"All Roads Lead to the Bluff"
Homecoming and Family Weekend
October 9-10, 2026
Join us for an extraordinary Homecoming and Family Weekend from October 9-10. Join other alumni, students, their families, faculty, and staff
for two jam-packed days of exciting events!
Highlights this year include a new Friday Night Block Party culminating in a first-ever Drone Show over the Bluff. On Saturday, enjoy the traditional Alumni and Families Tailgate, Rally to Rooney and cheer the Dukes vs. Long Island University, followed by the new Fifth Quarter Happy Hour.
Gather with classmates at the 50th Reunion of the Class of 1976, and new Reunion Tailgate Lunches for the Classes of 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021. Or reminisce at special reunions for All Greeks of the '80s and '90s, Alpha Delta (APO) and Gamma Phi.
There's no better time for a road trip. No matter where life takes you, all roads lead to the Bluff!
Save the dates, book your hotel and check back often for updates. Registration opens mid-July.
Homecoming and Family Weekend Schedule of Events
Check-In
9:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Second Floor Lounge, Gormley Student Union
Visit check-in when you arrive to receive your name tag, campus map, and more. Enjoy
giveaways and complimentary refreshments to sweeten your arrival back to the Bluff!
Class of 1976 Campus Tours
10:00 a.m., 10:45 a.m., and 11:30 a.m.
Departing from in front of Gormley Student Union
Alumni from the Class of 1976 are invited to tour campus, led by expert student tour
guides. Walking and golf cart tours are available.
Welcome Mass–Celebrating the 50th Reunion Class
12:00 noon-1:00 p.m.
Chapel of the Holy Spirit
A welcome celebration for the Class of 1976 and Golden Dukes.
Golden Dukes Luncheon
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Fourth Floor Ballroom, Gormley Student Union
Alumni from the Class of 1976 and earlier are invited to attend this special celebration
as members of the 50th Reunion Class are inducted as Golden Dukes.
Free for the Class of 1976 and one guest, $25 for all others.
Homecoming Block Party
6:30-9:00 p.m.
Academic Walk
All attendees are invited to kick off Homecoming and Family Weekend with an unforgettable
Block Party, complete with live music, pay-as-you-go food trucks, cash bar, family-friendly
activities and giveaways, and more, ending with the first-ever drone show over the Bluff!
Free to attend.
Gamma Phi 110th Anniversary Celebration
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Africa Room, Gormley Student Union
The brothers of Gamma Phi and their guests are invited to an evening of celebration
in honor of 110 years as a fraternity at Duquesne. The event includes hors d'oeuvres,
bar service and auction items.
$30 to attend.
Drone Show on the Bluff
9:00-9:15 p.m.
Cap off the evening with a festive drone show, provided by Pyrotechnico, owned by
Duquesne alumnus Stephen Vitale, B’88.
Free to attend.
Check-In
8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Second Floor Lounge, Gormley Student Union
Visit check-in when you arrive to receive your name tag, campus map, and more. Enjoy
giveaways and complimentary refreshments to sweeten your arrival back to the Bluff!
Walking Tours of Campus
9:00-11:00 a.m.
Departing from Gormley Student Union Perron, Academic Walk
Join an Admissions Representative in a tour of campus! Tours will depart from the
fountain on the Union Perron.
Curriculum Center's 25th Anniversary Open House and School of Education Alumni Reception
10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
Fourth Floor, Gumberg Library
A story 25 years in the making! Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Curriculum Center by touring the new space, exploring resources
and enjoying children’s literature. The Center serves students all across the University
and we are proud this celebration recognizes our founding School, Education. Don’t
miss this opportunity to connect with Education faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.
Refreshments and bookish-door prizes provided.
Free to attend.
Family Welcome Showcase
10:00-11:00 a.m.
Fourth Floor Ballroom, Gormley Student Union
Enjoy a gourmet donut bar and light refreshments while hearing from Student Life leadership
about Duquesne's community and opportunities for family involvement.
Free to attend.
Nursing Alumni Brunch
10:00-11:30 a.m.
Africa Room, Gormley Student Union
Reconnect with fellow nursing alumni over brunch while celebrating the impact and
legacy of Duquesne’s School of Nursing.
Free to attend.
Veterans' Memorial
10:00-10:30 a.m.
Chapel of the Holy Spirit
Join us at the Duquesne Chapel as we honor our fallen veterans at this annual service.
Veterans' Breakfast
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Admissions Welcome Center, Old Main
Join fellow alumni and student veterans to mix and mingle over this continental breakfast,
as well as meet our Director of Veteran Programs at Duquesne. Learn how you can get
involved with veteran students.
Free to attend.
Fifth, 10th, 15th, 20th and 25th Reunions Tailgate
10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Unico Family Pavilion and Lawn
Members of the Classes of 2021, 2016, 2011, 2006, and 2001 and their guests are invited
to a special pre-game tailgate to celebrate their milestone reunions! Tailgate includes
catered buffet, bar service, special giveaways, yard games, and a photo booth.
$28 to attend; free for kids 5 and under.
Gamma Phi Alumni Tailgate
10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Unico Family Pavilion and Lawn
Continue the celebration with fellow Gamma Phi alumni before the Dukes take the field
at Rooney. Tailgate includes catered buffet, bar service, special giveaways, yard
games, and a photo booth.
$28 to attend; free for kids 5 and under.
