Homecoming — a time to reunite, to support the Golden Tornadoes, to treat yourself to a handful of candy from the parade (it's not just for the kids). A multitude of time-honored traditions keep alumni, community members, and students coming back to Geneva College year after year. This Homecoming will offer more events than ever, promising new reasons to return.

One new addition, the Beaver Falls Breakfast Run, will kick off the festivities of October 10 at 7:30 a.m. According to Josh Wilsey '99, director of alumni engagement, the Breakfast Run consists of a mile-long course with four stops along the way. Runners will pause to enjoy treats from local businesses: Beaver Falls Coffee & Tea Company, Oram's Donuts, Pizza Joe's, and Athen's Family Restaurant. The course will begin at the Merriman Athletic Complex track and loop through campus to end at Reeve's Stadium.

Students sometimes feel out of place at Homecoming, but Wilsey is confident the Breakfast Run will be a fun way for students to get involved. The event is also meaningful to members of the community because it integrates local businesses. Wilsey notes, "We're trying to create opportunities to interact more fully with Beaver Falls."

Another way the Homecoming team will accomplish just that is by combining Geneva's Homecoming Pparade with the Beaver Falls Fire Department's 150th Anniversary Parade. The procession will now include around 40 fire vehicles from across the county, and the parade will travel farther into town than it has in past years. The new route will pass Neighborhood North Museum of Play, where Geneva College is hosting a children's event at 8:30 a.m.

A final noteworthy addition to this year's events is the Black Alumni Legacy Luncheon. The luncheon will be held in Skye Lounge from 1-2:30 p.m., welcoming alumni of color back to campus.

In addition to exciting new events, the College is celebrating a few milestone anniversaries this year at Homecoming. This year is New Song's 50th Anniversary, making this New Song Reunion, an event which occurs every five years, extra special. More than 80 former and current members of New Song have signed up to attend the Reunion Lunch in John White Chapel and will join their voices in the Reunion Concert at 1:30 p.m. According to Wilsey, just over 200 people have been members of the group since it was established, so the return of nearly half that number is momentous.

The Tannehill Business Department also celebrates a significant milestone in 2026: 100 years since its foundation. At the Business Department Reunion, alumni will hear from current professors about the department's history and what it looks like now.

Class reunions are always a core part of Homecoming, and the Golden Grads Reunion Luncheon on Friday, October 9, will celebrate the Class of 1976 and graduates of prior years. The 50-year reunion typically sees the largest turnout, and that trend has not changed this year. Many members of the Class of '76 have already registered to return to campus and share favorite memories from their Geneva years.

But class reunions are not the only tried and true traditions to expect this year. The Family Fun Zone, centering around the Class of 2020 Pavilion, is set to open at 11 a.m. Face painting, a petting zoo, and a bouncy house will keep kids engaged throughout the afternoon. Food trucks and vendors will offer many options for lunch and treats.

Another favorite event, Taste of Beaver County, is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., following the football game. The dinner, held at the Class of 2020 Pavilion and McKee lawn, will offer food from several local restaurants, as well as live music. According to Wilsey, Taste of Beaver County is a classy and relaxing way to end the day and has become a favorite event among alumni.

As always, Homecoming will conclude with a fireworks display at Reeve's Stadium, following the men's soccer game. Not only is the show enjoyed by alumni and students, but the fireworks are also another opportunity to include the Beaver Falls community in Geneva's celebration.

If you have not yet registered for Homecoming events this year, what are you waiting for? The weekend promises fun for all ages and is sure to be a highlight of the school year. Visit our website to view the full list of events and sign up.