Centenary Hosts Annual Alumni and Family Weekend

As we approach the half way mark of our Fall 2026 semester, Centenary hosted the annual Alumni and Family Weekend from October 9–11. 

To start the weekend of festivities, Centenary’s Student Government Activities and wrestling teams hosted their annual bonfire event on Friday, Oct. 9. To read more about the event, check out the article written by Carlee Nigro. 

Saturday’s activities started at 9 a.m. and lasted until 8 p.m., consisting of assorted events across campus.

Campus Life Block Party and Family Activities

Guests participated in different activities during the campus block party, which were spread throughout The Quad from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The stuff-and-dress-a-bear event was the most popular table as guests stuffed plushy bears and dressed them in Centenary apparel. They were in high demand and quick to disappear!

Multiple blow-up attractions–such as axe throwing, hungry hippo, rock climbing, and western games–beckoned attendees. 

“I had so much fun!” said Emma Aguilar. “I had fun rock climbing and the gentlemen who were at the rock climbing station were very nice and helpful.”

Alumni and Family Tailgating

In the parking lot by Founders, alumni and family tailgated together from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Enjoying food and snacks, all while guests sat together during and after the day’s sporting events. 

“The food at the tailgate was so delicious,” said Jordan M. Henderson, senior animal health major. “The amazing food brought me and my friends together while we talked, ate, and enjoyed our canned drinks.” 

Taylor Memorial Library (TML)

TML also held assorted activities for guests to partake in. Rita Keene, library user experience manager, spoke about the eventful weekend. 

Archives Open House & Centenary Treasures 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

“We opened the Archive showcasing The Hack yearbook collection dating back to 1904, trophies and other memorabilia, the burnt window from the original President's house, among other CU treasures. Upstairs, we launched our revamped Mini Museum where you can learn about Centenary's history beginning in 1865. We played records throughout the day of the prolific Centenary Singers, an incredibly popular group on campus during the 1940s-1970s! Current and past students enjoyed a slice of what campus culture was like through the music.

An archival donation was on display for the first time in TML thanks to Barbara Jean Herler, daughter of Jeannie Murray Royle, Centenary Alumna from Centenary Collegiate Institute. Through family keepsakes like her scrapbook and the pages of The Hack, these stories offered a glimpse into student life, friendship, leadership, and opportunity in the 1920s and 1930s.

We also offered the opportunity to sort through miscellaneous photos throughout the decades to see if anyone could identify familiar faces!”

Paint & Snack 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Rosanna Richardson, the Creative Persuasion Craft Club president, hosted the much-anticipated Paint & Snack held in the Library’s Quiet Area. Students, alumni and family enjoyed the fall themed craft and snacks!

Tours

Various tours were available throughout the day, each following different aspects of our campus. 

These included campus history tours, either self-guided or guided by others. They started in Lackland and made their way across campus.

At 10:30 a.m. and then again at 12:15 p.m. there were tours of the President’s house, which is located across the street from the front of Seay. 

From 1–3 p.m., there were tours of our Equine Center to learn about our programs and facilities. 

Centenary also hosted an open house ongoing throughout the day. Students interested in the Centenary were able to tour our University and meet students, family, and alumni. During the open house,  an involvement fair for clubs, organizations, and departments gave potential students the opportunity to see what to meet upcoming students. 

Dinner and Bingo

After a day of activities across campus, families and alumni met in the dining hall for dinner and bingo. With music, prizes, and food, everyone ended their fun day with family and friends.

Thoughts From Staff and Guests

Students, alumni, staff, and other guests had lots to say about this year’s Alumni and Family weekend. 

“Alumni/Family Weekend provided an incredible opportunity to showcase the rich history of our beloved school, while Centenary pride was palpable across campus,” said Keene. 

“This was my first time properly attending Alumni and Family Day, and overall, I had a lot of fun. Though I will say, it was pretty surreal seeing the full campus for the first time in months; it still feels like I just graduated yesterday,” said Tanner Sullivan, Centenary alum. “What I enjoyed most was being able to see and catch up with my friends on campus, along with some of the faculty. It’s not as often I get to see them anymore, so their company made the day very enjoyable the entire time I was there. Honorable mention to climbing the rock tower, too!” 

"Today was another beautiful Alumni and Family day. The sun was shining, the people were here, it was a good day," said Jamie Weingarten, director of Student Activities.

"It's beautiful to see family and friends come together at Centenary," said Sasha Jackson, retention coordinator.

"It's wonderful to have an Open House on the same day with all the activities and programs. Centenary feels alive today!" said Stephen Davis, theatre professor. 

"It's kind of multiple things going on and that's showing how active our campus can be," said Marriane Pratschler, professor and alumna.

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Be sure to check out Alumni and Family Weekend next year!