [email protected]
Welcome Center | Lost and Found
Union Building
- Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Box Office | Performance ticket purchase and will call
Music Center, Lobby
Friday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. or one hour prior to each event at the venue.
Tickets can be purchased at goshen.edu/tickets or by calling 574.535.7566
Exhibits
Hershberger Art Gallery
Music Center
Exhibit: “To Be Certain of the Dawn: Keeping the Light” – Norah Amstutz ’19
- Friday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Sunday: 2 – 4 p.m.
Library Art Gallery
Harold and Wilma Good Library, Basement
Art Exhibit: “Northern Indiana Amish Quilts from the Rebecca Haarer ’75 Collection.”
- Friday: 8 a.m – 5 p.m.
- Saturday: 1 – 4 p.m.
- Sunday: 1 – 11 p.m.
Food and Drink
Dining Hall
Dining hall prices. Pay at the door. Prices don’t include tax. Child rate for ages 11 and younger.
Java Junction
Kratz-Miller-Yoder Connector
Hang out with old friends and enjoy your favorite milkshake, mocha or muffin!
- Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., 7 – 11 p.m.
- Saturday: 1 – 4 p.m.
- Sunday: 2 – 5 p.m.
Hotels & Lodging:
Blocks of rooms have been held. To get the group rate, identify yourself as a GC Homecoming participant.
- Fairfield Inn ($121 double queens)
All rooms must be booked online at the link above before September 11, 2026 for this rate. Call 574.538-2027 with questions.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites ($149.88 double queens)
All rooms must be booked online at the link above before September 11, 2026 for this rate. Call 574.535.9200 with questions.
- Camp sites: Available at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds. Call 574.533.3247 for more information.