Spartans celebrate Homecoming and Reunion Weekend (see photos and video)

Alumni + Friends | October 14, 2026 | Story by: Anthony Fossaceca

Case Western Reserve University’s Homecoming and Reunion Weekend drew over 2,000 alumni, students, families, faculty, staff and friends back to campus Oct. 8-11 for four days of celebration as the university closed out its bicentennial year.

The festivities began Thursday night with Blue Bash on Freiberger Field, where the campus community gathered for live music, food, games and a bicentennial-themed drone light show honoring the university’s 200-year legacy and future.

"What I love about homecoming is it brings me back to the spaces that enriched my life in so many ways," said Jeffery Verespej (CWR ‘07, MGT ‘11). "I come back for homecoming because that magical experience that happens on a college campus gets to happen again."

Throughout the weekend, attendees gathered on campus and across the area for more than 140 academic and social programs. Families visiting students took part in tours of campus and the University Circle neighborhood, enjoyed several networking events and attended sessions on opportunities for students. Alumni reconnected through milestone reunions, lectures, affinity gatherings, open houses and school-based celebrations across campus, and alumni were recognized for their professional accomplishments, service and leadership.

The Spartans delivered a decisive 52-10 win over Saint Francis in the first-ever meeting between the two teams, improving to 4-1 on the season.

The weekend was a reminder that Homecoming at CWRU is about more than returning to campus. It’s about renewing the bonds between alumni, students, families and friends; celebrating the traditions and achievements that unite the university community; and carrying that shared sense of purpose into the university’s third century.