Westfield State Homecoming Celebrates 185 Years with Festivities, Honoring Alumni and Community

Oct 25, 2024
The University's cheerleading team performing in front of a crowd for this year's Homecoming weekend. Owls in blue uniforms face the crowd on bleachers and raise their hands in the air.

Westfield State University celebrated its 2024 Homecoming with a weekend of events bringing together alumni, students, and the community.

Westfield State University welcomed alumni, students, and community members to its 2024 Homecoming weekend, held from October 17-19. Homecoming events commemorated the University’s 185th anniversary, offering a weekend filled with Owl pride, reconnections, and celebration.

The weekend kicked off on Thursday, October 17, with a piano concert provided by world-class pianist Stephen Drury. Drury has distinguished himself as a leading expert on mid-century modernism and the avant-garde, having worked with icons including John Cage, Gyorgy Ligeti, Steve Reich, Olivier Messiaen, and Luciano Berio. At the concert, Drury performed the three works that Charles Ives, musical modernist, wrote for solo piano, including his famous second piano sonata, which requires the assistance of a 15-inch length of wood.

On Friday afternoon, October 18, the University’s English department hosted its eighth annual Alumni Poetry Reading in the Arno Maris Gallery, with refreshments sponsored by the Westfield State Alumni Association. That evening, the University hosted its highly anticipated Blue Diamond Ball in MGM Springfield's Aria Ballroom, beginning with a cocktail hour followed by dinner, awards, performances, and dancing. 

Blue balloons at this year's Homecoming tailgate that read "185", for 185 years of Westfield State.
Celebrating 185 years of excellence!

Also at the ball, the Westfield State Alumni Association recognized these distinguished alums: Mrs. Marsha Bemko ’77, Distinguished Alumni; Mr. James Jackson, Jr. ’97, Alumnus of the Year; Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick ’70, Excellence in Education 2024; Dr. Tina Riordan ’17, Excellence in Healthcare 2024; Mrs. Melissa Alvarado ’99, Alumni Service to Westfield State 2024.

Another highlight of the evening were the musical performances, provided by James Jackson, Jr. ’97, an Obie Award-winning New York City actor, educator, performance and cabaret artist. Closing out the evening was a stellar performance by Dan Gabel and the Abletones. Their larger-than-life sound were a magnet for those who wanted to dance, and a few musical pieces featured Westfield State's very own clarinet player, Elizabeth Blais-Bennett ’25. All around, the performances of the evening were top-notch! 

Two dancers in shadow during the Blue Diamond Ball at MGM Springfield's Aria Ballroom. A band plays behind them.
Dancers enjoying the music at the Blue Diamond Ball.

The proceeds from this black-tie event will support Westfield State’s initiatives aimed at enhancing access to education and removing economic barriers for students. The 185th Anniversary theme, Infinite Possibilities, underscores the University’s commitment to empowering students for future success. Special thanks go to our honorary co-chairs, Kevin ’70 and Barbara ’70 Queenin and George ’92 and Dominique Gilmer ’89 for what, by all accounts, was a spectacular evening. You can check out photography of the event here. 

Homecoming Day on Saturday, October 19, featured a packed schedule of events. The day began with the Homecoming Breakfast at in Tim and Jeanne's Dining Commons, where special receptions honored the LEAD Scholars, (formerly Urban Education) and SGA alumni. A tribute to Dr. Sonia Dinnall ’88 G ’08, Superintendent of Springfield Schools and Homecoming Honorary Chair, was a key part of the LEAD Scholars event. 

President Linda Thompson of Westfield State giving an address for this year's Homecoming. She's in all blue and wears a blue cap while speaking at a podium on an athletic field.
President Linda Thompson commemorating the Sullivan family for their historic support of the University.

In honor of two generations of the Sullivan family, Bob Sullivan’81, Kris (Kelly) Sullivan ’77, Mike Sullivan ’14, and Julia (Sullivan) Leacy ’17, and their long standing support of and profound impact on Westfield State University and Westfield State Athletics, a formal dedication ceremony was held on the softball field, newly named Sullivan Field. Dr. Thompson remarked the Sullivan’s have built a family legacy at Westfield State University and we are excited to celebrate their 50 years of affiliation with Westfield.

Throughout the day, Westfield State's Tent Tailgating Village was in full swing, offering a lively environment for alumni, groups, departments, and student organizations. Attendees enjoyed games, trivia, and a tent-decorating contest, which enhanced the atmosphere of school spirit. 

The Westfield State Owls football team against Fitchburg State. A receiver jumps into the air to catch a pass, with a player from Fitchburg close behind him.
Westfield Owls versus Fitchburg State.

Athletic events highlighted the day, starting with a women’s soccer match against Fitchburg followed by the football game against Framingham, both held at Alumni Field. Around these games, a vendor fair and food trucks provided entertainment and refreshments. 

Overall, Westfield State University’s 2024 Homecoming celebration was a memorable tribute to its 185-year legacy, filled with Owl pride and community spirit. From the elegant Blue Diamond Ball to the vibrant tent tailgating village and athletic events, the weekend fostered connections among alumni, students, and supporters. 

For more photos of Homecoming, you can visit our gallery here.

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