Alumni and Families Tailgate Lunch
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Mellon Lawn Tent
Join alumni, parents, students, and friends at this annual pre-game lunch, complete
with an elevated fall-themed BBQ menu, three drink tickets, raffle prizes, caricature
artist, and more.
$40 to attend; free for current DU students and kids 5 and under.
Family Fun Zone
11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
College Hall Lawn
Bring the whole crew to the Family Fun Zone—an exciting space packed with activities
for kids and kids-at-heart! Enjoy inflatables, face painting, games, crafts, and interactive
entertainment that will keep the smiles going all day long.
Free to attend.
Autumnfest
11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Academic Walk
Head out to Academic Walk for our sidewalk festival. Carnival games, prizes, food,
and entertainment attractions sponsored by various student organizations. It’s the
best way to celebrate the season and Duquesne school spirit, so you won’t want to
miss out.
Free to attend.
Rally to Rooney
12:00-12:40 p.m.
Academic Walk
Get pumped up with a parade down Academic Walk that includes the Duquesne Pep Band,
mascots, student organizations, cheerleaders, dance team, and more.
Free to attend.
Football Game: Duquesne vs. Long Island University
1:00 p.m.
Rooney Field
$14 per ticket, free for current DU students via the Student Ticket Portal.
Homecoming Court Celebration
3:00-4:00 p.m.
Unico Family Pavilion
Members of Homecoming Court and guests are invited to a special event to toast their
shared experience as Duquesne royalty. Light hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast
will be provided.
Free to attend.
Fifth Quarter Happy Hour
4:00-6:00 p.m.
Mellon Lawn Picnic Area
Keep the celebration going after the football game at this new post-game happy hour.
$18 to attend.
Alpha Delta (APO) 60th Reunion
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Room 613, Gormley Student Union
Chartered on May 15th, 1966, Pi Chi celebrated 60 years at Duquesne University. More
than 550 brothers have been initiated over the years so reconnect with brothers old
and new, come back to campus, and toast this historic milestone. This is a happy hour
style event with appetizers and bar service.
$25 to attend.
Outdoor Mass
5:30 p.m.
Crucifix Garden
Join Spiritan Campus Ministry for this special offering of an Outdoor Mass to take
place at the Crucifix Garden.
Greeks Then and Now Social
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Unico Family Pavilion
Celebrate Homecoming with a casual gathering for current Greek students and alumni!
Stop by for snacks and the chance to connect with Greeks from across generations.
Free to attend.
Bingo
6:00- 9:00 p.m.
Africa Room, Gormley Student Union
Join us for a fun night of bingo! Enjoy light bites and cocktails for guests 21+ while
playing a family favorite game and mingling with your fellow Homecoming and Family
Weekend guests.
$25 to attend.
All Greeks of the '80s and '90s Reunion
7:00-11:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.)
Fourth Floor Ballroom, Gormley Student Union
Reconnect with fraternity and sorority friends from the 1980s and 1990s for a night
of music, memories, and celebration on the Bluff.
$75 to attend.
Siblings Weekend Experience
Friday, October 9-Sunday, October 11 Siblings Weekend is a special part of Homecoming and Family Weekend designed to give younger family members a fun and memorable glimpse into campus life—including the opportunity for siblings of residential students to stay overnight in the residence halls. Siblings of commuting students are also welcome to fully participate in all events and meals throughout the weekend. From interactive "Safari Sibs" themed activities to shared experiences with their student, the weekend creates opportunities for siblings to feel connected to the university community while making lasting memories together.
Stuff-a-Safari Animal at the HCFW Block Party
6:00-9:00 p.m.
Create your very own safari friend to take home! Participants will get to stuff and
personalize a plush safari animal during this fun, family-friendly activity. Supplies
are limited and available while they last.
Safari Movie Night & PJ Party
9:00-11:00 p.m.
Towers Multi-Purpose Room, Duquesne Towers Residence Hall
Grab your pajamas, blankets, and favorite snacks for a cozy safari-themed movie night!
Families and students are invited to relax together and enjoy an evening of fun and
entertainment. Don’t forget to bring your stuffed safari animal along to snuggle up
with during the movie!
Tie Dye at Autumn Fest
11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Academic Walk
Stop by Autumn Fest on Academic Walk and create your own colorful tie-dye keepsake!
This family-friendly activity is a fun way to celebrate Homecoming and Family Weekend
outdoors.
Safari Bingo
3:00-5:00 p.m.
Towers Multi-Purpose Room, Duquesne Towers Residence Hall
Join us for a safari-themed game of bingo filled with fun, prizes, and friendly competition!
Perfect for students, families, and guests of all ages.
Siblings Weekend Send-Off Brunch
Hogan Dining Hall
Close out the weekend with a laid-back Send-Off Brunch at Hogan Dining Center. It’s
a chance to grab a good meal, swap favorite moments from the weekend, and enjoy a
little extra time together before heading home. The perfect, low-key ending to a fun
and memory-filled Siblings Weekend.
Registration includes participation in all scheduled events of your choice, as well as four meals at Hogan Dining Center for the non-Duquesne sibling:
- Friday, October 9th: Dinner
- Saturday, October 10th: Brunch
- Saturday, October 10th: Dinner
- Sunday, October 11th: Sibling Send-Off Brunch
Residential and commuting students should plan to use their meal plans or cover their own meals.
It’s a full weekend of fun, connection, and campus spirit—perfect for helping siblings feel like part of the college experience. Siblings of residential students also have the option to stay overnight on campus with their Duquesne student.
